- Grant Amount – $100,000
- Deadline – June 02, 2025
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The $100,000 New Commons Challenge is an initiative led by Microsoft and the Open Data Policy Lab, in partnership with DirectRelief, the Harvard Institutional Data Initiative, and UNESCO (international observer).
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The challenge addresses a critical issue: the limited access to diverse and high-quality datasets, which is essential for AI to reach its full potential. By creating and improving data commons, which are collaboratively governed data ecosystems that pool and provide responsible access to diverse, high-quality datasets, the gap in AI development can be filled. The challenge seeks to seed new data commons to ensure that AI benefits all.
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Priority Areas
- Strengthen Disaster Response: data commons that empower humanitarian actors to make informed decisions before, during, and after emergencies. By providing timely and accurate information, we can enhance disaster response efforts and save lives.
- Enabling Localized Decision-Making: data commons that provide access to diverse, high-quality datasets, enabling actors within a local context to enhance coordination, use information effectively, and make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, such as for public health, urban planning, or environmental preservation.
Prizes
- The New Commons Challenge will select two winning proposals to receive:
- US$100,000 in funding each
- Mentorship on establishing and managing data commons
- Technical support as needed
- Access to the Open Data Policy Lab’s global network of experts
Eligibility:
- They welcome applicants from across backgrounds and fields. They feel this challenge may be most applicable to nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, start-ups, and development organizations.
- Applicants must be affiliated with an established organization. If invited to submit a full proposal, applicants must provide information about the tax status of their organization.
- Government entities are not eligible to participate. For-profit entities submitting proposals to the New Commons Challenge may undergo extra review to ensure that their proposal aids the public on an issue related to humanitarian response and/or localized decision-making.
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