Who is eligible to apply for Community Grant funds?

Only those Chapters and Individual/Global members of the Internet Society who are in good standing as of the date of application may apply.

Current Chapter applicants who are previous Community Grants award recipients and currently have a Project underway must have met all financial and reporting requirements for that past award. Otherwise, the current Chapter application will not be considered.

Previous Community Grants recipients awarded as Individual Members (instead of a Chapter award) may not have more than one Internet Society-funded Project open at one time. In order for a current application from an Individual Member to be considered, any previous non-Chapter Projects must be completed in full with appropriate reporting submitted.

What kinds of Projects are not eligible?

Individual research, such as PhD theses or dissertation work, are not supported.  Additionally, any Project that is for-profit and/or subject to taxation is not eligible.  Requests to fund the development of a specific kind of software are not eligible either as this may infer Internet Society has a bias toward one solution over another.

When does Internet Society accept applications for funding?

There are two application cycles held each calendar year, with awards announced around May and November.  Internet Society does not accept applications outside of the application dates and  application deadlines are strictly applied.

How do I apply?

The application is to be submitted via the Internet Society website within the application timeline (usually a one-month period). There is no limit to the number of Project proposals that may be submitted.

How is the application structured?

There is a brief online form that asks for basic contact and Project information (Project name, duration, a short abstract, amount of money you are requesting).  You must then complete and upload two documents: a Project Description document and a Budget.  Both of these documents are available at all times on the programme’s webpages.  The online form is only accessible during the cycle’s established dates.

Must my application be in English?

Applications should be in English. French or Spanish language will be accepted if English is not possible.

What is the maximum amount of funds I may apply for?

The maximum amount is US$10,000 and may change between rounds based on the amount of funds set aside in Internet Society’s budget as approved by the Board and/or remaining funds left over from a previous round.  This amount will be updated on the programme’s homepage prior to an application round opening.

Is there a matching funds requirement?

Yes, the matching funds requirement is 25% of the funds requested from Internet Society.  For example, if you are applying for US$10,000, you must have secured at least US$2,500. This contribution can include cash contributions or in-kind donations. In general, in- kind donations demonstrate a strong collaboration with partner organizations and are preferred over cash contributions. In-kind sources of funding are accepted, provided they are from other sources, rather than from the applicants themselves. Wherever possible, applicants should provide documentation to substantiate the contributions from other sources.

Why is there a matching funds requirement?

Matching funds show collaboration with partners and increase the Project’s sustainability after Internet Society’s funds are spent. In general, in-kind donations demonstrate a stronger collaboration with partner organizations and are preferred over cash contributions.

Who reviews my application?

All applications are evaluated by the Community Grants Programme Committee using the criteria to select the successful Projects.

Must I report on my Project if I am awarded funds?

Yes. The Project Leader of any funded project is required to make interim status reports to the Committee. Deadlines for the interim reports will be established by the Committee, based on the duration of the awarded Project and listed on your award documentation. A final report is required no later than 30 days after the conclusion of a Project.

Does Internet Society fund a Project twice, over time?

Yes, Internet Society has done so in the past but very rarely.  And the “new” award for the Project would be granted because the second application builds upon and grows from the successes of the earlier Project.  There must be growth and expansion (in some regard) in the new proposal for Internet Society to seriously consider awarding funds again.

If I am unsuccessful in winning an award, may I re-apply next round?

Yes. Unsuccessful applications for funding will not be carried forward for consideration to the next funding cycle. Applicants may, however, reapply.