While most hackathon ideas die after the event, we’d like to see #HackingConflict projects succeed. Below is a list of possible funding sources for teams to consider. If we missed opportunities that you’d like to share, please add them to the comments section below and we will work on updating this page as new sources arise.
Crowd funding platforms are growing in popularity. A talent for marketing can return great returns for those seeking funding. Below are a list of crowdfunding platforms to consider:
- KickStarter – claims to be “the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. A home for film, music, art, theater, games, comics, design, photography, and more.”
- Indiegogo – “empowers people to activate the global community to make ideas happen. Then, Indiegogo help you spread the word.”
- Crowdfunder – “connects entrepreneurs with investors around the world to help fund their business and fuel economic growth.”
- Crowdrise – “Raise money for medical expenses, personal emergencies, tuition, volunteer projects, and for over 1.5 million amazing charities.”
The Human Rights & Democracy Fund (HRDF) is the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor’s flagship program. Since Congress established it in FY 1998, the Human Rights & Democracy Fund has been used to fulfill the bureau’s mandate of monitoring and promoting human rights and democracy worldwide. The fund offers a number of granting programs that support action on the ground in target countries.
IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. IREX aims to enable individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media, and strong communities. To strengthen these sectors, our program activities also include conflict resolution, technology for development, gender, and youth.
Visit the IREX website for more information on funding opportunities or contact irex@irex.org.
The Knight Foundation funds “ideas from people with the vision, tenacity, courage, know-how, and commitment to discovery to see them through.” Currently the Knight Foundation offers two funding opportunities:
The Knight Prototype Fund helps media makers, technologists and tinkerers take ideas from concept to demo. With grants of $35,000, innovators are given six months to research, test core assumptions and iterate before building out an entire project.The program recognizes that with the cost of experimentation dropping, innovators should have the opportunity to test their greatest ideas and explore many options before choosing a final path. When successful projects emerge, Knight Foundation can help them scale.The deadline for applications is August 17, 2015. Apply now
The Knight Enterprise Fund provides early-stage venture funding for media innovation. They are seeking companies with disruptive solutions at the intersection of information, community and engagement.
Open Society Foundations “works to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.” Open Society Foundations “seeks to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.”
Open Society Foundations offers numerous grant opportunities for:
- Education & Youth
- Governance & Accountability
- Health
- Media & Information
- Rights & Justice
The British government offers numerous funding programs for international development projects in specific countries. For a list of available opportunities visit the International Development Funding website.