The Internet Society Foundation is thrilled to reveal the newest round of funding through the Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) Grant Program. This year, we are proud to support nine groundbreaking initiatives across various countries, each working to promote Internet access and connectivity for communities worldwide.
Since its inception in 2021, the BOLT program has empowered teams of creatives, technologists, and researchers to develop innovative pilots, prototypes, and projects that address connectivity gaps, particularly in regions where existing Internet infrastructure is either limited or absent.
This year, the projects showcase a diverse range of strategies to bridge the digital divide, from deploying cutting-edge technology in remote and underserved regions to empowering local communities with digital skills and infrastructure. Across continents, these initiatives highlight the transformative potential of connectivity: from the Amazon’s Indigenous women-led networks to rural broadband solutions in Uganda, solar-powered kiosks in Senegal, and community-driven Wi-Fi hotspots in Nepal.
BOLT Program 2024 Awardees
The Mawingu Foundation – Kenya– $288,581
The Mawingu Foundation, in close collaboration with the Mawingu Networks, will bridge digital divide through innovative and holistic digital inclusion model that provides affordable and reliable Internet connectivity to rural Community Anchor Institutions and is supplemented with digital skilling and device provisions.
Tech Soup in partnership with Equitable Origin – Peru and Ecuador– $299,801
With support from Tech Soup, Equitable Origin will tackle digital and gender gap in the Amazon by closely working with 5 Indigenous Womens’ Associations in the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon. Equitable Origin will deploy IEEE award-winning community-led connectivity and capacity building model proven through 10 deployments in Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.
iNethi – South Africa– $299,560
iNethi team will develop locally owned cellular infrastructure integrated with existing WiFi hotspots, empowering a community-based ISP to deliver full broadband coverage to smartphones. This initiative will demonstrate the value of incorporating community cellular into community-centered networks to provide meaningful connectivity.
Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter – Zimbabwe– $153,768
Mytel Community Broadband Network Initiative will provide equitable Internet connectivity in Zimbabwe by building community broadband networks in underserved rural communities throughout Zimbabwe using volunteers in the local beneficiary community, who are also trained to maintain the network. The initiative also provides basic ICT skills training to beneficiaries in the community, and software solutions to local businesses, schools and clinics to help further increase their productivity and operations.
Technology for All – Nepal– $199,315
Technology for All’s “Connect My Village” initiative will address the lack of reliable Internet connectivity by installing a total of 25 public Wi-Fi hotspots across five communities in the Shankharapur and Melamchi municipalities of Nepal.
ElleSolaire – Senegal– $299,483
ElleSolaire team will install solar-battery paneled Kiosks in public places in villages of Senegal to provide access to energy, access to the Internet and access to thematic training to support beneficiary populations in the creation of replicable and viable income-generating activities.
Women of Uganda Network – Uganda – $198,911
WOUGNET will pilot a Rural Connectivity Broadband model in Oyam District, Northern Uganda, to provide safe, free Internet through wireless access points at schools, hospitals, markets, local offices, and farmer groups. Additionally, ICT Digital Empowerment Centers will offer access to digital tools such as computers and smartphones, while the project plans to enhance rural communities’ digital skills through comprehensive literacy training.
Jangala Communications Systems 2 LTD (Global) – Global– $289,270
Jangala’s technology is designed to provide Internet connectivity in the most challenging contexts. Through this project, the Jangala team will test and refine the scalability of their Wi-Fi-enabling Big Box technology. The project will lay the groundwork for significantly increasing the number of Big Box deployments annually, bringing Internet access to those who need it most.
Kenya Education Network – Kenya – $300,000
Kenya Education Network will build upon the successes and lessons learned from BOLT Phase 1 to expand Internet connectivity to 28 new beneficiary institutions. These institutions include secondary schools, hospitals, libraries, and technical training institutes, selected to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to online resources for education and healthcare.
The Internet Society Foundation remains dedicated to breaking down barriers that limit Internet access around the globe. With nearly a third of the world still disconnected, our grants partners have innovative and sustainable strategies that bring more people online, fostering connectivity and opportunity.
8 January 2025