FAQ

Applications must be submitted online using FRIDA's application platform.

The first step is to register on the platform to generate a username and password.

Once you login to the platform, 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 will allow you to select the language you wish to use for your application.

FRIDA Awards acknowledge innovative regional initiatives and practices that promote an open, stable and secure Internet for Latin America and the Caribbean.

FRIDA Grants provide financial support for the implementation of innovative initiatives that seek to promote an open, stable and secure Internet for Latin America.

The following table summarizes the differences between the two types of support:

Yes, you may submit more than one application. However, not more than one project by the same entity will receive support after each call for projects.

FRIDA provides funds to projects that contribute to the consolidation of an open, stable and secure Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Topics of interest:

• Internet Stability and Security
• Free and Open Internet
• Internet Access

The selection process is the same for both the Awards and the Grants.

It is divided into two stages:

1. Shortlist

In this first stage, applicants must submit a summary of their project via the FRIDA application platform. After the call for projects closes, the selection committee will read each proposal and prepare a shortlist of projects.

2. Final selection

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, the members of the selection committee will discuss 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.

To apply, you must complete the application form that will be available online on FRIDA's application platform. Only applications submitted within the period specified in the call for projects will be accepted.

In the case of the Internet Stability and Security category, applications will be accepted from operators, universities, research centers and government agencies based in Latin America and the Caribbean. Working groups and associations that bring together these actors, such as IXPs, NOGs, university networks and professional networks, may also apply. 

In the case of the Free and Open Internet category, applications will be received from operators, universities, research centers and government agencies based in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

For the Internet Access category, applications will be accepted from small and medium-sized companies, cooperatives or civil associations seeking to bring connectivity or access to content to underserved communities, universities, research centers and government entities based in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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 subjected to additional scrutiny processes.

In addition, in order to receive FRIDA support, they must channel the funds through a partner entity that does have legal status.

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) as well as global projects that are adapted to regional strategies (for example, contribution of regional data to global measurement projects).

FRIDA has no specific requirements regarding the scope of a project. Projects may be local, national or regional in scope, depending on the needs and goals of each proposed action.

The FRIDA program will be funded exclusively by LACNIC. 

Prior cycles of the FRIDA program received significant support from the IDRC, the Internet Society, and the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

In 2021, FRIDA will provide a total of USD 374,000 distributed as follows:

Three USD 10,000 awards for each of the program's thematic categories.

Approximately fourteen USD 10,000 – 40,000 grants between the program's three thematic categories.

No. The funds provided by FRIDA are non-reimbursable.

The projects which receive funding in the form of grants must be executed within a maximum of twelve months.

Selected projects will sign a grant contract with LACNIC.

They will have the obligation to complete the project timely and in due form according to the agreed execution schedule. 

The selected projects will also be required to submit halftime and final narrative and financial reports. All funded projects will hold a kick-off meeting with the FRIDA officer.

The funds are disbursed in three installments:

First installment: 40%. Following the kick-off meeting with the FRIDA officer.

Second installment: 40%. Against delivery of halftime narrative and financial reports.

Third installment: 20%. Against delivery of final narrative and financial reports.