It’s Canada’s Turn to Make a Better World, Faster

Google.org wants your best ideas, Canada!

Today we are launching our first Google.org Impact Challenge in Canada - a nationwide competition to find and fund the the most innovative nonprofits that are using technology to make Canada and the world a better place.
We created the Google.org Impact Challenge because we truly believe that technology has the power to transform lives. The Challenge travels to different regions around the world to support nonprofit innovators using technology to tackle the world’s biggest challenges.

We want to make a better world, faster. And now it’s Canada’s turn.

Innovative thinking and commitment to humanitarian causes are baked into the DNA of this country. As we look ahead to the next 150 years in Canada, we believe that resourceful Canadians will be on the front lines of changing the world through technology.

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, will award $5 million across 10 organizations to help bring their ideas to life. Five winning organizations will receive $750,000 grants, and five additional finalists will receive $250,000.

I’m thrilled to welcome an esteemed group of judges to help select the winning ideas, including the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage; Dr. Samantha Nutt, bestselling author and Founder of War Child Canada/War Child USA; Joseph Boyden, acclaimed author and professor; PK Subban, NHL Defenceman and philanthropist; Hani Al Moulia, member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council; Stephen Cornish, Executive Director, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Canada; and my colleague Don Harrison, vice president of Corporate Development, Google (and a proud Canadian!)

In addition to the judges, all of you have an important role to play as well. In a few months, we’ll ask Canadians to cast their vote for the project they think has the most power to change lives.

I can’t wait to see which incredible projects are selected from Canada. Make no mistake, we have huge expectations for what Canadians can deliver.

Visit us at g.co/canadachallenge to learn more about the Challenge or to submit your entry before November 26.