We are delighted to announce the launch of a multi-million Euro fund for civil society organisations from across Europe to aid the Strong City Network’s (SCN) aim to counter hate and extremism, and support local-level innovation to build social cohesion and resilience in our communities.

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), where the SCN is based, has partnered with Google.org to run the Impact Challenge on Safety. The Challenge asks social innovators how they would support their communities in countering hate and extremism in their communities, and will be welcome news to community groups in your city who might otherwise struggle to access vital resourcing to enable them to identify, reduce and tackle extremism and polarisation in all its forms.

Please note that applications are open only to civil society and community groups based in Europe. However, we hope you are able to share this news among your contacts. Please feel free to direct them to the Challenge website for more information including how to access support in applying and training through our fund partners, Ashoka.

How it works:

1) Attend the informative workshop: this is not compulsory, but we hope to provide great insights on the current landscape of extremism and child safety in your country as well as practical tips on the application process. You can find if there is one happening near you and registration forms here.

2) Application: Submit your proposal (via the online form) for projects that counter hate and extremism or help young people to thrive both online and offline. Applications can be submitted in English, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish and German.

3) Grantees are selected: Google.org, ISD, Ashoka, and an expert panel will review and select the top applicants as grantees.

4) Grant funding and support: Each selected grantee receives funding between €50,000 and €1,000,000 and support from Google.

Applications are now open and will close on 28th June 2019. Please do share this with other organisations who you think may also be interested in applying.

For more details about the application criteria, rules and FAQs please visit the Google.org Impact Challenge website.

Organised through:

Institute for Strategic Dialogue

For over a decade the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has been building real-world solutions to counter extremism and polarization through research and policy briefings, technology and educational programs, and by building networks with communities, government and civil society.

Ashoka

Ashoka is the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide, with more than 3,500 Ashoka Fellows in over 90 countries. Since 1980, Ashoka has provided financial support, professional pro-bono services and connections to a global network of peers, partners and funders dedicated to changing the world.