Date: 21 February 2012
Time: 1030 and 2000 UTC

In Attendance

Internet Society Community Grants Programme:

Both sessions were organized as a Q&A forum for members to learn more about the Community Grants Programme.

1. Introduction

There was a quick round of introductions from all those on the call.

2. Overview of Programme & Key Points

Ilda discussed the major points about the programme, specifically this June 2012 round, using a PowerPoint presentation.

3. Question & Answer Portion

Andres mentioned that they will need Internet Society grant funds to purchase equipment for their project. He asked if for clarification on projects beginning in June 2012.

Connie explained the difference between ongoing projects (project that may have already started and are not necessarily dependent on Internet Society funds to continue) and new projects (those that will not begin without Internet Society support). The key in deciding your project “start date” is to remember that Internet Society will not notify awardees until mid-June 2012.

Antony asked how one should figure out how much a donated item costs for in-kind support. For example, his project hopes to have computers donated only for the duration of the project (example: 6 months).

Connie clarified that the amount entered in the budget for ink-kind donations (equipment, donated time, meeting space or services) should be the amount it would cost the project to purchase those items. So Antony would enter in the budget how much it would cost his project team to purchase those computers. Connie suggested speaking to individuals or companies donating items to help decide the costs. A database developer, for example, might have an hourly rate that he invoices clients. So if he is donating his time to the project, one could calculate how much his time is “worth” in in-kind donations.

Otunte asked if trainings for raising IPv6 awareness is an eligible project. Ilda responded that yes, it was an eligible project idea.

Victor was curious if, as the project manager for a current Community Grants project awarded to his Chapter, he is eligible to apply in this round for an Individual member project?

Connie responded that this is a great question and since there is no policy against a current Chapter project’s manager applying for an Individual member award, that Victor was welcome to submit an application.

A meeting participant asked if there was a tutorial available on how to use ZoomGrants, the new online application system for the Community Grants programme. Ilda responded that yes, there are applicant tutorials available at www.zoomgrants.com

TaniRose asked how many applications can one person or Chapter submit? Connie responded that there is no limit to the number of applications a person or Chapter can submit but clarified that more applications doesn’t necessarily increase the odds of being awarded a grant. As a competitive process, decisions are made based on the quality of applications and how each compares to the others Internet Society receives.

Jacek asked if it is possible for more than one person (from a project team) to access the application record in ZoomGrants, before officially submitting it. Can more than one person help write and revise the application? Connie responded that ZoomGrants is not intended to be a shared document platform but that yes, if a project administrator shares his or her login credentials with other project team members, they can each log in and revise/edit theproposal in the system.

Annalisa asked if the application questions are available on the website, if there is an opportunity to read the questions before the application round opens on 1 March? Connie responded that the questions have not changed drastically since last round except for some revisions to the wording. The best tool is to review the programme criteria, which outline the information the selection committee is seeking from each applicant; the questions reflect those criteria.

Connie also noted that applicants will go to the Internet Society website to fill in the form – the ZoomGrants-based application will be imbedded on the Community Grants webpage in an iFrame. So there is no need to go to the ZoomGrants site other than to read the user tutorial (also available as you fill out the form).

Olawale asked if an individual member or Chapter can open a project in two areas? Connie responded that any one project can be implemented in two locations (in region, in country, etc) but that the plan to do so makes sense based on the project idea.

Thomas and TaniRose asked if it was possible to provide a sample project application that was approved by Internet Society so others can learn from the example/best practices? Connie responded that yes, she is going to post a redacted (identifying information removed from the example) application to the website before the round opens but that she needs to figure out the format as previous applications used the old format, not the new ZoomGrants format.

TaniRose followed up to confirm that applicants are not required to send/email applications as they are only accepted via the ZoomGrants interface? Ilda confirmed that yes, only applications submitted on the Internet Society website, via ZoomGrants, will be accepted.

Mike wanted to confirm that applications are accepted beginning 1 March. Connie confirmed that yes, Internet Society is accepting applications 1-30 March 2012.

Ilda reminded everyone to send any questions to projects@isoc.org (both Ilda and she receive emails at that address) or, if you are a representative of a Chapter, to reach out to your Internet Society Regional Bureau Director.

Ilda wrapped up the meeting by continuing the presentation with helpful tips for those applying.