Geo Challenge Grants - Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a geographic focus to this pilot program?

There is no specific geographic focus at this time. We expect that the maps layers you create will have impact in the areas your organization is working in, and we will give preference to layers useful to individuals and organizations around the world. However, for Predict and Prevent-related projects specifically, preference will be given to those efforts focused on one or more of the following locations: Thailand, Vietnam, China, Lao, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore.

What type of entity do I need to be in order to be considered?

Any organization with public charitable status will be considered for this set of grants. Each organization will be asked to provide proof of its charitable status by attaching relevant official documentation appropriate to the organization's country.

Where and when should I submit my proposal?

Proposals should be submitted online using the application form by the given deadline in the overview page. We will make decisions and notify applicants within within 4-6 weeks of the submission deadline.

Who will be reviewing my proposal?

Your proposal will be reviewed by members of the Google.org and Google Earth Outreach teams. Google.org team members will evaluate proposals for potential impact on beneficiaries and partner organizations, and Google Earth team members will provide input regarding the technical feasibility of the proposal. Please note that applicable laws may not allow us to make grants in certain countries or to certain entities.

When and how can I expect to hear from Google.org?

We hope to respond to all proposals within 4-6 weeks of the submission deadline. If you are selected to move forward, we will contact you directly. If you are not selected, we will send you an email notification.

What are the criteria for receiving a grant?

The criteria are as follows:

  • Potential impact toward your organization's goals.
  • Assessment of organization/team (organization's background, their work in the areas of Google.org's core initiatives).
  • Preference will be given to layers that directly complement at least one of Google.org's core initiatives.
  • Emphasis on the geo-spatial aspect of the organization's work.
  • Precise articulation of data sources and/or realistic plans to acquire data is critical. Preference will be given to proposals where either data already exists or the data collection plan is realistic and practical, given resources.
  • Quality of planning (the plan should include concrete, measurable and realistic goals given time, people, and money constraints).
  • Meets all applicable legal requirements.
  • Passes the necessary due diligence review.
What size of grants will you make?

We will make grants between US$5,000 and US$100,000 based on what's necessary for the size/extent of the map layer(s) proposed.

Will the grant come directly from Google.org?

Some grants may come directly from Google.org. However, in most cases, Google.org will make a recommendation to Tides Foundation to issue a grant from the Google.org Fund at the Tides Foundation.

If I am selected for a grant as part of this process, do I have to take it?

No, if at any point during this process you do not wish to accept a grant, you are under no obligation to do so.

If a Google employee or director or affiliated person is already a board member or affiliated with my organization, may I still apply?

Yes, if you clearly disclose all the facts about that relationship in your submission. If, in our judgment, making a grant to your organization would cloud the objectivity or integrity of our processes, we won't be able to advance your submission to the next round.

Will you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?

Because of the expected volume, we will not be able to sign NDAs at this stage. If there is confidential information that you cannot include without an NDA, do not include it in your proposal or your application. Please know that judges will be reviewing many presentations, and at any time Google.org may make grants similar to or competing with other entities entering this pilot program.

Can I meet with Google.org in person?

Due to volume we are unfortunately unable to meet in person with all applicants. Organizations selected for grants will be contacted directly and will have at least one hour long session to review progress after 3 months. Such reviews will be conducted over the phone or in person if the organization is near Google's San Francisco or Mountain View offices.

Is there an entry fee?

No.

Can I submit two responses?

You may submit more than one proposal. Per the criteria above, please note that we will be evaluating proposals based on the quality and likelihood of success and impact.

In what language should my response be written?

For administrative purposes, we prefer that all submissions be in English.

My organization has little or no technical staff. May I still apply?

Yes. While it is important that your proposal be technically feasible within the capabilities of electronic mapping tools, you do not need to have the capacity to complete the layer with your own staff. If necessary, we will work with you to find suitable third parties that can assist you in completing your project.

Will Google publicize my maps after completion?

We are unable to make commitments in advance. However, we are interested in giving exposure to high quality maps that are intended for public use. We will discuss relevant opportunities on a case by case basis upon project completion.

What are the other legal rules of engagement?

Respondents should not submit any information or other materials that they consider to be confidential or proprietary. Because of the large number of project proposals and related materials that we review, and the similarity of many such proposals and materials, we cannot accept responsibility for protecting against misuse or disclosure of any confidential or proprietary information or other materials in the absence of our express written agreement to do so.

All statements in this RFP, and any pre-grant discussions, understandings and agreements resulting from this RFP are preliminary. The initiation and continuation of any process does not constitute or imply any commitment of any kind by Google.org or of Tides Foundation. Google.org has no obligation whatsoever to any respondent until a formal written grant agreement or award letter is executed, and then only to the extent set forth in such document. Google.org reserves all rights to (i) reject any proposal; (ii) terminate this RFP; (iii) negotiate with one or more respondents; (iv) make no award to any of the respondents; (v) award a grant to one or more Respondent; and (vi) modify the requirements and terms of this RFP and request revised proposals from some or all of the Respondents.

Google.org is not under any obligation to reveal how a proposal or any responses were assessed or to provide information relative to its decision-making process. This RFP does not commit Google.org to reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in submission of this proposal.

Only members of the authorized Google.org evaluation team, meeting in their official capacity, can clarify issues or render any opinion regarding this RFP. No individual member of Google.org, employee of Google, agent of Google, or member of the Google evaluation team is empowered to make binding statements regarding this RFP.

What if I have other questions?

You may submit procedural questions to geo-grants@google.com. If we see common questions arising, we will add relevant questions and answers to this FAQ.