Meta is doubling down on its commitment to harnessing the power of AI for social good with the launch of the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants. This initiative offers a golden opportunity for organizations across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey to secure significant funding for AI-driven projects that address critical global challenges.

What is the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants Program?

On August 5, 2024, Meta announced the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, an ambitious program designed to empower organizations that leverage AI to solve pressing social issues. This new initiative builds on the success of previous grant programs and aims to provide up to $2 million USD in funding. The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants are open to organizations worldwide, with a particular focus on Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.

The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program will award up to $500,000 USD to selected organizations. These grants are intended to support innovative AI applications in areas such as economic development, scientific research, public service, and more. Meta is seeking proposals that demonstrate the potential to make a significant impact in local communities through the creative use of AI technology.

Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, emphasized the transformative potential of AI: “We’re inspired by the diverse projects we’ve seen developers undertake around the world to positively impact their communities by building with Llama. We believe AI has more potential than any other modern technology to increase human productivity, creativity, and quality of life—and to accelerate economic growth while unlocking progress in medical and scientific research.”

To support organizations interested in applying, Meta will host a series of regional events. These include virtual events, in-person hackathons, workshops, and training sessions in various regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Korea, Latin America, North America, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

These events aim to provide technical guidance and mentorship, helping participants develop impactful AI applications tailored to their local contexts. Additionally, organizations that participate in these events will be eligible for specialized awards of up to $100,000 USD.

How to Apply for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants

The application window for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants is open from August 5, 2024, to November 22, 2024. Meta encourages eligible organizations to submit their proposals early and take full advantage of this unique opportunity to drive social impact through AI.

The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants build on the momentum of Meta’s previous grant initiatives. The inaugural Llama Impact Grants, announced in October 2023, attracted over 800 applications from more than 90 countries. The 20 finalists from this program have submitted their final proposals, with the recipients set to be announced in September 2024 alongside the winners of the Llama Impact Innovation Awards.

Why This Matters

Meta’s Llama 3.1 Impact Grants represent a significant opportunity for organizations across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey to secure funding and support for AI-driven projects. By empowering local innovators to tackle social challenges through AI, Meta is not only advancing technology but also fostering change in communities around the world.

For organizations interested in applying for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, this is an unmissable opportunity to leverage AI for good and make a lasting impact in your community. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this transformative initiative. Apply before the deadline on November 22, 2024.