The Future of the Internet: Insights from Our Research Grant Partners

23 December 2024
Group photo of grantees from the Research Program in Berkeley University

Our Research Grant Program supports global initiatives focused on enhancing our understanding of the Internet and its value to everyone. The “Future of the Internet” interview series showcases innovative ideas contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable digital future. Through these conversations, we share stories from our research grant partners who are addressing some…

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Digital privacy: Researchers develop a tool that enables apps collect less user data 

2 December 2024
An illustrative photo of a woman with a cellphone to show Identification and privacy in context of modern digital technologies.

Privacy concerns remain at the forefront of online interactions in today’s digital landscape. Applications and websites, in their quest to understand user behavior, often gather vast amounts of personal data. But what if there were a way to collect important metrics without compromising user privacy? Divvi Up is a project by the Internet Security Research…

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What’s the Gender Digital Divide? 

30 October 2024
Sonia Jorge speaks in a meeting with other research grantees

By Gustavo Streger The gender digital divide refers to the significant gap or inequalities between men’s and women’s access to and use of Information and communication technologies (ICTs). This gap is driven by various factors, including economic inequalities, limited access to devices, insufficient Internet connectivity, cultural barriers, and a lack of digital skills, among others.…

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What is Indigenous Connectivity? Overcoming Barriers to Internet Access

24 October 2024
Three indigenous members smiling while looking at a cellphone

Indigenous populations, especially those in remote areas, have historically struggled with limited or no access to reliable and affordable Internet. This lack of connectivity not only hinders communication but exacerbates social and economic inequalities. Several key factors contribute to these challenges, according to an article published by the Internet Society and written by Sharayah Lane:…

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The Internet Society Foundation Commits USD $3 Million to Promote Educational and Economic Inclusion in Six Countries 

18 September 2024
Young women around a computer in Patna, Bihar, India

The Internet Society Foundation is delighted to announce grant funding to 13 projects in six countries to promote educational and economic opportunities through more knowledgeable and skillful Internet use. In its fifth year of operation, the Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS) program continues to support organizations with strong relationships with the communities they serve…

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What is the role of the Internet in natural disasters and emergencies?  

16 July 2024
Man in front of ruined house

In today’s world, the growing risk of natural and climate-related disasters is causing more and more disruption to people’s lives. These disasters often lead to loss of Internet connectivity, leaving individuals isolated from their loved ones and from vital information during times of crisis.  Using the Internet to support resiliency and disaster management has become…

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Announcing the 2024 BOLT Grant Program: Empowering Innovation for Global Internet Access 

2 July 2024
Two people lighting candles at a gathering for SOLE Colombia

The Internet Society Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 edition of our Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) Grant Program. This initiative is designed to support teams of innovators dedicated to improving Internet access and connectivity in unconnected or underserved communities worldwide.  The BOLT Grant Program focuses on developing access and connectivity solutions…

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Internet Society Foundation Appoints Chris Locke as New Executive Vice President and Managing Director

1 July 2024

Washington, DC, 1 July 2024— The Internet Society Foundation today announced the appointment of Chris Locke as the new Executive Vice President (EVP) and Managing Director. In this role, he will oversee the strategic vision and provide programmatic, financial, and operational leadership for the Foundation, which focuses on funding initiatives that strengthen the Internet in…

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New round of funding awarded for building and expanding Internet connectivity 

28 June 2024
Kids in front of a computer

We are pleased to announce 10 new grantees in the 2024 Connecting the Unconnected funding program. This program supports communities and organizations working to build and expand Internet infrastructure in rural, remote, and low-income communities with the goal of connecting people to the Internet through community networks, municipal networks, cooperatives, and other forms of complementary…

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Announcing new round of funding to promote Internet resiliency in disaster response 

11 June 2024
A city impacted by a natural disaster

We are thrilled to announce a new round of funding for our Resiliency Grant Program, which supports projects that ensure local communities are prepared to deploy, maintain, and repair Internet infrastructure and restore connectivity in areas affected by natural disasters.  Grants ranging from USD $250,000 to $500,000 will be awarded for projects lasting up to…

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