The Internet Society Foundation’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF) funding programme supports the organization of IGF events at the local, national, regional and global levels, as well as Schools of Internet Governance. The goal of the IGF is to encourage an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue on policy issues related to Internet governance. The goal of Schools of Internet Governance is to ensure that diverse actors have the skills to participate in Internet governance structures and shape the future of the Internet.
Programme Objectives
- Contribute to the development of an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue on Internet governance issues
- Provide opportunities for local, national and regional groups to convene IGFs focused on issues faced by a city, town or country and help people to bring solutions forward to a global level
- Support the development of a cadre of future Internet governance leaders, with the skills and knowledge to positively shape the future of the Internet
- Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society’s and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission through policy discussion and follow-on actions from IGF events
Focus Areas
The Internet Society Foundation, believes in an open, globally-connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for all that positively impacts humanity. IGF events pursue this mission by leveraging multi-stakeholder engagement to work towards these ends.
The Foundation therefore funds the organization of IGFs at the local, national, regional and global levels. This funding could include: covering the costs of IGF Secretariat activities; costs associated with hosting the IGF (space rental, catering); and/or costs associated with encouraging diverse participation (publicity, outreach).
The Foundation also funds the organization of Schools of Internet Governance. This funding could include: covering the costs of organizing the Schools; the costs associated with running the Schools; and/or hosting students (staff time, space rental, catering).
Please note that the Internet Society Foundation will not consider requests for fellowships programmes, events on the topic of Internet governance that are not IGFs, national Schools of Internet Governance or travel costs to attend IGFs. The IGF Youth Ambassadors programme continues to be funded by ISOC.
Eligibility
IGF and Schools of Internet Governance funding is available to organizations who are directly involved in the organization of a local, national or regional IGF, or the organization of a School of Internet Governance.
In addition, in order to receive Internet Society Foundation funding, organizations must have an official bank account in their name (based on their legal registration), demonstrate openness in their organizational processes, as well as a balanced agenda.
Application Review Process
Applications are reviewed by Internet Society Foundation Staff to determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements and are aligned with the focus areas. If the application is eligible for funding (see “Eligibility” section above), the applicant will be contacted and payment transferred to the appropriate organization.
Funding
One grant is available per organization on an annual basis (per calendar year) at a maximum of USD $10,000 per grant. If organizations have received funding through the Internet Society to organize an IGF in previous years, funding is anticipated to remain at similar levels moving forward.
Please note: IGF events (local, national or regional) and regional Schools of Internet Governance will only be funded through one application. Applicants are therefore asked to coordinate with other organizers to ensure only one application is submitted per event.
Application Deadline
Applications for 2020 IGF events and Schools of Internet Governance funding will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout 2020.
Once received, applications require a minimum of two weeks to be reviewed before funding decisions will be shared. Events scheduled to take place within two weeks of receiving the application will not be considered.
How To Apply
There are two different application processes for IGFs and Schools of Internet Governance depending on the type of event:
- Regional IGFs and Regional Schools of Internet Governance applications must be submitted online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IGF_Event_Funding_Request
- Local and National IGFs and National Schools of Internet Governance applications must be submitted by ISOC Chapters through the Beyond the Net Small grants programme.
(If the IGF event is scheduled prior to 1st May 2020 or if there is no ISOC Chapter in the country, please contact Brittany Piovesan, Programme Officer for Chapter and SCILLS Grants).
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 Brittany Piovesan, Programme Officer for Chapter and SCILLS Grants.
