Overview
The Community
Connect Grants initiative is a flagship program of the Future Bridge Tech
Foundation (FBTF) designed to empower local changemakers, grassroots
organizations, and community-based groups to implement innovative,
technology-driven, and socially impactful projects that address local
challenges.
Through
small grants, technical support, and mentorship, the program aims to strengthen
community-led development and foster sustainable change from the ground up. It
supports local action aligned with FBTF’s mission of bridging gaps and building
bridges — promoting education, digital inclusion, innovation, and
sustainability in underserved communities.
Each grant
cycle focuses on specific priority areas such as education and skills
development, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, technology for
social good, and community resilience.
Objectives
1. Support
grassroots initiatives that use innovation and technology to address local
needs.
2. Empower
community leaders, youth, and women’s groups to design and implement
sustainable solutions.
3. Encourage
collaboration and networking among community organizations, local governments,
and development partners.
4. Provide
small-scale funding and mentorship to strengthen community capacities and
enhance project outcomes.
5. Promote
inclusive and participatory development that aligns with the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
6.
Strengthen accountability and transparency in community project implementation
through capacity building and reporting mechanisms.
Structure
& Components
The
Community Connect Grants operate through a transparent and structured process:
1. Call
for Proposals:
Each grant
cycle begins with an open call inviting applications from eligible individuals,
groups, or organizations with innovative community project ideas.
2. Proposal
Screening & Shortlisting:
Applications
are evaluated by a selection committee based on relevance, impact potential,
feasibility, and sustainability.
3. Capacity
Building & Mentorship:
Shortlisted
applicants receive training in proposal writing, budgeting, monitoring, and
project management to strengthen their ability to deliver results.
4. Grant
Award & Implementation:
Selected
projects are awarded seed funding (in cash or kind) and supported through a 3–6-month
implementation period.
5. Monitoring,
Evaluation, & Reporting:
Volunteers
and mentors from FBTF conduct regular follow-ups, progress assessments, and
impact documentation to ensure transparency and learning.
Management
by Volunteers
The program
is managed and coordinated by a dedicated team of volunteers from FBTF’s
various departments:
Program
Coordination Volunteers oversee applications, communication, and progress
tracking.
Finance
& Administration Volunteers assist with disbursement, record-keeping, and
accountability.
Mentorship
Volunteers provide technical guidance, project management advice, and follow-up
support.
Monitoring
& Evaluation Volunteers collect data, document results, and prepare impact
reports.
This
volunteer-driven model not only ensures sustainability and community ownership
but also creates leadership and service-learning opportunities for young
professionals and students engaged with the Foundation.
Eligibility
Criteria
·
Applicants for the Community Connect Grants must meet
the following requirements:
·
Be an individual, community group, youth organization,
women’s association, or local NGO operating within Ghana.
·
Demonstrate a clear community impact objective aligned
with FBTF’s mission and values.
·
Have a project that focuses on education, digital
literacy, technology for social good, women’s empowerment, or environmental
sustainability.
·
Be able to implement the project within the grant
period (typically 3–6 months).
·
Show capacity to manage the grant responsibly,
including basic record-keeping and reporting.
Selection
Process
1.
Application Submission: Applicants submit a detailed proposal using the
official FBTF grant application form.
2.
Preliminary Screening: Volunteers review all proposals for completeness and
eligibility.
3.
Evaluation: A panel of judges assesses shortlisted proposals based on impact,
innovation, feasibility, and sustainability.
4.
Interviews & Final Selection: Finalists may be invited for short interviews
or presentations.
5. Grant
Award: Selected applicants sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining
deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
Benefits
to Participants
ü Access to small
grants to fund community projects.
ü Capacity-building
workshops on proposal writing, project management, and reporting.
ü Continuous
mentorship and technical support from FBTF experts and partners.
ü Networking
opportunities with other grantees and organizations.
ü Recognition and
visibility on FBTF’s website, media platforms, and reports.
ü Opportunities
for future collaboration or project scale-up through FBTF’s sustainability
programs.
Partnerships
& Collaborations
The success
of Community Connect Grants depends on strong collaborations with:
·
Development agencies and corporate CSR programs
supporting community innovation.
·
Educational institutions and local authorities
offering technical and logistical assistance.
·
NGOs and international partners providing expertise
and mentorship.
·
Community media partners for visibility and
storytelling.
Expected
Impact
ü Strengthened
community capacity to address local challenges through innovation.
ü Empowered youth
and women as agents of social transformation.
ü Increased access
to technology, education, and sustainable practices in communities.
ü Improved
collaboration between grassroots organizations and development stakeholders.
ü Enhanced
accountability, transparency, and sustainability in community development.