The Internet Society Foundation is excited to announce that applications for its Sustainable Technical Communities (STC) funding program are now open. This program supports the organization of technical events designed to strengthen and sustain local and regional technical communities. These events are essential in building a more resilient and secure Internet through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaborative dialogue.
The STC funding program seeks to achieve four key objectives: fostering knowledge-sharing on Internet development and evolution, enhancing technical communities’ capacity to offer advice on Internet-related policies, increasing technical expertise through training and resources, and amplifying the Foundation’s mission by supporting impactful events. Funding can cover costs such as space rentals, catering, and outreach efforts to ensure diverse participation.
“Technical communities play a vital role in shaping the future of the Internet. This program is our way of empowering them to grow and thrive,” said Jenn Beard, Senior Program Officer at the Internet Society Foundation. “By supporting these gatherings, we are investing in the shared knowledge and collaborative efforts that strengthen the Internet’s core infrastructure.”
Eligible organizations can receive funding of up to USD $6,000, with one sponsorship available for local or national events and up to two for regional events. Examples of eligible initiatives include the launch of new technical communities, gatherings to discuss network design and deployment, and events sharing best practices in routing security. However, projects such as digital literacy training or policy discussions unrelated to the Internet’s technical infrastructure are not eligible under this program.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a clear need for the proposed event, outline expected outcomes aligned with the program objectives, and showcase their ability to execute the project successfully. Additionally, previously funded organizations must have completed all required reports to be considered for new funding. Applications must include a detailed agenda and be submitted at least 8-10 weeks before the event date to allow for review and administrative processing.
Interested organizations are invited to apply through the Internet Society Foundation’s online grant management platform. Only applications submitted online will be considered, so early and complete submissions are encouraged. Visit our website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and examples of supported projects.