Open call seeks ideas that find new ways to collect and use data to build stronger, thriving and more engaged communities, now through Dec. 13.

MIAMI — November 13, 2019 — The John S. and James. L. Knight Foundation today opened a call for ideas that explore how the widespread digital collection of data can be harnessed for greater civic engagement and stronger communities. The call, which is open for applications through December 13, offers recipients a share of up to $1 million in funding.

The push over the last decade to open more data for private use has made unprecedented data available—but it has not consistently enabled the use of these data. Instead, the onus is on residents to have the technical expertise to collect, analyze or put data to use. Knight’s call seeks to capture the full potential of data, which can help residents better understand and improve communities, serve as a spark for civic dialogue and conversation, and enable citizens to hold governments and other institutions accountable.

“We have more data available that ever before — but the growth in data hasn’t made it easier for communities to put these data to use,” said Lilian Coral, Knight Foundation director for national strategy and technology innovation. “We think the potential is boundless for new approaches that enable residents to harness data and make their communities stronger and healthier.”

The opportunity is open to individuals and organizations with transformational projects operating in any of the 26 communities where Knight invests. Successful project ideas include, but are not limited to:

• New ways to collect and analyze data that support civic engagement to strengthen the community and address community challenges.
• New approaches for displaying, interpreting and communicating data to serve, empower and engage residents.
• More ways to bring residents together to discuss and use data for civic and social purposes.
• Efforts that help residents improve their ability to analyze and use data for civic engagement.

The new call for ideas is part of Knight Foundation’s Smart Cities work, which seeks to support stronger, more engaged communities by enabling the voice of the community to be reflected in the design and use of technology. Last year, Knight announced a major $5.25 million initiative to put residents at the center of self-driving vehicle pilot projects across the country. For the past two years, Knight has partnered with Niantic, the makers of Pokémon GO, in communities across the country to experiment with how technology like augmented reality can support civic engagement and connection.

To apply or learn more, visit kf.org/opendata. Interested applicants can also register for a virtual information webinar on November 20 at kf.org/opendatainfo.

CONTACT: Roshni Neslage, Communications Officer, Knight Foundation, [email protected], 305-908-2623

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About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.