Communications Grant Applications Open

Not for Profit communications advocacy group, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has launched its 2104 Grants Scheme worth a quarter of a million dollars.

ACCAN says its annual Grants Scheme funds community groups, university researchers and Not for Profits to deliver projects that work towards a communications market that is fair, available, accessible and affordable for all.

Funded projects focus on conducting research into telecommunications issues, advocating for better phone and internet services, or developing educational resources which help consumers to understand their rights and participate in the world of communications.

The Scheme offers a pool of $250,000 annually, with applicants able to apply for funding of up to $60,000.

ACCAN said the Grant Scheme provided scope for a wide variety of projects.

Examples of previously funded projects include:

Caps, Apps and Other Mobile Traps

The National Children's and Youth Law Centre (NCYLC) received $50,041 in 2012 to research the greatest needs and problems of young mobile phone consumers, to help them make well-informed choices about mobile phone ownership.

The resulting report on major policy issues included a number of recommendations directed to telecommunications companies as well as to law and policy makers. A series of factsheets and resources, including an online one-stop-shop of mobile phone information tailored for children and young people, were created in order to empower children as mobile phone consumers.

The online resources can be accessed on the NCYLC's Law Stuff website.

Know Your Gizmo

A grant of  $12,136 in 2012 funded a six-week program run by the Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau, through which 14 Year 10 students helped older community members to improve their skills in using a communications technology of their choice.

Older people in the community were invited to attend the program with whatever ‘gizmo’ – such as a mobile phone or laptop – they wanted to learn how to use, and the young volunteers showed them how to use the technology to its full extent.

Efficient Seniors’ Training Using Broadband Technologies

The Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) was awarded $30,420

in 2012 to examine the training programs offered by its member clubs across Australia in advance of the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN).

ASCCA estimates 1.5 million seniors will need training on how best to use and enjoy the NBN’s benefits and is positioned to reach seniors in places where present programs are restricted by lack of volunteers and the tyranny of distance. The final report summarised existing programs and evaluated the effectiveness of various teaching methods for seniors of differing abilities.

ACCAN is federally funded, with this funding recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers. It represents residential consumers and small businesses, including NFP organisations.

Member groups include community legal centres, disability advocates, indigenous organisations, financial counsellors, regional organisations, farmers’ federations, parents groups, seniors organisations and other individual members.

Applications will be accepted until 9 April. Guidelines and other information on applying can be viewed here, or by emailing grants@accan.org.au.