IBM Citizenship invites Grant Proposals under the Smarter Cities Challenge 2012

The Smarter Cities Challenge is an initiative of IBM Citizenship launched in 2010 to address the challenges that 100 competitively selected cities in the world face. IBM uses the skills and expertise of its teams of talented employees in this initiative to address the challenges that a specific city in the world faces. Last year IBM Citizenship sent its teams to seven different cities before launching the 2011 grant process.

In this context, IBM Citizenship is currently inviting grant proposals from cities around the world under the Smarter Cities Challenge 2012.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated for the strength of the proposal and potential for a Challenge grant to make a positive impact.

To measure the strength of a proposal, the review team will look for proposals that:

• Clearly outline a problem or opportunity to explore rather than a solution to be implemented
• Provide evidence that the proposal is connected to the top priorities and challenges of city and community leadership;
• Emphasize efforts to address cross-system or services challenges to align with the notion that cities are composed of ‘systems of systems’.

To measure the potential impact of a project, the review team will look for applicants that:

• Champion a pressing, substantive topic that if addressed would tangibly affect the lives of their citizens.
• Demonstrate strong, dynamic leadership with tract records of innovation and accomplishments
• Commit to collaboration and access, including willingness to provide access to key stakeholders and existing efforts to promote open data.

Application Procedure
The application consists of a fillable PDF form which can be uploaded to the Smarter Cities Challenge website upon completion. In addition to the form, each applicant is required to submit a brief letter from the Mayor, or equivalent executive officer of the municipal government affirming the validity of the submission.

Applications will be accepted in the following languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified) and Japanese. Only general-purpose governing bodies may apply for the Smarter Cities Challenge – special districts (such as port authorities, school districts or utility districts) are not eligible for the program at this time. After uploading a proposal, applicants will receive an email confirming their submission.

Last date for submitting the proposal is December 16, 2011.

For more information, visit this link.