Mozilla is providing grants from $5,000 to $10,000 USD to individuals and organizations studying the impact of AI on communities in Eastern and Southern Africa
Do you have an idea for how to study the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on social justice communities in East and Southern Africa? Apply now for a grant of $5,000-$10,000 USD to join a cohort of researchers whose work will inform Mozilla’s Africa Innovation Mradi’s movement building initiatives.
With the use of artificial intelligence becoming more pervasive worldwide, Mozilla is concerned with how people will be both positively and negatively impacted. We believe that who develops AI and how AI is being deployed is of particular importance to social justice, but we also realize that people working for different social causes don’t necessarily see their concerns reflected in initiatives by Mozilla or other technology or digital policy organizations.
This is why we wish to have a better understanding of the intersections between AI and social justice in various contexts, including for human rights, economic justice, racial justice, community justice, gender justice, disability justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental justice.
Research conducted under this grant can either take the form of a study of either region, a case study in one country, or a comparative analysis on a similar theme of two or more countries across the same region.
Eligibility Criteria
Geographic location and work focus of applicants
– Applicant experience or collaboration with a partner with the experience of producing AI and digital technology research in Africa
– Applicant familiarity with national or regional contexts, clear articulation of social justice issue, and selected research priority
– Clearly specified social group or community of focus and a plan of engagement with them around the selected issue
– Clearly defined methodology and impact, research plan, and budget
Only those projects that meet the grant criteria for this funding opportunity will be reviewed. All proposed grant decisions are subject to a legal review to confirm the applicant’s eligibility.
Applicants must meet the following requirements
– Be individuals, networks, and/or not-for-profit organizations that are based in Africa
– Be legally able to receive funds in the form of grants from the Mozilla Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
– Be focused on research related to social justice and AI, and/or digital technology in Africa
They are also interested in reaching individuals, networks, and/or organizations with whom we have not previously worked.
Benefits
Applicants do not need to be experts in technology, internet governance, or digital rights — but should have some experience in sharing research whether through journals, blogs, newspapers, or websites. The Africa Innovation Mradi promotes models of innovation that are grounded in the unique needs of users on the African continent. The program explores and develops new technology, research, communities, and products in concert with a network of local partners.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE ELIGIBLE?
Eastern & Southern African countries
BENEFITS
At least six grants will be awarded.
Mozilla is providing grants from $5,000 to $10,000 USD to individuals and organizations studying the impact of AI on communities in Eastern and Southern Africa
