The Internet Society Foundation Opens Funding Applications for IGFs and SIGs
The Internet Society Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of its Internet Governance Forum Events Grant program (IGF) for recognized National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) and Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs). This effort is designed to financially support the organizing of these forums, whose central purpose is to foster inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on Internet governance, helping communities establish a fairer and enduring digital future. Our overall objective is to reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the Internet to effectively serve everyone.
The core aims of the IGF funding are to promote open discussions on critical Internet matters, cultivate future leaders with the expertise to affect policy, and advance the Foundation’s mission by ensuring impactful outcomes from events. The program operates on the belief that open dialogue and accessible learning spaces generate perspective sharing and consensus building. Funding can be utilized for activities such as event organization, hosting fees, and crucial outreach to ensure diverse participation. By strengthening NRIs and SIGs, the Foundation works toward its Long-Term Strategic Impact of achieving universal connectivity and a safe and secure Internet.
The Foundation emphasizes the program’s crucial role by stating: “We believe that inclusive and diverse Internet governance is crucial to a thriving digital society. This funding program helps ensure that local and regional voices are not only heard but have the tools to contribute meaningfully to Internet governance discussions and decisions,” said Jenn Beard, Senior Program Officer at the Internet Society Foundation.
Eligible groups can request up to $25,000 in sponsorship, based on the event’s geographical scope. To maintain accountability and a transparent process, applicants are required to provide detailed budgets and adhere to established reporting standards set by the Foundation and the IGF Secretariat.
The program seeks organizations directly involved in planning recognized NRIs or SIGs, with special consideration given to Internet Society Chapters. To allow adequate review time, proposals must be submitted at least 8-10 weeks prior to the scheduled event dates. Given that funding is typically exhausted annually by the third quarter, prompt submission is highly recommended. The demonstrated success of these initiatives highlights their contributions to several key areas, including: Policy Influence and Legislative Engagement by providing new knowledge that influences digital policy work, fostering strong Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration through consensus-based processes, and prioritizing Inclusion and Accessibility for women, people living with disabilities, youth, and marginalized groups.
To apply, visit the Foundation’s grant management platform, Fluxx. First-time applicants will need to register on the platform and provide at least two points of contact for their organization. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, so please ensure all requirements are met before submission.
Take this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of Internet governance. Visit our website to learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and the application process.