<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"></head><body style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dear colleagues,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We are excited to announce that the 2024 Call for Applications under the Community Projects Fund is now officially open. The RIPE NCC is committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the operation and resilience of the Internet. This year, we have allocated up to EUR 250,000 to fund projects that will benefit the technical community across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Application Deadline: </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please note that the deadline for submitting your application is 31 July 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). We encourage you to apply early to ensure your project is considered for funding.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Eligibility Criteria: </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We are looking for projects that:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- Are of benefit to the Internet, particularly to the RIPE community.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- Are non-commercial in nature.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- Have a clear project plan and timeline.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Funding Usage: </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The funding can be utilized for various needs, including purchasing equipment, provided it does not constitute the sole expenditure. However, it is important to note that the funding:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- Cannot be used for humanitarian aid, donations, or political reform encouragement.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- Cannot be used to provide scholarships, cover tuition fees, or support any commercial activity.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We believe in the power of community-driven projects to enhance the technical infrastructure and services critical to the Internet's growth and sustainability. If you or your organisation is working on a new or ongoing project that aligns with the above criteria and requires financial support, we invite you to apply.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How to Apply: </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more details on the application process and to submit your project proposal, please visit the <a href="https://www.ripe.net/support/cpf/">RIPE NCC Community Projects Fund page</a>.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This is a unique opportunity to gain support for your project and make a significant impact within the Internet community. We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Best regards,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Alastair Strachan </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">RIPE NCC</div></body></html>