[WiLT] Microsoft Community Learning Awards - deadline 27th September 2006

[WiL Admin]

The awards package consists of one cheque for £2,500 and, if
requested, selected Microsoft software. Winners will be contacted
separately to arrange software donations, which are subject to terms
and conditions.

Microsoft® Unlimited Potential (UP) is the primary focus of
Microsoft's community investments. UP is a global programme centred on
partnering with others to provide technology skills for underserved
young people and adults, through community-based technology and
learning centres (CTLCs). Ultimately, Microsoft believes that by
providing training and tools, we can partner to create social and
economic opportunities that can transform communities and help people
realise their potential. The Microsoft Community Learning Awards are
operated under the UP programme to provide grants to a number of
organisations providing IT training in their local community.

The aim of the Microsoft Community Learning Awards is to support
community groups and charities across the UK who are tackling digital
exclusion by providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people
and adults to learn about information technology through
community-based technology and learning centres.

The Microsoft Community Learning Awards 2006 will distribute 30 awards
of £2,500 to community groups and charities across the UK. This is
your opportunity to tell us how you are already providing IT training
and how a grant from Microsoft could enhance the contribution you are
making in your community. We are looking for innovation and evidence
of the difference that £2,500 could make to your community project.
Perhaps a grant would enable you to increase the number of volunteer
trainers and their skills which would, in turn, improve the quality
and quantity of IT training you can offer. Or perhaps a grant would
enable you to extend your IT training to reach new people within your
community, addressing key issues which today prevent them taking part
in your activities.

The deadline for applications for the Microsoft Community Learning
Awards 2006 is Wednesday 27th September 2006.

The Microsoft Community Learning Awards 2006 are open to community
groups and registered charities in the UK that are seeking funding for
IT skills projects for disadvantaged young people and/or adults.

Applications cannot be accepted from:

  a.. Organisations or companies that exist to trade for profit
  b.. Organisations that promote political parties
  c.. Organisations that do not operate in the UK
  d.. Employees of Microsoft Ltd or Citizens Online, their families or
agents
  e.. Individuals - although we can accept applications from
individuals representing an organisation or group
  f.. Local authorities, local education authorities and learning and
skills councils
  g.. Higher education establishments, tertiary colleges and
universities
  h.. Schools, city academies, specialist schools and sixth form
colleges, providing the project relates to the wider community
The organisers welcome applications from religious organisations that
want to carry out work in the community, but we cannot support
projects that are designed to promote your religion itself, or where
people must participate in religious services to benefit.

Applicants will be required to provide proof of their not for profit
status. Please read our application guidelines for further information
and terms and conditions for details of exclusions.

Any questions relating to the awards should be emailed to
microsoftawards at citizensonline.org.uk. We aim to answer all questions
as promptly as possible however it many not be possible to respond to
questions received in the three days prior to the awards closing to
applications, Wednesday 27th September 2006. You can also contact the
Citizens Online team by telephone on 01793882800.

For more information go to
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/community/community/awards/

Posted on microsyster's blog at
http://www.microsyster.org.uk/blog/archives/2006/08/entry_119.html