Global Encryption Day Events

The Internet Society Foundation’s Global Encryption Day Events funding supports community-led activities that celebrate and defend strong end-to-end encryption, a core building block for a safe and trustworthy Internet. Each year, Global Encryption Day is held on 21 October and brings civil society, technologists, businesses, and Internet users together to promote, protect, and defend strong encryption.

Please review this program description carefully. Program details (including timing, eligibility requirements, and application steps) may be updated each year.

Program Objectives

• Support efforts that promote and defend strong end-to-end encryption as a practical safeguard for people and communities online.
• Strengthen public understanding of why encryption matters for privacy, security, and trust in the digital environment.
• Build momentum around Global Encryption Day by helping local and regional organizers convene their communities, elevate local perspectives, and amplify the Day’s policy message calling on governments to protect and strengthen encryption and avoid measures that would weaken it and undermine Internet safety.

Focus Areas

The Foundation funds activities that support and celebrate Global Encryption Day, including events and convenings that:

• Encourage adoption and use of end-to-end encrypted tools and services.
• Help communities understand the real-world risks of policy proposals that undermine encryption.
• Bring together stakeholders (civil society, technical community, policymakers, educators, journalists, and others) to discuss how strong encryption protects people in uncertain times.

Eligibility

This funding is intended for organizations planning an activity that aligns with Global Encryption Day and the Global Encryption Coalition’s goals and messaging.

Please take note of the following elements that are required for eligibility:

• Applicants must be individuals or organizations that are Global Encryption Coalition members as of 22 June 2026.
• Activities should be scheduled around Global Encryption Day (21 October) and must include programming during the period specified in the annual call. Events may be held up to four weeks before or four weeks after 21 October, recognizing that meaningful engagement often extends beyond a single day.
• Applicants should demonstrate attention to localization, accessibility, and inclusion needs in their proposed activities. This includes the production of materials and the delivery of content in local languages and use of captioning and/or interpretation services. See notes on Accessibility below.
• Grants are limited to one per organization per cycle.
• Applicants must have an official bank account that can receive funds from a U.S. entity in the name of the applying organization.
• Grantees must agree to basic reporting requirements through the Foundation’s grant management system (Fluxx).
• Grantees are generally expected to consent to having the event listed on the Global Encryption Coalition master calendar, unless the event is closed/private.

Application Review Process

Applications are reviewed by Internet Society Foundation staff to determine whether they meet eligibility requirements and are aligned with the program’s focus area.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria against which eligible applications are reviewed includes:

• The proposed activities support the program objectives and align with Global Encryption Day.
• The proposed activity meets the eligibility requirements described in the annual call.
• The applicant demonstrates the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out the activity as proposed.
• If previously funded, the applicant has successfully completed required reporting in a timely manner.

Priority may be given to activities in settings where encryption is an active public or policy issue, and where the event can contribute constructively to local dialogue.

Funding

For the 2026 cycle, the Internet Society Foundation intends to provide 22 to 28 grants, of USD $3,000 each, on average.

Accessibility

The Internet Society Foundation is committed to supporting events that encourage broad and equitable participation. Organizers are encouraged to plan for accessibility and inclusion from the start, and to request additional support where it will materially improve participation and access. This includes things like translation and interpretation, physical or visual accessibility, support or stipends for participants financially excluded from these types of events (e.g. childcare costs, etc.).

Reporting

Within four weeks after the event, grantees are required to submit narrative and budget reports through Fluxx. Reports typically include an event summary, participation/attendance information, and relevant highlights (for example, quotes, links, or other documentation).

Helpful Resources

• 2025 Global Encryption Day events
• ISOC’s Encryption resources

Questions?

If you have questions about this program or the application process, please email [email protected].

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