More opportunities

A couple of additional opportunities I would like to share with those who are interested in Internet related issues.

1. Commonwealth Travel Bursary for participation in IGF 2009

2. ISOC community grants program

The deadlines for both opportunities are rather close and the details are below.

1. Commonwealth Travel Bursary for participation in IGF 2009

If you are interested in participating in the upcoming meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, you may find this piece of information from the Diplo Foundation quite relevant.  In a nutshell, you should be from a developing Commonwealth country and be able to demonstrate that  you have been active in the Internet Governance arena.  The deadline for applications is September 14.  Here is the text of the call for participants:

Introduction

Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum seeks to encourage greater participation from Commonwealth member states on issues and discussions related to Internet Governance, with a view to coming up with informed solutions or the pooling of good practice to address their needs more directly.

Aim of the Bursary

As part of this strategy for more engagement, the Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum have set up a modest travel fund to offer young professionals who are active in Internet Governance in their countries or field, the opportunity to participate at the IGF meeting in Sharm el Sheikh.

Criteria/ Eligibility

Applicants must

• be nationals of a developing Commonwealth country
• be active in Internet Governance related issues in their field of expertise or their country.
• play an active role at the IGF, presenting in a workshop or panel or presenting their work in the IGF Market place.
• be able to demonstrate how their participation will benefit their country and ensure security, affordability in providing access for all.

Terms & Conditions

The travel bursary will cover cost of return economy air travel.  All other accommodation, meals and local costs will have to be covered by the applicants themselves. Visa application and related costs will also be covered by the applicants.

The final confirmation of the award of the travel bursary will be made once the visa is in hand.

Any last minute cancellation or failure to attend will cancel the terms of the bursary and a full refund of costs will have to be made.

Awardees will be re-imbursed for travel costs after the submission of a report at the end of the event.

A report of around 500 words, must be submitted no later than 4 weeks after the completion of the event.

The report should describe the experience, including a brief summary of the work undertaken by the applicant, together with the skills and experience gained. The report should address how the placement has been of benefit to the applicant in relation to his / her course of study, new skills learned, future career prospects and personal development. If a satisfactory report is not submitted within that time, the Secretariat will consider it a breach of the Terms & Conditions and may refuse to reimburse the costs of travel.

Selection Process

Submissions via an application form (available on the web) must include a supporting statement (not more than 200 words) of how the proposed opportunity ensures secure and affordable access for all in a Commonwealth country.
Applicants must include references, from academic tutor or line manager.

Selection Committee shall make the final selection based on the funds available.

The committee shall also identify a number of standby candidates in case a selected

student does not/cannot take up the offer of an award. Therefore a number of candidates may be shortlisted for the bursary and advised closer to the time.

The committee’s decision on any application is FINAL. The Secretariat will NOT enter into any communication with applicants regarding unsuccessful applications.

Timescales – Deadlines

14th September – Deadline for Applications

17^th September – Review by Selection Committee

28^th September – Announcement of Selected Candidates
Candidates make flight and visa arrangements and confirm all is in order

24th October – Formal Award of Bursaries

Sponsors

The funds for this travel bursary have been provided by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, United Kingdom and is being administered by the Secretariat of the Commonwealth IGF.

Contact

Commonwealth IGF Secretariat
c/o Informatics Unit Governance & Institutional Development Division Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7747 6561 Fax: Direct +44 (0) 20 7004 3528 General: +44 (0) 20 7747 6335	COMNET-IT c/o Malta Communication Authority VISET Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Floriana, FRN1913 Malta
Email : info@commonwealthigf.org
Web: www.commonwealthigf.org

Good luck!  Let me know if you are going.

2. ISOC community grants program

If you are running or plan to launch a project related to ISOC’s mission of open and accessible internet, you should look into their community grants program.  This is the second year this program is running and they provide around US $10-15K per project that makes it through the selection process.  The great part is that to apply, all you have to be is an ISOC member and anyone can join this organization by registering online.  I would think that chapter-sponsored applications would have more credibility, but there is almost nothing to prevent individuals from applying.  One major condition is that the project has to co-sponsored and ISOC grant can be the sole source of funding; at least 25% should come from another source.  It seems, however, that this can be a great source of support for a sound, internet-related project.  Take a look at the minutes of public consultation about the program ISOC held earlier this month, it may help you understand the nature of the scheme.  They start accepting applications on September 1, but I am not sure when the deadline for applications is; the decisions are made in November though.

Let me know if you decide to apply and if you are successful!