Beyond the Net Grant Program
Beyond the Net Grant Program supports Internet Society chapters’ local connectivity, research, and online safety projects to expand meaningful access to an open, trusted, globally connected Internet.
This grant was recently updated
Previously closed, applications will open 5 January 2027 and close 26 August 2027, or earlier if funds expire. Eligibility now requires requested report updates and closure of completed grants in good standing; research and innovation projects are newly supported, and community-connectivity scope and application routes also changed.
Funder: Internet Society Foundation
Due Dates: January 5, 2027 (Applications open) | August 26, 2027 (Applications close, or earlier if funds expire)
Funding Amounts: Up to USD $55,000 across two simultaneous grants; projects up to 24 months
Summary: Supports Internet Society chapters’ local connectivity, research, and online safety projects that expand meaningful access to an open, trusted, globally connected Internet.
Key Information: Only Internet Society chapters may apply; grants exceeding USD $20,000 require an external implementation partner.
Description
The Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program supports Internet Society chapters implementing innovative projects with local impact. It aims to strengthen chapters’ presence in their communities, extend the Internet Society and Foundation’s mission through complementary local activities, and develop or strengthen local partnerships.
Supported work includes community-centered connectivity for digitally excluded communities, research and development supporting an open and safe Internet, and affordable, resilient access through local interconnection infrastructure such as Internet exchange points. The program also supports online safety skills for recently connected people and education for policymakers, courts, decision makers, and businesses about threats to an open Internet, fundamental rights, user well-being, and trust in digital technologies.
