The eNGO Challenge is open to the eight SAARC countries: India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal. Any project which has been developed or has the customer base/target market in any of the SAARC countries can apply for the award (you don't have to actually be IN those countries).
The Objectives of the ENGO Challenge:
- To promote and encourage best ICT practices by NGOs for community development;
- To create an ecosystem of NGOs that use ICT tools and digital media for good governance while serving a community;
- To create and build a network of NGOs for innovative ICT practices for learning, experience sharing and promote good practices;
- To encourage bottom up NGO led local content development and population, information and community work experiences on ICT platforms through the web especially for wider access and partnership;
- To advocate wider need for good ICT practice among NGOs as the third sector working partner hand in hand with the public and private sectors.
In this context of the eNGO Challenge, ICT (information and communications technology – or technologies) is understood to include any communication device or application, encompassing: cellular phones, Internet, wireless network, videoconferencing, blogging, and social media.
Social media includes web- and mobile-based technologies which are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue among organizations, communities, and individuals. Social media is defined as “a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0 and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content.”
There is no entry fee. Any interested participant can apply, in multiple categories. Online registration is open till from 1st October, 2016
The evaluation criteria for a nominated project or product:
- Content & Services – Quantify the quality of content and services delivery, relevance of content and its utility value
- Impact & Sustainability – The social impact & the commercial viability of the application/product.
- Functionality/Navigation – User friendliness & interactive nature of the application & its features.
- Interface & Visual Design – Usability as well as the Design of applications and devices having larger user preference, aesthetic value with multimedia.
- USP & Strategic Value – Uniqueness of the idea & the easiness of strategy replication.
- Execution & Implementation – Procedures of carrying out & executing the innovation, idea according to the market demand.
- Accessibility – Cost effectiveness matching social and economic capital of different user groups with diverse needs in different income brackets.
- Overall Experience – The user base & overall user experience regarding the application/content.
The eNGO Challenge has six categories for best use of ICT, mobile, digital media & new or social media by an NGO for:
Best Use of Website & Internal Tools
This category focuses on NGOs that are using website to showcase their activities, projects and local content to get networking and support from funding agencies. This category also welcomes NGOs that create awareness on certain issues through campaigning.
Best Use of Mobile content & Apps
This category focuses on NGOs that have used mobile tools/Apps for their internal &external communication to drive social change. For example,an NGOis eligible to apply under this category that uses connectivity through mobile phones, sms, video calling or any other means to engage and empower communities at large.
Best Use of e-Commerce
This category focuses on NGOs who have used ICT and digital media tools such as e-Commerce, mobile phones, online shopping and social media networkssuch as Facebook & Twitter to promote their business meant for the benefit of a community. For example, an NGO is eligible to apply under this category that usesa website or social media networks for the promotion and trading of products for the benefit of a community.
Best Use of Software Automation & Networking (Tools)
This category focuses on NGOs that use digital media tools for improving and enhancing their organizational efficiency by using networking and software tools such as Wi-Fi, Skype, Tally etc. For example,an NGO is eligible to apply under this category thatuses video-conferencing technology to connect with their regional partners or does staff capacity building program with various ICT tools.
Best Use of social Media
The category focuses on NGOs that use social media as a tool to get solutions for and from the communities. For example, an NGOis eligible to apply under this category that uses Facebook and twitter to engage communities or inform them about issues.
Best use of e-Content ( Audio / Visual / Radio)
The category focuses on NGOs that empower people to use video or radio to help communities raise their voice for their problems. For example,an NGO is eligible to apply under this category that facilitates people to record video or participate through community radio to share messages or register complains or highlight social issues.
More info and how to nominate a project or product at the eNGO Challenge website.