Tech2Empower Rwanda 2022 - Impact Challenge Application

Tech2Empower Rwanda: Impact Challenge 
September 12-13th, 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda
Virtual Collaboration September 26-October 21, 2022
Application deadline: July 8, 2022

Tech2Empower is an initiative of WAKE, an NGO based in San Francisco, California, that has supported 230+ women’s organizations and trained over 1,200 women and girls from 11 countries and 25 states in the U.S.

WAKE will hold Tech2Empower Rwanda: Impact Challenge in Kigali from September 12-13, 2022. The program connects high-impact social entrepreneurs and NGO leaders with volunteer Advisors from leading tech companies such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Twilio. Working in teams, the selected women entrepreneurs and Advisors will collaborate on a project aimed at increasing the reach and impact of their social enterprises. After the two-day intensive in Kigali, the teams will collaborate virtually for four weeks. We ask applicants to propose a specific project focused on enhancing their work through improved tech, communications, or admin/finances. The program is free for selected entrepreneurs.

> To read the complete program description click here

Key dates: 

•  Application deadline: July 8, 2022. The interviews and selection process will be conducted on a rolling basis until vacancies are filled. We encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of being selected before the program is full.
• Selection announcement: August 2, 2022.
• Advisors Team Matching Announcement: August 17, 2022.
• Program dates:
  • In-person: September 12 - 13, 2022
  • Virtual Collaboration September: 26 -October 21, 2022

What is included: 

• Virtual support from WAKE to prepare for the Impact Challenge project work;
• A stipend of U$100 per NGO/social enterprise team - to help with transportation and related expenses;
• Lunch and snack breaks will be provided on both days;
• 4 weeks of virtual collaboration (2-3 hours per week) to strengthen program outcomes. 

Eligibility:
To be considered for the Tech2Empower Rwanda Impact Challenge, applicant organizations must be:

• An NGO and/or social enterprise with a primary focus and demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact in the community, especially for women and girls;
• Led by Rwandan women;
• Based in Rwanda, with the majority of work taking place in Rwanda;
• You must be a legally registered business or nonprofit having generated revenue in the past year and your programs must have been in operation for over one year;
• Applicant must be available and committed to sending 2 - 3 female team members to participate in the Impact Challenge for 2 full days in Kigali (Monday and Tuesday, September 12-13, 2022) and the following weeks of virtual collaboration (Virtual Collaboration September 26 -October 21, 2022) that will be facilitated by WAKE’s team.
• All attending team members must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
   

Selection criteria:

• Project idea: Clear and focused project idea and explanation of its impact on the organization's work;
• Commitment: Must be available and committed to sending 2 - 3 female team members to participate in the Impact Challenge for 2 full days in Kigali (Monday and Tuesday, September 12-13, 2022) and to participate In the following four weeks of virtual collaboration (September 26-October 21, 2022);
• Mission and impact: Demonstrated focus and commitment to advancing women’s and girls’ participation, access, economic opportunity, and rights.;
• Application: Thoughtful application clearly expressing how the applicant will leverage what they learn and experience to strengthen the work of their organization;

Please note:

• The final selection will also take into consideration organization and project focus areas, location, communities served and size of organization to bring together a diverse group of participants for Tech2Empower Rwanda Impact Challenge.
• All communications and project work will be conducted in English.
• All the selected participants will be required to have access to the internet and the ability to bring a wifi-enabled laptop to the Impact Challenge.

About the Project Proposals
Women-led NGOs, social impact initiatives and enterprises are invited to submit their project proposals by July 8th, 2022 within the application form. Organizations may propose projects in the following categories:

• Digital strategy, website, and communications;
• Marketing strategy and branding;
• Organizational planning and strategy; 
• Administrative systems,CRM, and databases;
• "Pitching" your organization to funders, investors, potential supporters (presentation skills + "pitch deck"). 

> To read the complete program description click here

Contact
If you have questions, please contact our team at connect@wakeinternational.org.

 

Application deadline: July 8th, 2022.

Application Instructions

Representatives from eligible initiatives should complete this application to be considered for Tech2Empower Rwanda: Impact Challenge. 

You do not have to complete and submit your application in one sitting. You may save your application at the bottom corner of each page and return later to complete it. Please check your spam and junk mail folders for an email with the link to return to your partial application. Please submit your application by July 8th, 2022 to be considered.

Here is a PDF of the application so that you can take a look at the questions in advance. 

If you have questions, please contact our team at connect@wakeinternational.org.