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Internet Society Foundation

Grant Range
$20K - $0.5M
Decision Time
2mo

Internet Society Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 8-10 weeks (Beyond the Net program)
  • Grant Range: Up to $500,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Global, with specific country focus for some programs

Contact Details

  • Website: https://www.isocfoundation.org
  • Phone: 1-703-439-2120
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Address: 1551 Emancipation Highway #1506, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Overview

The Internet Society Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, operating with the vision that "The Internet is for Everyone." The Foundation champions ideas and enables communities to unlock the Internet's potential as a global technical infrastructure and resource to enrich people's lives. As the charitable arm of the Internet Society, the Foundation supports technical and social innovations that promote Internet connectivity, particularly focusing on underserved communities globally. Their mission emphasizes building a more inclusive digital future through strategic grant-making that addresses connectivity gaps, promotes digital skills, and strengthens Internet infrastructure worldwide.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Research Grant Program: Up to $200,000 (independent researchers) or $500,000 (organizations) - Supporting global research collaborations on Internet impact and development. Next call opens in 2026.

  • SCILLS (Strengthening Communities/Improving Lives and Livelihoods): Up to $300,000 for 30-month projects - Supporting economic inclusion and educational opportunities through Internet skills development in Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Indonesia, and Senegal. Invitation-only program.

  • Beyond the Net: Up to $55,000 total simultaneous grants - Supporting Internet Society Chapters for innovative local impact projects. Applications processed within 8-10 weeks.

  • BOLT (Building Opportunities & Leveraging Technology): Amount varies - Supporting technical and social innovations that promote Internet connectivity in underserved areas.

  • Resiliency Grant Program: Amount not specified - Helping communities prepare for and reconnect after climate-related disasters.

  • Emergency Response Grant Program: Amount not specified - Funding projects utilizing the Internet to improve lives during emergencies.

  • Chapter Admin Funding: Amount varies - Annual funding supporting chapter day-to-day activities.

  • Sustainable Peering Infrastructure: Amount not specified - Building or enhancing Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).

Priority Areas

  • Community-Centered Connectivity
  • Affordable and Reliable Access
  • Online Trust and Safety
  • Open and Trustworthy Internet
  • Digital inclusion for underserved communities
  • Internet infrastructure development
  • Research on Internet value and impact
  • Disaster preparedness and recovery

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly detailed, though programs have targeted focus areas and eligibility requirements that effectively limit scope.

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation emphasizes core values of boldness, integrity, commitment, and inclusivity in its operations. While specific board members and executives are not detailed in public materials, the organization maintains professional grant management through its Fluxx system and employs independent review committees for grant evaluation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Beyond the Net: Apply through Fluxx grants management system with 8-10 weeks processing time
  • SCILLS: Invitation-only program with applications due June 3, 2025
  • Research Grant Program: Currently closed, next call for proposals in 2026
  • Other programs: Application details vary by program, contact foundation for specific guidance

Decision Timeline

  • Beyond the Net: 8-10 weeks from submission
  • Other programs: Timeline varies, contact foundation for specific program timelines

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

For Beyond the Net program, chapters must have submitted all previous grant reports and not be in an election period to be eligible for new grants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's evaluation criteria and program requirements:

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with program objectives and Foundation mission
  • Show measurable impact through relevant key performance indicators
  • Build strong partnerships: Grants over $20,000 require external partnerships
  • Focus on underserved communities: The Foundation particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups
  • Provide technical specifications: Clearly justify equipment and technical approach appropriateness
  • Emphasize sustainability: Show how projects will continue beyond grant period
  • Document community relationships: Demonstrate existing connections and understanding of beneficiary communities
  • Use intersectional methodology: The Foundation values collaborative and inclusive approaches

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Foundation operates multiple specialized grant programs with varying amounts and eligibility criteria - carefully match your project to the appropriate program
  • Strong preference for projects serving underserved communities and addressing digital divides
  • Partnership requirements for larger grants signal the Foundation values collaborative approaches
  • Invitation-only programs like SCILLS suggest relationship-building is important for accessing certain funding streams
  • Technical projects should clearly demonstrate innovation and scalability potential
  • The Foundation's core values (bold, integrity, commitment, inclusivity) should be reflected in applications
  • Consider timing applications carefully as some programs like Research Grants have multi-year cycles

References

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