WiDEF Opens First Round of Funding to Close the Gender Digital Divide(Grants ranging from $500,000 to $1,500,000 will be awarded)
The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) has officially launched its inaugural call for applications, marking a significant step forward in addressing the gender digital gap. 🎉
Local entities with proven solutions aimed at narrowing the gender digital divide are encouraged to apply for funding. WiDEF is committed to supporting initiatives that:
- Foster digital inclusion for women by facilitating meaningful access to and utilization of digital technology.
- Make substantial strides in reducing the gender digital gap within their specific contexts.
- Demonstrate economic sustainability and scalability.
For detailed information and application guidelines, interested parties can visit widef.global/funding.
Informational Webinars and Submission Details
WiDEF will be hosting informational webinars on March 26th and 27th. Participants can also submit written inquiries to learnmore@widef.global until March 31, 2024.
Round One Funding Timeline
The window for round one funding is open until May 6, 2024. This initial round of grants aims to empower solutions that have a tangible impact on improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience in the digital realm.
WiDEF’s overarching mission is to reshape digital ecosystems to ensure equitable access and meaningful online participation for women and marginalized groups, including:
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
- Indigenous communities
- LGBTQI+ individuals
- Rural populations
Call for Applications
WiDEF invites local entities to submit proposals for grants and technical support to amplify existing solutions that have demonstrated measurable progress in bridging the gender digital gap. Priority will be given to initiatives deeply embedded within their communities and showcasing effective strategies for advancing gender equality and digital inclusion.
The funding opportunity targets solutions that:
- Empower women through enhanced access to and utilization of digital technology.
- Make significant strides in narrowing the gender digital divide within specific contexts.
- Exhibit economic viability and scalability.
Grants ranging from $500,000 to $1,500,000 will be awarded to successful applicants. Additionally, awardees will benefit from tailored technical assistance covering program design, implementation, and evaluation.
Application Deadline
Interested organizations must submit their proposals by May 6, 2024, at 11:59pm Eastern US Time.
Future Opportunities
Looking ahead, WiDEF plans to announce two additional rounds of funding later in 2024. One will focus on providing technical support to major private sector players, while the other will launch a dedicated funding round for initiatives in India.
Don’t miss this chance to contribute to closing the gender digital divide and fostering a more inclusive digital future. Apply now and join WiDEF in paving the way for positive change!
