The Country Marketing Manager, Google, Affiong Osuchukwu said Google is set to dispense $2m worth of grant to non-profits in Nigeria through its newly launched Impact Challenge.

Osuchukwu made this known at the launch of Impact Challenge in Lagos where she explained that the grant would be awarded to non-profits that were innovative, using technology to reach their goals.

She said Google was issuing an open call for non-profits in Nigeria to apply to receive their share of $2m in funding.

She explained that, four non-profits in Nigeria would win $250,000 each while eight runners-up would each get $125,000.

She added that winners would be decided by a panel of local judges, and a public vote, providing a chance for the people to decide which of the organisations should get an extra portion of funding to help them impact their community.

Osuchukwu said the winning non-profits would get cash as well as access to guidance, technical assistance and mentorship from Google.

“This is the first time we are running a Google Impact Challenge in Africa. Many African nonprofits are doing great work with real impact and we are keen to shine some light on them, and give a financial boost to innovative projects and ideas. We believe technology can help local and national organisations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and we are eager to back people who are using technology in new ways to make a positive difference in their communities,” she said.