Meta’s Data Center Community Action Grant Program

Meta are committed to playing a positive role and investing in the long-term vitality of the communities where they have data centers.

What must the grants be used for?

• To address critical community needs by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit;
• To connect people online or off; or
• To improve local science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
• The grant must be exclusively for charitable purposes and cannot result in any profits that will not be utilized for charitable purposes.

Who can receive a grant?

• All eligible applications will be evaluated based on whether, and the extent to which, the Applicant Content demonstrates:
  • A commitment to critical community needs by helping to address one or more of the following:
    • Address critical community needs by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit;
    • Connect people online or off; or
    • Improve local science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
  • Potential impact of the Grant on the population in the areas eligible for Grants, as described above.
  • A clear goal and plan for how the project’s impact will be evaluated when completed.
  • Feasibility of the project: explanation of the organization’s capacity to deliver the Grant work.
  • Grant/project design: clear definition of activities with a clear link to the project goals.
• Program Entities will also consider geographical location and length of establishment. The Program Entities will seek independent verification of eligible organizations’ mission and activities, additional funding sources, as well as other pertinent factors. All Grant recommendations are contingent upon the applicant’s successful verification and approval by CAF America’s Board of Directors.

Eligibility Criteria

• Organizations that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply to the Grant Program:
  • Organizations with upcoming projects to be delivered within the designated area outlined in the announcement guidelines that do one or more of the following:
    • Address critical community needs by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit;
    • Connect people online or off; or
    • Improve local science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education
• The applicant must be an organization created for charitable purposes (subject to the exclusions below) and registered and/or recognized as one of the following in their local jurisdiction:
  • A registered charitable organization as defined by the United States Internal Revenue Service, which includes registered 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities, public schools, government entities, US towns and municipalities, etc.
  • A registered not-for-profit organization (voluntary organization) in Denmark in accordance with the Tax Assessment Act § 8A or a public institution, including state-run schools, municipalities, etc.
  • A registered not-for-profit organization in Ireland, or a government entity, which includes state-run schools, municipalities, etc.
  • A registered charity in Sweden or a government entity, which includes state-run schools, municipalities, etc.
• Applicants who are government entities, as described above, should apply through their foundation or associated non-profit, if one exists. If one does not exist, government entities may apply directly. The preference is to fund not-for-profit organizations.
• Must have valid local governmental registration as of the date of application and throughout the time of use of the Grant.
• Eligible organizations should have an organizational Facebook Page, personal profile pages do not qualify.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Must not:
  • Be programs and/or projects operated exclusively for religious purposes or proselytizing;
  • Discriminate in employment based on any of the following: gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief or lack of belief, age, disability, or race including nationality (or membership of the Traveller community);
  • Discriminate in the provision of goods and services, accommodation, or education based on any of the following: gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief or lack of belief, age, disability, or race including nationality (or membership of the Traveller community);
  • Promote or support specific political ideologies, doctrines, candidates or issues;
  • Be a for-profit organization that allows individual benefit to members, shareholders or the like, by way of dividends, bonuses, etc.;
  • Be a 501(c)(4) entity in the United States;
  • Make proposals or conduct other activities for endowments, memorials, budget deficits, and/or similar activities;
  • Be on a government web-based watch list of banned entities or employ, deal with, or otherwise be associated with any individuals on such lists, or aid or support any entities or individuals on such lists or whom it knows or believes to support terrorism;
  • Submit proposals for cash grants or cash prizes to individuals;
  • Submit proposals for additional grants to be made to a third-party organization or entity (Fiscal sponsors may apply on behalf of a sponsored organization if they are a registered charity in their country).

For more information, visit Meta.