Research Grant Program
Funds global, open research to advance Internet access, sustainability, meaningful connectivity, and trustworthiness in four key thematic areas.
Funder: Internet Society Foundation
Due Dates: April 7, 2026 (applications open) | May 22, 2026 (full application deadline, 21:00 UTC)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 for individuals; up to $500,000 for organizations; project duration up to 24 months.
Summary: Supports global research advancing Internet access, sustainability, meaningful connectivity, and trustworthiness in four thematic areas, prioritizing open and applied research.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via Fluxx; registration required at least 24 hours before deadline.
Description
The Internet Society Foundation’s Research Grant Program funds global research collaborations that advance understanding of the Internet and its value for all. The program aims to foster innovative, applied, and openly accessible research aligned with the Foundation’s 2030 strategic objectives. Research should address real-world questions and be openly published for the scientific community at no cost. Supported projects must align with at least one of four thematic areas:
- Inclusive Internet: Researching barriers and solutions to equitable and affordable Internet access for all, addressing digital divides based on geography, income, gender, and other factors.
- Greening the Internet: Investigating the environmental impacts of Internet infrastructure and developing solutions for climate resilience and sustainability.
- Measuring Meaningful Connectivity: Developing frameworks and methodologies to assess the quality and depth of Internet connectivity, beyond basic access.
- A Trustworthy Internet: Examining risks, threats, and solutions to ensure the Internet remains open, reliable, and secure for all users.
Projects must be applied in nature, collaborative, and intersectional, with a clear potential to inform decision-making in government or industry.
