How to Apply and Selection Process
What is the difference between FRIDA Awards and FRIDA Grants?
FRIDA Awards provide economic recognition and highlight ongoing or completed projects, initiatives, or solutions with a proven, concrete impact.
FRIDA Grants provide non-reimbursable funds and technical support to projects, initiatives, or solutions with a maximum duration of 12 months.
The following table summarizes the differences between grants and awards:
| Awards | Grants | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To acknowledge and recognize innovative projects that support LACNIC's vision for the Internet | To provide financial support to develop projects that support LACNIC's vision for the Internet |
| Stage of development of the proposed project | Completed projects with a proven impact | New projects seeking to test or explore ideas |
| Benefits | USD 10,000 | USD 10,000 – USD 40,000 |
| Involves the execution of activities | No | Yes |
| Execution time | Does not apply | 12 months |
Can I submit several applications?
Yes, you may submit more than one application. However, not more than one project by the same entity will receive support as a result of the same call for projects.
How does the selection process work?
First, you must register on the FRIDA Application Platform to create a username and password. After logging in, you will be able to select the types of support for which you wish to apply.
Application forms are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The platform allows you to choose the language you wish to use for your application.
The first step is to identify the thematic category and the type of support for which you will apply (grant or award). Once these two aspects have been defined, you must complete the online application form.
The application, evaluation, and selection process (for both grants and awards) includes two stages:
- Stage 1: An initial filter is applied to the proposals that are received and those that don't meet the general requirements specified in the call for proposals are discarded. The selection committee then evaluates each proposal and decides whether they are worthy to be moved forward to the next stage. Shortlisted proposals will be invited to submit the complete project.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted proposals are invited to submit the complete project. Only shortlisted projects will move on to the second stage of the process, during which the submission of a more extensive proposal will be required. The selection committee will review, rate, and rank the shortlisted projects. Based on this ranking, members of the selection committee will assess the merits of each proposal and decide which projects will be supported. The final selection will be decided by consensus by the members of the selection committee responsible for reviewing the projects under each topic.
In both stages, proposals will be assessed based on the criteria detailed in the terms and conditions of the call for proposals.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
For both formats (Grants or Awards), applicants must reside in and conduct their activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, specifically in the territories that are part of the LACNIC service region. Proposals should also focus on these territories.
In all cases, the following groups may apply to the FRIDA Program:
- Operators, IXPs, NOGs or other actors in the technical community
- Universities, research centers or working groups/experts
- Associations, cooperatives, and other civil society organizations
- Public and/or government agencies
- Private entities and/or companies
Do I need to have legal status or be legally incorporated in order to apply?
Having legal status or being legally incorporated is not a requirement. However, projects that do not have legal status or are not legally incorporated must have a strong track record and may be subject to additional scrutiny processes.
In addition, the funding provided by FRIDA must be channeled through a partner entity having legal status.
Can I submit a project that will be carried out outside of Latin America and the Caribbean?
No. Proposals submitted under this call for projects must focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. FRIDA will accept proposals for regional projects with a global impact (for example, the development of security technologies that can be used outside the region) and global projects adapted to have a regional impact (for example, contribution of regional data to global measurement projects).
What is the preferred scope of the projects? Local, national or regional?
FRIDA has no specific requirements regarding the scope of a project. Depending on the needs and objectives of each proposed action, projects may be local, national, or regional in scope.
Financing
How is FRIDA financed?
The FRIDA program is currently funded exclusively by LACNIC.
In prior editions, the program received significant support from the IDRC, the Internet Society, and the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Do I have to return the FRIDA funds I receive?
No. The funds provided by FRIDA are non-reimbursable.
Execution of the Grants
What is the required length of the projects applying for a grant?
Projects that receive funding in the form of grants must be executed within a maximum of 12 months counting from the signing of the contract with LACNIC, expected to be in November 2022.
Once selected, what are the requirements for receiving a grant?
Selected projects will sign a grant agreement with LACNIC. The applicant will be able to view the agreement through the application form and must agree to the conditions set out in the agreement.
The beneficiary must complete the project in a timely manner and in accordance with the agreed execution schedule.
The selected projects will be required to produce two reports —a midterm and a final report— each comprising a technical and a financial section. In addition, follow-up meetings will be held during project execution.
How are the funds disbursed?
The funds will be disbursed in three installments:
First installment: 40%. Following the project kick-off meeting with the FRIDA officer.
Second installment: 40%. Against satisfactory delivery of the midterm technical and financial reports.
Third installment: 20%. Against satisfactory delivery of the final technical and financial reports.
