DCF is expanding the scope of its work beyond Afghanistan. The IT and Robotics Lab Program invites proposals from women-led non-profit organizations and academic institutions rooted in the Global South to expand women and girls’ access to high-quality STEM education and training. Funded by The Reynolds Foundation, the program will support IT and robotics labs and hands-on learning in STEM subjects and robotics for women and girls.

Grants will support equipping an IT and robotics lab for women and girls, the provision of STEM and robotics education and training, and creative partnerships to ensure the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the labs. In addition, DCF and its partners may complement its grants by offering supplementary, virtual STEM, robotics, and AI workshops and training for lab participants. DCF will prioritize proposals that leverage innovative collaborations to maximize access for women and girls and promote resource efficiency.

The majority of activities must take place within 1-2 years of the grant’s award date. DCF encourages responsible cost savings. If actual costs are lower than anticipated, grantees may request to use the remaining funds for activities that a) further the approved objectives of the grant and b) can be implemented within a reasonable timeframe. DCF reserves the right to approve any proposed reallocation of funds to ensure it aligns with the intent of the grant.