Flickr: AlexdecalveloSXSW Interactive is offering 5 scholarships to attend the 2012 conference. The scholarships are open to anyone using new media channels to tackle community problems –including nonprofit leaders, grassroots organizers, individual citizens and civic-minded entrepreneurs.

Applications are due August 26th, at 11:59 PM PST. No organization doing good should miss this opportunity to learn and collaborate with other organizations using top of line technology to further their cause!

The conference boasts five days of special programs showcasing the best new websites, digital projects, wireless applications, video games, and startup ideas the community has to offer. Kicking off on March 9th, there will be ample opportunities for hands-on training, networking, and big-picture analysis.

This year, scholarship applicants are being selected based on 300-word essay addressing the question, "Who is using technology or new media to do the most innovative work for good within their community?" The judges want to know how your suggested recipient, which may be you, is leveraging technologies and media to make a difference. Entries will be judged primarily on innovation and impact; grammar, spelling, and punctuation will also be considered.

Each of the five recipients will receive a complimentary SXSW Interactive badge for the 2012 SXSW Interactive Festival. Scholarship recipients will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Austin, as well as providing their own lodging while in Austin. Awards will be announced on Monday, September 19, 2011.

More information on the scholarship program, including tips, fine print, and the criteria, are posted on the SXSW website. If you're new to the SXSW conference, their website has plenty of information to answer all your questions – plus an awesome photo of NTEN members David Neff and Randal Moss at their book signing last year.