Grantmaking Areas
We support the global Internet community – researchers, developers, nonprofits, educators, local organizations and more – through the following grant programs:
The Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) Grant Program supports technical and social innovations that promote Internet connectivity.
The Resiliency Grant Program provides support for communities to be prepared for and reconnect to the Internet quickly after climate-related disasters strike.
The Research Grant Program supports global research collaborations that advance understanding of the Internet and its value for all.
The Strengthening Communities/Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS) Grant Program expands economic growth and increases educational opportunities by supporting individuals and communities to more knowledgeably and skillfully use the Internet.
The Connecting the Unconnected funding program supports communities and local organizations working to build and expand Internet infrastructure for people living in rural, remote, and low-income areas.
Sustainable Peering Infrastructure
The Sustainable Peering Infrastructure funding program supports local communities to build IXPs that make the Internet faster and more affordable.
Sustainable Technical Communities
The Sustainable Technical Communities funding program supports the organization of technical events, in order to enable strong and sustainable technical communities that help the Internet thrive.
Beyond the Net Large Grant Program
The Beyond the Net Large Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement innovative projects that make a local impact.
Beyond the Net Small Grant Program
The Beyond the Net Small Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement short-term projects.
Chapter Admin Funding
The Chapter Admin Funding program offers annual funding to support Internet Society chapters to manage their day-to-day activities and to maximise their effectiveness.
Internet Governance Forum Events
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) funding program supports the organization of IGF events at the local, national, regional and global levels, as well as Schools of Internet Governance. The goal of the IGF is to encourage an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue on policy issues related to Internet governance. The goal of Schools of Internet Governance is to ensure that diverse actors have the skills to participate in Internet governance structures and shape the future of the Internet.
This funding supports efforts to defend strong encryption through the annual Global Encryption Day and other events. Learn how you can apply for funding for activities that support and celebrate Global Encryption Day 2023.
Foundation Facts
Since its launch in 2020, the Philanthropy function of the Internet Society Foundation has supported 800 grantees in nearly 90 countries across six continents. The Foundation awarded USD $18,388,172 in funding in 2023.
(data above current as of June 2024).