Calgary – August 1, 2023 - As part of its commitment to supporting communities where it has presence, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund. The community grant program supports initiatives focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEM/STEAM) Education, Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity—with an emphasis on Truth and Reconciliation, Homelessness & Food Insecurity, and Health & Well-Being. AWS has committed CA$100,000 to the fund, which will be managed and administered by non-profit organization ChangeX. It is open to individuals, local community groups, schools, non-profits, and other organizations in Calgary and surrounding communities.
Whether it’s creating an urban garden or a free little pantry to tackle food insecurity, opening a repair café where broken items can be replaced instead of discarded, or hosting a First LEGO League to ignite passion in youth about STEAM, applicants can apply for grants ranging from $500 up to $10,000 to launch a new or expand an existing community project that aligns to at least one of the five themes. Applicants can also apply for funding to introduce established community programs with proven impact in other communities across the world.
“AWS is committed to making a positive difference around the world. This includes using cloud technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues, and supporting the communities where we build and operate our global infrastructure,” said Réjean Bourgault, Managing Director, AWS Canada Public Sector. “As we prepare to open our AWS Canada West (Calgary) Region in late 2023/early 2024, we look forward to working with Calgarians and surrounding communities to support its cloud infrastructure, and launch vibrant community programs with a lasting social impact.”
Applications for the AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund opens on August 1, 2023 and will be accepted until October 6, 2023. Funding will be subject to a review process where applications will be assessed and scored against funding criteria and the positive impact to the community, especially underserved populations. All successful applicants will complete a 30-day challenge, which includes mentorship and other resources, to kick-start their idea and take their first steps towards making their project a reality.
To help individuals and organizations with the application process, AWS will host a virtual information session open to any interested applicant on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM MT. Applicants can attend by registering here.
The AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund is part of a collection of community outreach programs driven by AWS throughout Calgary and surrounding communities designed to make a positive impact. In 2022, in support of its planned CA$4.3B investment in Alberta with the new AWS Canada West (Calgary) Region coming online late 2023/early 2024, AWS launched AWS re/Start Programs with Mount Royal University and Momentum. The free workforce development training program prepares individuals for careers in the cloud and connects them to potential employers through a 12-week cohort-based program. In July 2023, AWS announced the AWS Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate Course, a two-day training course on fiber optic installation and repair, offered at no cost to participants. Both initiatives will help develop a future-proof workforce in Calgary, and are part of Amazon’s commitment to train 29 million people around the world for free on cloud and technical skills by 2025.
The AWS InCommunities Fund was first launched in 2021 in Ireland. It was designed to provide individuals, community groups, schools, non-profits, and other organizations with resources to drive positive change and have a meaningful and lasting impact on the neighborhoods they call home. With the response to the program overwhelmingly positive, the program was quickly expanded and has since been rolled out in Mexico, Spain, and the U.S.
To apply to the AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund, and for more information click here to access the ChangeX fund page.
ChangeX is a non-profit organization with a community engagement platform designed to get funding and resources directly into citizens’ hands to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods. The ChangeX team works with social innovators across the world to find and open-source proven solutions to environmental, economic, and social issues, partnering with companies and foundations to support communities with the necessary funding.
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