Internet Society Foundation Grants 2026: Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits, Researchers and Community Projects
The Internet Society Foundation supports organizations, researchers, educators, developers and community groups working to build an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet.
Through its grant programmes, the Foundation supports projects focused on Internet connectivity, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, Internet governance, research and community development. Opportunities vary by programme, with different objectives and eligibility requirements.
Overview of Internet Society Foundation Grants
- Funder: Internet Society Foundation
- Focus: Internet access, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, research and Internet governance
- Potential applicants: Nonprofits, researchers, educators, developers, Internet Society Chapters and community organizations, depending on the programme
- Funding: Varies by grant programme
- Location: Opportunities depend on the specific programme’s eligibility criteria
Available Grant Programmes
1. Beyond the Net Grant Program
Supports Internet Society Chapters implementing innovative local projects that benefit their communities.
2. BOLT Grant Program
The Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) Grant Program supports technical and social innovations that promote Internet connectivity.
3. Chapter Admin Funding
Provides annual funding to support Internet Society Chapters with day-to-day activities and organizational effectiveness.
4. Community-Centered Connectivity Grant Program
Supports organizations working to expand Internet access and increase adoption in digitally excluded communities, helping bridge the digital divide.
5. Common Good Cyber Fund
Launched in 2025, this fund aims to sustain nonprofit organizations strengthening the public-interest cybersecurity ecosystem.
6. Global Encryption Day Events
Supports community-led activities that celebrate and defend strong end-to-end encryption, which is important for a safe and trustworthy Internet.
7. Internet Governance Forum Events
Supports Internet Governance Forum events at local, national, regional and global levels, as well as Schools of Internet Governance. The programme promotes open and inclusive dialogue on Internet policy issues.
8. Research Grant Program
Supports global research collaborations that advance understanding of the Internet and its value to people and communities.
9. Resiliency Grant Program
Helps communities prepare for and reconnect to the Internet quickly after climate-related disasters.
10. SCILLS Grant Program
The Strengthening Communities/Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS) Grant Program supports initiatives that improve educational opportunities and economic growth by helping individuals and communities use the Internet more effectively.
11. Sustainable Peering Infrastructure
Supports local communities in building or enhancing Internet exchange points (IXPs) and developing organizations and communities involved in peering and interconnection.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the individual grant programme. Potential applicants may include nonprofit organizations, research teams, educators, developers, Internet Society Chapters and community-based organizations.
Before applying, review the specific programme’s eligibility criteria, geographic scope, funding priorities, application requirements and deadlines. The general funding areas page does not provide a single eligibility rule or funding amount applicable to every programme.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Internet Society Foundation website.
- Explore the available grant programmes.
- Select the programme that matches your project’s objectives.
- Review its eligibility criteria and application guidance.
- Prepare the required project proposal and supporting documents.
- Submit your application according to the programme’s instructions and deadline.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
You can also visit the specific programme pages linked above to review their objectives and application information.
Final Thoughts
The Internet Society Foundation offers funding opportunities across several areas of digital development, from expanding community connectivity to supporting cybersecurity, research and Internet governance.
Organizations should identify the programme that best matches their proposed activities and confirm whether applications are currently open before preparing a submission.
Note: Funding amounts, eligibility criteria and application deadlines vary by programme and should be confirmed on the official website.
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