If you’re a developer-type person, and you are involved in some way in making a difference in the way people interact w/Congress, then you may want to check this out:

The Sunlight Foundation/Network is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for local groups that have creative ideas for changing the relationship between representatives and the people they represent. In addition, Sunlight also provides consulting support and some networking opportunities for its Grantees.

We encourage applications from existing small local nonprofits and websites, from offshoots of national groups, from individuals, and from informal groups of citizens. The grants will go towards funding and implementing original ideas that will create a better, more democratic relationship between government and citizens.

Projects will be judged on how closely they fit with Sunlight’s mission of improving the relationship between citizens and their member of Congress through more transparency of information. Example of people who have received grants in the past is located here: [http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/grants/] (if you scroll to half way there is the mini grant section). The focus should be on shedding more light on what Congress does and how to improve the communication between citizens and Congress. As a rule we do not award money for salaries but do for technology upgrades.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the provided web form, it is available on the Sunlight Foundation grants page. Please describe your project with a detailed description of how it fits in with Sunlight’s mission and your goals for your project, an itemized budget (including the amount requested from Sunlight) and contact information.

If you have any questions feel free to contact nisha@sunlightfoundation.com.

Examples – you are involved in communications/interacting with Congress, and… your laptop died, or you could really use another linux server for your organization, or you can’t afford to go to an important conference, etc.

Maybe we can help!