The winners of Google’s second annual Impact Challenge Grants Competition – Australia have recently been announced. Ten non-profits were selected as finalists in this year’s competition, which awarded over $5 million in grants as prizes.

What is Google’s Impact Challenge?

Through their Impact Challenge, Google asks local nonprofits in select regions and countries around the world how they can use technology and bold, new ideas to create novel solutions that will make their communities, and the entire world, a better place for everyone.

On October 26, the finalists presented their best groundbreaking ideas before the competition’s jury panel, whose members included: Layne Beachley, Melissa Doyle, Jacquelline Fuller, David Gonski, Dr Larry Marshall, Alan Noble and Lucy Turnbull.

Overview of Projects Presented During the Challenge

The projects submitted by the ten winning nonprofit teams this year were wide ranging and included: a support app to help users’ better cope with alcohol problems, a support portal to help individuals and others to be able to connect more easily with pro bono and free legal services, and a SMS based system to help improve the health of those with chronic illnesses and conditions.

Grant Winners

The George Institute for Global Health, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and Hello Sunday Morning each won a $750,000 grant to help them launch their innovative idea. The public also got to vote on a people’s choice award of $750,000. Over a quarter of million Australians participated in this vote, which saw the highest number of voting participants per capita than any previous Impact Challenge.

Due to the quality of entries, and the close vote, Google made a surprise announcement that it would award two grants of $750,000 each in this category, rather than the traditional solitary grant. This year, the two people’s choice grants were presented to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Nature Conservancy Australia.

The remaining nonprofit finalists were awarded grants in the amount of $250,000 each. The nonprofit teams that were awarded these grants included: the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, Australian Marine Environment Protection Association, Justice Connect, the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, and World Vision Australia.

Additional Support Provided to Challenge Finalists

In addition to these grants, Google also provides additional technical support, guidance and mentorship to the finalists in order to help them to be able to successfully implement their idea as well as increase the impact of the good work accomplished by their nonprofit.