Alberta Law Foundation’s Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call

In today's digital world, technological capability paired with strong cybersecurity is important to effectively serve communities through nonprofit operations and community organizations. With that in mind, the Alberta Law Foundation would like to introduce the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call. This fund will help nonprofits, Indigenous communities, and other organizations enhance their technological infrastructure and protect against threats in cybersecurity for better delivery of service.

What Is the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call?

This special grant call, Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity, will grant the funds in critical ways so that partner organizations upgrade and enhance their technology and cybersecurity systems. In particular, it responds to some of the more increasing challenges facing many organizations in keeping operations secure and efficient, especially amid an increased dependence on digital platforms for the delivery of services and data management.

The Alberta Law Foundation directed that the grant be used to fund projects related to technological infrastructure upgrading, strong implementation of cybersecurity protocols, and technological safety. It is specifically designed for nonprofits and community organizations working in the sectors of legal, justice, and social services.

Key Objectives of the Technology and Cybersecurity Grant

1. Improve Technological Capacity: The grant supports investment in hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for organizational operations more effectively and safely.
2. Cybersecurity Improvement: This is where the fund invests in data protection that empowers an organization to protect sensitive information and its clients from the threats of cyber security.
3. Improvement of Service Delivery: The grant, through improvement in technology and cybersecurity measures, allows organizations to effectively distribute their services with assurance that their programs will continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Who Can Apply for the Technology and Cybersecurity Grant?

The Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call is open to the following applicants:

• Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits operating in the legal area, as well as those operating in justice or social services, are encouraged to apply for this grant to further their technological and cybersecurity capacities.
• Indigenous Communities and Organizations: This includes indigenous-led organizations that may need upgraded technology or cybersecurity for a broader delivery of service for their communities.
• Organizations Based Outside Alberta: Although this grant prioritizes organizations based in Alberta, organizations based outside Alberta may apply if they can demonstrate a significant Alberta connection and how Albertans are going to benefit directly through the project.

Applicants do not have to be registered charities. So long as any proposed project meets the objectives of improving technology and cybersecurity relating to legal and justice-related services, funding for that project could be contemplated.

Call for Applications and Deadlines

The call for applications for the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant will remain open until September 30th, 2025. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible so that there is sufficient time for the implementation of the projects proposed by the bidder within the required timeframe.

Grant Application Evaluation Criteria

Applications for this grant are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated Need: Organizations must paint a picture of investment in either technology or cybersecurity measures. Discussion may be around the potential impact to operations, an improved service delivery as a result of the investment within the context presented, and how the upgrades will enhance protection of data in ALF-funded programs.
• Viability of the Project: The applicant must submit a clear work plan with realistic timelines, budget, and deliverables.
• Budget Explanation: If the project requires the purchase of equipment or contractors, the applicant must secure at least three quotes for the materials or services requested, and include an explanation as to why the preferred quote has been selected.
• Time frame: The projects must be implemented within 12 months from the date of approval of the grant.

How to Apply for the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Grant

Applying to this Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call requires an only somewhat onerous two-step application process:

1. Inquiry Submission: Applicants shall submit a request for an inquiry using the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Inquiry Form. The submission of this form and information provides ALF with a general overview of a potential project.
2. Complete Full Application: After the inquiry applications best match the purposes of the Fund, ALF will contact organizations and invite them to submit a full written application. For the full application, the following information shall be requested:
   • Name of the project, start and end dates, total budget requested
   • The specific needs the project is going to address and how they were identified.
   • How the project will enhance the technological capacity of the organization in improving service delivery in ALF-funded programs.
   • A project development plan, including a timeline with key activities and milestones.
   • A list of deliverables the project will achieve
   • A comprehensive budget that includes quotes for equipment or contracted services

All applicants undertake to complete all the work proposed for this project within 12 months from receipt of the grant.

Should you have any questions regarding the application process, the Alberta Law Foundation welcomes inquiries for guidance in advance of your letter of inquiry or a full application.

How Fluxx Streamlines Grant Management for the Alberta Law Foundation

This call to the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant forms the very foundation of effective grant management, but that is a niche into which Fluxx fits. As a grant management platform for ALF, Fluxx smooths this very process, right from submitting inquiries to reporting on projects, in a seamless application process both for applicants and administrators.

Key benefits of using Fluxx for this special grant call include:

• Efficient Application Submission: Fluxx enables the organization to forward inquiries and full applications for review. Through this system, ALF is able to respond swiftly to the different applications submitted.
• Real-time Communication: Fluxx will make communication by grant applicants in real time with the ALF staff easier to answer questions and provide updates as necessary throughout the application process.
• Progress Tracking: Grantees use Fluxx to track their progress compared to the project schedule to keep them on pace to meet milestones.

In engaging Fluxx, the Alberta Law Foundation has ensured that it efficiently manages the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call to free up organizations in impactful projects that enhance their technological capacity and security.

Building a Safer, More Efficient Future for Nonprofits

The Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call aims to bring nonprofit organizations forward in building technological infrastructure and cybersecurity. This grant call is important and provides critical funding for IT upgrades, improvements in cybersecurity, and digital transformation that enables the operations of such organizations to remain effective in service delivery while ensuring operations are safe from digital threats.

If your organization is ready to enhance its technological capabilities and improve service delivery, check out the Alberta Law Foundation website for information about how to apply to the Investing in Technology and Cybersecurity Special Grant Call.