A program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation the Access to Learning Award honors “innovative organizations that are opening a world of online information to people in need.”
The foundation’s Global Libraries initiative invites applications from libraries and similar organizations outside the United States that have created new ways to offer these key services:
- free public access to computers and the Internet;
- public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives;
- technology training for library staff;
- and outreach to underserved communities.
Applications are open to institutions outside the United States that are working with disadvantaged communities.
To be eligible, the applying institution must allow all members of the public to use computers and the Internet free of charge in a community space.
In addition Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation looks for organizations that:
- Help reduce inequities in neglected areas
- Produce measurable results
- Catalyze increased momentum, scale, and sustainability of change
- Collaborate with government, philanthropic, private-sector, and not-for-profit partners
- Favor preventative approaches
- Leverage support from other sources
- Advance our current strategies, accelerating the work we are already supporting
The award recipient will receive $1 million.
Contact: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, P.O Box 23350, Seattle, WA 98102. E-mail: info [at] gatesfoundation.org