Now open: Announcing the 2020 AWS Imagine Grant

Today, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of the 2020 AWS Imagine Grant. The AWS Imagine Grant is a public grant opportunity open to registered 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the United States who are using technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

Eligible nonprofit organizations of all sizes and mission areas take on the challenge of writing their own Amazon-style-six-pagers as part of the grant application. We are always inspired by the heart and data that drives these narratives. This is an opportunity to share with us the technology-driven projects that can make a difference for your nonprofit missions.

Since the program launched in 2018, AWS has funded 16 nonprofit organizations who are using AWS technology to solve core mission objectives. The Urban Institute successfully launched their Education Data Portal to help policymakers make better informed decisions. CommunityConnect Labs debuted their Census Outreach tool to increase responses from underserved populations and provide digital outreach capabilities for nonprofits and governments. Tarjimly is providing on-demand translation support for immigrants and refugees during the current public health crisis. Learn more about the 2019 Imagine Grant recipients and dive deeper into the past winner stories to learn how these organizations are applying advanced technologies to a diverse set of mission areas.

Potential applicants are encouraged to use the “Working Backwards” process detailed in the program guidelines to streamline the development of their Imagine Grant proposal. These are a set of questions designed to drive toward clearer thinking and writing. What are some of the hidden assumptions your nonprofit may have about your programs or beneficiaries? Are these assumptions supported by data? Who are the different types of stakeholders you work with (including your own internal staff) and what are their core challenges? Watch the video for an overview of the six-pager drafting process and download the Imagine Grant instructions for six-pager, tips, and best practices.

AWS Imagine Grant awards packages include the following:

• Up to $100,000 USD of unrestricted financial support
• Up to $100,000 USD in AWS Promotional Credit
• Project kickoff workshop and implementation support from AWS technical specialist(s)
• Up to five AWS Training Services Vouchers
• An opportunity for AWS marketing support

All registered 501(c) nonprofits are eligible to apply for this opportunity following the provided guidelines now available on the AWS Imagine Grant website. Submissions are due by 11:59PM EST on September 30, 2020.

We look forward to reading your proposals.