Application Status

Grant Deadline

5 June 2020


Target audience

Internet Society Chapters and SIGs

Beyond the Net Large Grants are specifically for Internet Society Chapters and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) with innovative ideas that contribute to the empowerment of people through projects that make a local impact by providing meaningful access to an open, trusted, and globally-connected Internet.

Programme Objectives

  • Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities
  • Contribute to the development of the Chapter and local community
  • Engage members and Chapter leadership around a common activity
  • Develop new or strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

At the Internet Society Foundation, we believe in an open, globally-connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for all that produces a positively impacts humanity. The Internet Society Chapters and SIGs help to achieve this goal at the local level by developing initiatives within one of the following focus areas:

Strengthening the Internet

Growing the Internet

The Internet Society Foundation may fund projects outside of the focus areas listed above. Such exceptions could include a Chapter or SIG having previously been funded to implement projects outside of these funding areas and can demonstrate the value of continuing this work.  Or a Chapter or SIG can demonstrate strong local need. Strong local need could include an urgent legislative proposal or the Chapter’s unique ability to work with an underserved community. In all instances, projects must support the overall mission of the Internet Society Foundation. 

Eligibility

Beyond the Net Large Grants are available to the Internet Society Chapter and SIGs only. Chapters and SIGs must also meet the following criteria:

  • Be in good standing (or pre-rejuvenation – on a case by case basis) and meet the minimum Chapter/SIG standards as outlined in the Chapter’s Charter.
  • Have an official bank account in their name (based on their legal registration) in order to receive Internet Society Foundation funds.
  • Are not undergoing a rejuvenation process.
  • Have submitted required funding reports from previous years.
  • Chapters and SIGs may only receive one Large grant per calendar year.

Any applications that do not meet the above requirements will automatically be disqualified from receiving funding.

Application Review Process

The Beyond the Net Large Grants Selection Committee is responsible for the review, evaluation, and selection of applications, in accordance with the approved selection criteria, in a manner that reflects the values and mission of the Internet Society.

The members of the 2020 Selection Committee will be selected by 28 February, 2020

Funding

One Large grant is available per Chapter or SIG in good standing at a time. Chapters and SIGs must have successfully completed all reporting for previous projects before being eligible to receive further Beyond the Net Large Grant funding. 

Grants of up to USD $30,000 will be awarded for projects lasting up to 24 months. 

Application Deadline

The 2020 Beyond the Net Large Grants funding cycle will take place as follow:

  • Round 1
    • Applications accepted: Week of 13 April to 5 June, 2020
    • Decisions will be shared the week of 6 July, 2020
    • Projects can be implemented beginning 13 July, 2020 
  • Round 2
    • Applications accepted: 5 October to 31 December, 2020
    • Decisions will be shared the week of 21 February, 2021
    • Projects can be implemented beginning 8 February, 2021 

How To Apply

Applications must be completed and submitted online based on the above funding cycle. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be considered (see “Eligibility” section above). 

Questions?

If you have questions about this programme or the application process, please email Beyond_the_Net@isocfoundation.org.