Today entries for the latest Knight News Challenge closed -- but through April 17, people can still participate in an important way, by providing feedback on submitted ideas.

This News Challenge focused on ideas to strengthen the internet for innovation and free expression. It attracted over 600 entries competing for a share of more than $2.75 million, in grants that can range from $1000 to $1 million (typical awards: $200,000-$500,000).

Right now, a team of readers hired by the Knight Foundation are combing through these entries to select semifinalists. Also, anyone can "applaud" (Knight's equivalent of a Facebook-style "like"), offer comments, feedback, and ask questions about entries through April 17.

Example entries include:

• A network to compensate for, and combat, the lack of press freedom in Latin America.
• A secure peer-to-peer sharing network based on smartphones and web browsers.
• Ponder, a tool for distilling discussion.