It can be tricky sometimes for charities and non-profits to harness technology to improve their services. Lack of funds, as well as not being able to access appropriate skill sets can mean that when it comes to tech non-profits stick with tried and trusted, but sometimes outdated ways of doing things. This has become especially acute in the last twelve months as the Covid19 pandemic has forced organisations into new ways of working and communicating.
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Comic Relief hope to help non-profits to enhance their tech offerings. They have teamed up to launch a new £1million digital development fund called “Build”, as part of their joint Tech for Good programme. The details are here.
The programme will offer grants of up to £70,000 over a nine-month period from June 2021, alongside access to technical support from experts provided by CAST (Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology). The grants and supports are available to individual not-for-profit organisations or those working in partnership to define, test and develop digital solutions that meet a social need or challenge or aim to adapt or re-purpose existing technology to do so.
Moira Sinclair, Chief Executive of Paul Hamlyn Foundation said: “The COVID-19 crisis has forced charities to adapt their services at pace. We hope that our Tech for Good programme with Comic Relief will help them to explore and develop the digital solutions they need to improve the way they work and the support they provide to people and communities. The programme is not only about creating a new product or tool – existing technology can be re-purposed or adapted. It’s about understanding where and how a digital approach can make a positive difference for organisations and those they work with.”
Comic Relief’s CEO Ruth Davison added: “The Tech for Good programme offers charitable organisations the opportunity to build digital solutions that strengthen the vital services they provide. I’m pleased we are able to work with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation on this key programme and support projects across the country as they continue to help thousands of vulnerable people throughout this challenging time.”
The application process has now opened as is limited to UK charities with incomes of between £75,000 and £10million. Applications close at 12pm on 12 February 2021.
