Digicel PNG Foundation Community Grants: Empowering Local Solutions in Papua New Guinea

The Digicel PNG Foundation’s Community Grants Program plays a pivotal role in empowering local organisations across Papua New Guinea to drive sustainable development in education, health, livelihoods, and community safety.

Overview of the Community Grants Program

Known also as the “Leadership for Change” initiative, the program awards grants up to K50,000 to qualifying community-based organisations. Beyond funding, recipients benefit from capacity-building training, coordination, and ongoing monitoring to ensure effective and sustainable project delivery. Since its inception in 2019, the Foundation has supported numerous grassroots organisations, fostering a more inclusive, connected, and resilient PNG community.

Key Focus Areas Eligible for Funding

• Education & Literacy: Projects such as community libraries, inclusive education, resource centres, digital learning, teacher training, and STEM outreach.
• Health & Well-being: Initiatives including community health programs, maternal care, sanitation and WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene), disability support, and feminine hygiene projects.
• Sustainable Livelihoods & Economic Support: Activities promoting livelihood initiatives, agriculture, skills development, and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
• Social Inclusion, Peace & Community Safety: Efforts to establish safe houses, raise gender-based violence awareness, promote peace-building, social inclusion, and enhance community safety.

This broad thematic scope encourages diverse NGOs, civil society organisations, and community groups to submit proposals tailored to local priorities and challenges.

The Significance of the Program for PNG

• Empowering Local Organisations: The Foundation invests in local leadership, fostering trust and ensuring solutions are relevant and sustainable.
• Bridging Funding Gaps: By offering accessible and supportive grants, smaller community organisations gain opportunities often out of reach with larger international funders.
• Community Ownership & Capacity Building: Training and mentoring strengthen recipients’ abilities to manage projects effectively and report outcomes transparently.
• Addressing Core National Needs: The program targets urgent social challenges in education, health, hygiene, and livelihoods faced by communities nationwide.

Application Guidelines: Who Should Apply and How

Local organisations such as civil society groups, faith-based organisations, and registered community associations working within the Foundation’s focus areas are encouraged to apply. Applicants must hold valid registration with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), maintain a governing board with documented meetings, and have a bank account at a recognised PNG financial institution.

Application forms are available for download from the Digicel PNG Foundation website. Proposals can be submitted via email or delivered to the nearest Digicel office.

Join the Movement: Building a Stronger Papua New Guinea Together

The Community Grants Program exemplifies the Digicel PNG Foundation’s commitment beyond telecommunications, positioning itself as a true partner in national development. By supporting local initiatives, the Foundation ensures that as Digicel grows its business footprint, the communities it serves also thrive and progress sustainably.