Knight Foundation has $1M to fund civic data projects. Here’s how to apply

Over the next month, technologists and organizations in Philadelphia and 25 other metro areas supported by the Knight Foundation have the chance to apply for up to $1 million in funding that will support civic engagement data projects.

The Miami-based foundation with a Philadelphia outpost put out a call for ideas Wednesday as part of its smart cities work, which funds cities’ use of technology to shape how cities are governed and how residents interact with each other and their elected leaders.

Philly has been noted for its smart city work in recent years, including by Knight, which supported the development of a roadmap for applying smart technologies across departments and programs.

Knight’s call for ideas is open to folks pursuing projects “that explore how the widespread digital collection of data can be harnessed for greater civic engagement and stronger communities,” per its announcement.

The foundation said projects could include:

• New ways to collect and analyze data that support civic engagement to strengthen the community and address community challenges
• New approaches for displaying, interpreting and communicating data to serve, empower and engage residents
• More ways to bring residents together to discuss and use data for civic and social purposes
• Efforts that help residents improve their ability to analyze and use data for civic engagement

“We have more data available that ever before — but the growth in data hasn’t made it easier for communities to put these data to use,” said Lilian Coral, Knight’s director for national strategy and technology innovation, in a statement. “We think the potential is boundless for new approaches that enable residents to harness data and make their communities stronger and healthier.”

Knight will accept proposals from individuals and organizations in both private and public sectors, and will distribute $1 million in funds across projects in various cites.

Those interested in applying for the grant can do so until Dec. 13. More details about applications and requirements can be found here. A digital info session will be held on Nov. 20.