In the pursuit of addressing significant societal issues, this year’s recipients of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Imagine Grant Program have been unveiled. These organizations are addressing critical challenges such as finding cures for pediatric cancer, preventing illegal fuel dumping in our oceans, enhancing financial inclusion for unbanked populations, and supporting veterans in accessing their earned benefits. The commitment of these nonprofit innovators is commendable and reflects a powerful intersection of technology and passion.
AWS is dedicated to empowering nonprofit organizations through the Imagine Grant, which offers crucial resources to those aiming to leverage technology in their missions. Awardees receive not only financial assistance but also operational support, including AWS Promotional Credits, training, marketing resources, and more.
The 2019 winners are as follows:
- Ella’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance their Childhood Cancer Data Lab. They aim to improve their refine.bio product, providing access to over 1,250,000 genomic samples along with AI-driven annotations to aid cancer researchers in their quest for cures.
- BreastHealth.org is developing a digital platform that delivers timely, tailored information to individuals battling breast cancer, based on their health records. This initiative seeks to minimize misinformation and maximize health outcomes.
- Commons Creators is enhancing the Creative Commons Search (CC Search) by incorporating image recognition and ML to improve metadata for openly licensed content. This effort aims to increase the utilization of public domain works and freely licensed content.
- Support for Soldiers Foundation is optimizing access to resources for the military and veteran community via their cloud-based platform, PATRIOTlink®. This database connects service members and their families to myriad programs, including mental health, education, and legal services.
- Kiva Innovations is launching Kiva Protocol, a digital identity and credit reporting system designed to integrate the 1.7 billion unbanked individuals into the formal financial system. With a pilot in Sierra Leone, Kiva aims to collaborate with governments globally to promote financial inclusion.
- OceanWatch is employing ML algorithms to scrutinize images and identify instances of bilge dumping worldwide. Their findings will inform various stakeholders, including governments and environmental activists, to combat illegal oil pollution at sea.
In addition, we are pleased to recognize the four runner-ups for the Imagine Grant, who will also benefit from AWS support: Future Connect, Seizure Foundation, Debt Relief Network, and Global Resource Institute.
We commend all applicants for their dedication and hard work. The application period for the next AWS Imagine Grant will commence in June 2020. To learn more about the AWS Imagine Grant Program, visit this link, which provides engaging insights into past winners and their transformative journeys utilizing cloud technology. Additionally, check out this resource for expert insights on nonprofit technology initiatives. For community discussions, this Reddit thread offers valuable perspectives.
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