How does the selection process work?

Foundation staff conduct a detailed review of the applications received, making sure each proposal is in scope, within our service region and complete.

Thematic selection committees are structured with support from technical experts from the community, assigned to a specific programmatic area. Normally selection committee members are composed of two, four or six representatives.

Depending on the number of proposals received, Selection Committee(s) members work in pairs defined around technical expertise and diversity. In that initial step they decide if the proposal is worthy to be moved forward for full review, where all committee members for that thematic program will assess the proposals.

Applications moving forward for full review are scored by all Selection Committee members based on selection criteria detailed below. The scoring is conducted through an online platform that calculates an average score based on the points given by each selection committee member, multiplied by the weight designated for each criterion.

Committee members are required to provide comments to support their scores.

Feedback to applicants will be provided -if need be- based on the comments from the Selection Committee members as well as the assessment by the APNIC Foundation staff.

Selection committee scores inform final determinations for selection. Staff may also take diversity considerations into account including the geographic distribution of ISIF Asia’s overall funding. Internet Development grants (3 x small grants across any program area) will be awarded to the strongest scoring applications from economies that have not been supported by ISIF Asia previously.

The criteria and weights are as follows.

Scoring criteria Weight
Proposal objectives and activities are clearly aligned with ISIF Asia overall objective, within scope of the selected program (inclusion, infrastructure, knowledge or IPv6 deployment) and focus on at least one of the work areas listed under each program x5
Proposed outcomes have a technical focus and clear benefit for Internet Development x5
The proposal is addressing a real problem that have been clearly identified and are supported by evidence x5
The project proposal has clear objectives and a well-structured methodology for implementation of the proposed activities x4
The project proposal clearly address diversity as part of their staffing, governance and implementation x4
The project proposal includes clear considerations and actions to minimize damage to the environment x4
The organization has demonstrated capacity to manage funds, conduct project activities within the specified budget and time limits x4
The expected outcome of the proposal has the potential for growth/further development x3
The organization is able/willing to engage the regional/global technical community relevant to the activities proposed that can support dissemination of project outcomes x3
The proposal includes a clear strategy to document project activities and outcomes effectively x3
The proposal includes a clear strategy to promote project outcomes and lessons learned x3

Published by

Sylvia Cadena - ISIF Asia secretariat

After ten years managing the Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) at APNIC, Sylvia was appointed Head of Programs at the APNIC Foundation in December 2016. As Head of Programs, Sylvia works on the management, design and implementation of collaborative programs to expand APNIC’s capacity building efforts and its overall Development Program. At ISIF Asia, Sylvia continues to lead a grants and awards program that seeks to empower communities in the Asia Pacific to research, design and implement Internet-based solutions for their own needs. One of the region’s most established Internet development programs, ISIF places particular emphasis on the positive role the Internet has on social and economic development in the Asia Pacific. Sylvia also leads APNIC’s engagement with the Seed Alliance, a global collaboration with the African (AFRINIC) and South American (LACNIC) Internet registries. Together with its funding partners, and various regional sponsors, the Seed Alliance supports innovative Internet development across the global south. She is also a member of the ICANN CCWG on new gTLD auction proceeds and co-chair of the APrIGF. Throughout her career, Sylvia has focused on the strategic use of the Internet for development with an emphasis on capacity building. Since her early years as a UN Volunteer, she has worked across the multi-stakeholder spectrum of organizations with technical and advisory roles, mainly about information systems, access provision and innovation. In July 2003, her work was recognized with the "Annual Award for Young Professionals" by the International Development Research Center (IDRC).