CIRA launches a new Net Good program that includes over $1 million in grants for community Internet projects
OTTAWA, March 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CIRA is pleased to launch today Net Good, a new program that will invest millions of dollars each year to bridge the digital divide and address some of Canada’s pressing internet challenges . As Canadians rely more than ever on the internet to fully participate in today’s society, some Canadians, particularly those living in Indigenous, rural and remote communities, still struggle to access quality internet services and participate in Canada’s digital participate in the economy.
Net Good by CIRA encompasses all initiatives funded and led by CIRA that address the digital barriers facing communities across the country. CIRA’s grant program, also launching today, is central to how the program gives back to the Canadian Internet. Powered by proceeds from .CA domain registrations and CIRA’s cybersecurity services, Net Good by CIRA focuses on community investments in three key areas – infrastructure, online security and political engagement – and is at the core of CIRA’s mission, a Trustworthy Internet build for Canadians.
Important facts:
Net Good by CIRA invests in solutions that make the Internet more accessible, resilient and performant, including its Internet Performance Test and initiatives supporting network peering in Canada. By building, supporting and funding solutions to protect Canadians from cyber threats, including its flagship Canadian Shield, Net Good by CIRA helps build trust online. Net Good supports policies to promote a trustworthy Internet in Canada and beyond through partnership gatherings such as the Canadian Internet Governance Forum. As part of Net Good, CIRA provides grants to community-led internet projects that address internet challenges at a local level. To date, CIRA has funded over $10 million for more than 200 projects across the country and, with today’s launch, renews its commitment to community internet projects.
Net Good by CIRA
Based on the premise that the Internet is a net good for the world, CIRA is launching its new Net Good program, which will invest millions in solving Internet problems Canadians face in terms of infrastructure, online safety and political engagement are.
Executive Quote
“Recent years have emphasized the central role the Internet plays in all of our lives, while also highlighting gaps that risk leaving some behind. As one of the few leading non-governmental organizations engaged in this work to improve digital justice, CIRA helps communities across Canada address their digital woes. As an advancement in our mission, we are excited to launch Net Good by CIRA to foster communities, projects and policies that make the Internet better for Canadians.” – Tanya O’Callaghan, Vice President, Community Investments, Policy and Advocacy, CIRA
Applications for CIRA grants open today
Today’s launch of Net Good coincides with the announcement of CIRA’s recent call for applications to fund community-led Internet projects in Canada. As part of Net Good by CIRA, CIRA Grants offer Canadians a unique opportunity to receive financial support for projects that help fill skills and connectivity gaps at the local level across Canada. Grants of up to $100,000 are available, with a focus on projects that benefit rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities and students (K-12 and post-secondary).
Over the past decade, CIRA has awarded more than $10 million in grants to over 200 non-profit organizations, indigenous communities, registered charities and researchers for their Internet-related projects. Learn more about applying for a CIRA grant by visiting cira.ca/grants. Interested applicants can attend the CIRA Applicant Webinar on March 7 at 1:00 PM ET or March 9 at 1:00 PM ET in French.
Who is eligible to apply?
Registered Charities Non-Profit Organizations: Indigenous Communities; and academics and researchers affiliated with a Canadian university or college.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the April 12 deadline at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT.
About CIRA
CIRA is the national non-profit organization best known for administering the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. The organization also provides enterprise-grade registry, DNS, and cybersecurity services to organizations across Canada and around the world. As a membership-based, mission-driven nonprofit, CIRA also has a much broader goal of promoting a trustworthy Internet for Canadians.
About Net Good by CIRA and CIRA Grants
Based on the premise that the Internet is a net good to the world, CIRA proudly funds Net Good by CIRA from the revenue CIRA generates from .CA domains and cybersecurity services. CIRA Grants are one of CIRA’s most valuable contributions to this program, which to date has funded over $10 million for hundreds of community-led internet projects across Canada that address infrastructure, online safety and political engagement.
Contact:
Shehnila Sayeed
communication specialist
CIRA
613-805-3146
[email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37e3feb0-845a-452c-b23a-1b47b290aa8e
