Are you a data hacker with a new idea you have been wanting to try out that you think will help promote transparency and accountability? Do you need a little extra motivation? Then you will want to head over to http://innovation.globalintegrity.org right now to apply for a $10k grant.

I am a connector for the initiative and will be blogging, nudging, and encouraging people in my networks to take advantage of this opportunity. Please help spread the word to innovators in your communities and let me know if you have questions or suggestions on where to post.

Here’s the proposition in a nutshell from Global Integrity:

We are investing in brand new ideas that target the challenges of transparency & accountability.

For us, innovation is ‘learning through trial’. We want to prioritize innovation in our own work by taking on new approaches to test, learn, and improve. Through our Innovation Fund we hope to encourage others in the transparency community to do the same.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Submit an application here. We want to know a little bit about you, your organization (if you work for one), and of course, your idea!

WHEN DO I APPLY?

NOW. Applications are due on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 5pm EST. Be ready for the possibility of follow-up questions at any point after you submit your application. We will notify you on our decision to take your idea to the next round or not by December 21. Our final announcement of ideas that we are investing in will be in early 2013.

HOW MUCH IS GLOBAL INTEGRITY INVESTING IN INNOVATIVE IDEAS?

We will be investing in 10 to 15 ideas, with up to 10,000 USD per idea.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

You have an innovative idea that could create new information or change the way we see existing information, with the goal of holding those responsible for governing us, to account. You want to test this idea out, but you need a little push to take the risk!