While four in five nonprofits feel that generative AI is applicable to their work, nearly half are not using the technology due to a lack of awareness, tools, funding, and training. To help address these barriers, Google.org launched a Generative AI Accelerator in 2024, helping 21 organizations build gen AI-powered solutions that collectively expect to reach more than 30 million beneficiaries over the next three years.
Now, to help even more organizations harness gen AI for social impact, Google.org is launching an open call from January 7 to February 10, 2025 for the second cohort of the Generative AI Accelerator.
This global open call is looking for nonprofits, civic entities, academic institutions, and social enterprises to apply to participate in the Generative AI Accelerator. Selected organizations will receive a share of $30M alongside 6 months of structured support with access to dedicated pro bono assistance from Google employees, technical training, and Google Cloud credits to build socially impactful gen AI-powered solutions across Google.org’s three focus areas: Knowledge, Skills, and Learning; Scientific Advancement; and Resilient Communities.
Benefits
Selected organizations will receive a share of $30M alongside 6 months of structured support with access to dedicated pro bono assistance from Google employees, technical training, and Google Cloud credits to build socially impactful gen AI-powered solutions across Google.org’s three focus areas: Knowledge, Skills, and Learning; Scientific Advancement; and Resilient Communities.
Expectations
Selected organizations will receive support to build a gen AI-powered social impact solution by participating in the 6 month Generative AI Accelerator and receiving anywhere from $500k up to $2M+ in funding.
- The Accelerator program includes pro bono assistance from Google employees, technical training, and access to Google Cloud credits to build with the best of Google Cloud Platform’s AI & ML tools including Vertex AI and Gemini.
- Google expect at least one Executive Director or Decision Maker and one Technical Project Lead from each selected organization to commit ~4 hours per week, and the program will culminate in a Demo Day where participants present their prototypes.
- Â Funding can be used over 30 months to support prototype development during the 6 month Accelerator, and for launching and scaling the product after completing the program.
Requirements
Before applying, ensure your project can demonstrate the following:
- FeasibilityIs the proposed generative AI solution grounded in research, data, and/or a proven track record? Does the proposal outline a realistic plan for execution with access to the data, models, and technical or domain expertise needed to responsibly apply gen AI to the problem? Does the proposal leverage necessary resources including budget or partners to implement the project?
- Impactful use of Generative AIIs the application of generative AI integral to the project? Does the proposal apply new or existing gen AI technology to address a critical problem in a priority topic area in an innovative and appropriate way? Does the proposal articulate an expectation of significant and measurable positive outcomes for end beneficiaries?
- ScalabilityIf successful, can the project scale to benefit the broader sector by extending its impact across use cases and borders? Can the solution be open sourced? Does the proposed solution have existing demand from potential users and buy-in from the sector? Will the project continue and grow beyond support from Google.org?
- Accelerator ParticipationIs there a desire and commitment to fully participate in the 6-month Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI? Does the proposal address how Google.org Accelerator offerings will advance the project to develop a technical prototype over the course of the program?
Focus Areas
- Knowledge, Skills, & Learning: Provide pathways for people to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.
- Scientific Advancement: Accelerate breakthroughs and AI-enabled scientific innovation that enables technology to be used for good in the world. Collaborations between academic or research institutions and other organizations like nonprofits that together bridge research with practical application are encouraged.
- Resilient Communities: Contribute to building stronger societies, a safer internet, and crisis resilience.
Method of Application
Click Here to Apply
Instructions
- You must sign in or create an account with Submittable in order to apply to the Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI open call.Â
- We strongly recommend reviewing the Application Criteria and Application Questions PDF before you begin. This PDF contains a list of the questions in the application form for use in preparing your responses.
- All applications must be submitted in English as interviews and the Google.org Accelerator program for selected organizations will be conducted in English. We require at least one fluent English speaker in your project team and strongly recommend English fluency across your core project team.Â
- Please note that response boxes enforce a maximum response length per question, and hyperlinks are supported where specified.Â
- Applications can be saved for later completion in the platform, though it’s helpful to press ‘Save’ periodically.
- You can invite additional people to complete the application as a collaborator (see additional information).
- Do not submit any confidential or proprietary information through this application as the details of your project proposal may be shared with internal or external experts to evaluate your submission.Â
- Protect your privacy! Except for the information required for questions asking about the submitter’s contact information or team members, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your response.
- We believe that projects supported by Google.org funding should be able to benefit everyone. If your organization is selected to receive Google.org support, we will require, to the greatest extent possible, any intellectual property created (or distributed) with support from Google.org funding be made available to the public for free under a permissive open source license. Please refer to the Terms.Â
- You must be using one of the following internet browsers that are compatible with the application form: Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (latest Chromium version), Mozilla Firefox.Â
- Please review the Terms and Google’s Privacy Policy before proceeding.Â
Technical Questions?
Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submitable Customer Support.
For More Information,
Application Deadline: February 10, 2025.