Google Berkeley County Data Center

Thanks for having us!

Each time we've announced a new data center, we've heard from local communities that they hope the region will now become a leader in the new economy. Our goal is to use our tools and know-how to help our communities realize this vision. And by working together with community members, we're confident that we can help spark the innovation needed to aide in boosting these communities to the forefront of today's fast-paced economy.

We're committed to playing a positive role in each of the communities in which we operate around the world. Through grant-making and local initiatives that utilize our tools and expertise, we are working to help businesses, educational institutions, community collaboratives, non-profits, and individuals create and thrive in a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. We are also always on the lookout for opportunities for Googlers to share their expertise and their time with the local community.

Community Grants

Our community grants program supports organizations and initiatives that focus on four issues that we're passionate about: technology literacy and innovation, renewable energy innovation, access to high speed Internet, and new economy entrepreneurship.

When evaluating proposals, we consider:

• Impact on the data center community (Berkeley County), particularly those that have the greatest challenge engaging in the knowledge-based economy.
• Measurable impact of the resources on achieving the mission.
• Collaboration with other organizations and the ability to leverage other resources in the community (particularly financial) to achieve the goal.
• Integration of Google in-kind or volunteer resources to maximize the impact.

Note that the following types of organization are NOT eligible for Google community grants: (1) organizations whose mission or activities include proselytizing on behalf of any religion, and (2) organizations that make hiring choices based on race, gender, faith, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

Google community grants are intended for non-profit and certain public organizations. We will not fund for-profit companies through this program.

Grants will be awarded quarterly. The size of the award will usually range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on available resources, the likely impact the resource will have on achieving the mission, and the level of community support. We do not award grants on a multi-year basis and will judge applications based on the impact of the project in the year beginning on the date the grant is awarded.

How to Apply

On or before the first day of each quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1), applicants may submit an online application. Submissions may be made until midnight Pacific time on the first day of the quarter. We will narrow down the selection and may ask for a subsequent interview with the applicant or for specific additional information.

Award announcements will be made before the next quarter process begins. Google reserves the right to cancel any grant round at any time for any reason including, but not limited to, the availability of funds or decision to allocate resources to the same project over multiple quarters.

How else can we help?

We have a host of other resources available to help small businesses and non-profits in our data center communities thrive. Google AdWords seminars provide information about how to use our AdWords program to reach online customers more efficiently and effectively. And 501(c)(3) organizations that share our philosophy of community service can apply for free AdWords advertising through our Google Grants program. Our seminars, designed specifically for non-profits, provide insight into how to best use Google Grants and take advantage of other free Google tools to promote your work, raise money, and operate more efficiently. These seminars are frequently scheduled in coordination with the local Chamber for small business and non-profit umbrella groups.

Going Green

Google is also committed to supporting innovation that will contribute to carbon reduction, so much so that it's one of the focus areas of our philanthropic arm, Google.org. We welcome proposals from data center communities that will lead to less carbon emissions in the immediate region, including projects that will increase the renewable energy mix powering our data centers. Applicants can be non-profit or for-profit entrepreneurs and can include efficiency enhancements as well as the generation of new energy sources. We'll be looking for cost of generation, innovation, and total carbon reduction. Concept papers are accepted at any time. You can submit proposals via email to mthollyproject@google.com.

Other Ideas?

If you’d like to suggest additional ways that Google can become more involved in the community, please contact us at mthollyproject@google.com.