Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods: The Internet Society Foundation Launches SCILLS Thumbnail
About Internet Society 9 June 2020

Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods: The Internet Society Foundation Launches SCILLS

By Mabel GundaCommunications Manager, Internet Society Foundation

When people connect to the Internet, they can change the world for the better. And so many people have done just that, using this transformative technology to make strides in education, economic opportunity, and health outcomes. But Internet access is only part of the equation. There’s now a different kind of divide: the gap between those who have the knowledge and skills to use the Internet to empower themselves and their communities – and those who don’t.

To address this gap, the Internet Society Foundation is launching SCILLS: Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods. The program aims to expand economic growth, improve health outcomes, and increase educational opportunities – by supporting communities to more knowledgeably and skillfully use the Internet.


Are you working to close this gap? The Internet Society Foundation wants to hear from you!

In its pilot year, the program is open to eligible organizations in Bangladesh, Colombia, and Senegal, with expansion to additional countries planned in coming years. It provides grants of up to $150,000 USD for projects lasting up to 24 months. Applications are open between 9 June and 3 July, and grantees will be announced in early September.

The Internet is for everyone – a critical lifeline that can uplift communities. But only if we bridge the knowledge gap and equip more people to make the most of this powerful tool.


Learn more and apply!



Image ©Paula Bronstein/Getty Images via Images of Empowerment

Disclaimer: Viewpoints expressed in this post are those of the author and may or may not reflect official Internet Society positions.

Related Posts

About Internet Society 5 August 2026

Adaptability and Resilience: Q&A with New Board Chair Brian Haberman

Get to know Brian Haberman, the newest chair of the Internet Society Board of Trustees.

About Internet Society 24 July 2026

Carrying the Light of the Internet Forward: A Farewell Message from Board Chair Ted Hardie

Ted Hardie, chair of our Board of Trustees, spoke to Internet Society and Foundation staff on 14 May 2026....

About Internet Society 9 April 2026

Final Results of the 2026 Internet Society Board of Trustees Elections and IETF Selections

The Internet Society Elections Committee is pleased to announce the final results of the 2026 elections and the IETF selections for the...