Afnic Foundation supporting nationwide roll-out of digital solidarity initiatives with a new mechanism

The CEI mechanism is aimed at networks of associations or bodies that work for the general interest and promote nationwide or regional digital solidarity projects covering at least three départements. Application is open to networks putting together projects for vulnerable segments of the population relying on the implementation of a digital strategy, or networks envisaging ground-breaking digital actions on issues such as the environment, housing, mobility, health, etc.

As well as providing significant financial support, the Afnic Foundation lends personalised support to structures through one of its expert specialists, from the application process and throughout the entire project, funds a budget for consultants to help them develop important points and facilitates networking.

As part of the 2022 call for expressions of interest, the Afnic Foundation will study the candidacies of general interest bodies operating nationwide or regionally, promoting far-reaching digital projects, firmly planted in their territory and aiming for expansion. The winners will receive support for up to three years starting in 2023.

In 2020 and 2021, three structures benefited from specific support and were able to roll out their projects thanks to the CEI mechanism:

• The FAS (Fédération des Acteurs de la Solidarité) for its ‘Maraud’in’ project, digital inclusion for the homeless. ‘Maraud’in’ is designed to integrate with existing teams of social workers, equipped for outreach among homeless people and to take account of their changing needs, particularly as regards all things digital. Maraud’in offers digital mediation in eleven regions including French Guiana and Réunion. The objective is to recruit 150 ‘digital nomads’, social assistants who train on-street teams in the use of digital tablets and mastery of a ‘Maraud’in’ toolbox and support the development of a mechanism for monitoring 3,200 vulnerable persons. federationsolidarite.org
• UNCLLAJ (L’Union Nationale des Comités Locaux pour le Logement Autonome des Jeunes) for its Projet’Toit project. UNCLAJ is a network of associations that supports young people in their housing plans. The project aims initially to roll out digital services over four regions including Overseas France before going nationwide with the implementation of tools such as online information, booking appointments and support by video-conference for 12,000 young people in their search for accommodation. uncllaj.org
• La Fédération Familles Rurales, a recognised public utility association which acts in favour of families nationwide. It is sponsoring the Digital Mediation Point project, which aims to structure the Familles Rurales (Rural Families) network around digital mediation at a local level, allowing 30,000 users to receive support between now and the end of 2023, with a specific action for Overseas France and a targeted action for young persons. famillesrurales.org

The call for expressions of interest will be launched on 24 January 2022. All applications must be sent before 8 April 2022. To find out more, visit the Afnic Foundation website or join our webinar on 4 March.