Application Status

Grant Deadline

23 April 2026

Sustainable Peering Infrastructure Grant Program

Program Overview

The Internet Society works to improve local peering and interconnection infrastructure around the world. Currently, areas without sufficient peering infrastructure face slower access, unreliable connections, and higher costs.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) create shorter, more direct routes for Internet traffic; improve the end-user experience; and lower access costs. This increases the affordability, reliability, and accessibility of Internet connectivity.

The Internet Society Foundation’s Sustainable Peering Infrastructure (SPI) Grant Program aims to support building sustainable, community-led IXPs in places where they are needed; enhance existing IXPs to realize their full potential; and further develop organizations and communities that support peering and interconnection. As part of our 2030 Strategy, the grant program will focus on projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Program Objectives

Improve Internet performance, reducing dependency on costly international transit, and making connectivity more affordable and reliable
Provide support to establish new IXPs and enhance existing IXPs to ensure their long-term sustainability
Provide support to strengthen the peering ecosystem that supports improved peering and interconnection

Funding

The SPI Grant Program welcomes eligible organizations to apply to one of the two funding types: IXP Operational Support or Peering Ecosystem Support. While applications from any eligible organization are welcome, a strong preference will be given to applications from United Nations-recognized Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

IXP Operational Support: Up to USD $50,000 to establish new IXPs in markets where they are needed or enhance existing IXPs where additional capacity would help the IXP realize its full potential in the Internet ecosystem.
Peering Ecosystem Support: Up to USD $25,000 to strengthen the peering ecosystem by supporting organizations and systems that improve interconnection through capacity building, training, and community building

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant:

Be a legally registered organization in their country with an official bank account in their name that can receive funds from a foundation based in the United States
Be well-positioned to implement the project in terms of successfulexperience managing similar work, technical skills of staff and/or partners, and other strengths and capacities
For IXP Support proposals, the proposed IXPs must be publicly beneficial, neutral, and not-for-profit

Selection Criteria

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applications will be reviewed by internal and independent external reviewers using the following selection criteria:

The proposed project supports the overall objectives of the SPI grant program
The applicant and any partners demonstrate the necessary knowledge, relationships, and experience to accomplish the project goals
The project’s goals, outcomes, key milestones, and workplan are clearly defined and align with each other

1. IXP Support applications must include:

Clear responses to all application questions
Completed Budget, Workplan, and Equipment Request (template provided)
Completed IXP Servers and Networking Equipment form (template provided)
Network Diagram (for existing IXPs only)
At least 2 quotes from vendors for proposed equipment
Any letters or documentation that demonstrate community interest and/or the need for the project
Availability of a neutral location to host the IXP and the involvement of a multistakeholder community
Agreement to run the IXP as open and nonprofit

2. Peering Ecosystem Support applications must include:

Clear responses to all application questions
Completed Budget, Workplan, and Equipment Request (template provided)
At least 1 letter or document that demonstrates community interest and/or the need for the project

Timeframe

Applications will be accepted from 3 March 2026 to 21:00 UTC on 23 April 2026. If there is funding remaining, a second application window will be launched later in 2026.

Applications are reviewed by the Internet Society, the Internet Society Foundation, and external experts to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements and are aligned with the focus areas. Please note that this process could take up to fourteen (14) weeks.

How to Apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to register their organization in the Foundation’s grants managements system (Fluxx) prior to the application window opening. Applications must be registered in Fluxx prior to the deadline to be considered for funding. No e-mail submissions will be accepted.

Applications may be submitted in English, French, or Spanish. Incomplete submissions that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be considered (see “Eligibility” section above).

Guideline for use of generative AI tools in preparing grant applications

While the use of generative AI tools to support the preparation of grant applications is allowed, these tools should serve as supportive resources only.

Applicants are expected to use their own words and ideas to build a proposal that accurately represents their experience, expertise, and project vision. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that all information in their application is accurate, true, and relevant to their proposed project and program they are applying for.

When using public AI tools, avoid entering confidential, individualized, or sensitive information about staff, partners or participants, and ensure that your use of these tools aligns with all applicable data protection laws, regulations, and policies.

Apply

Helpful Resources

Internet Society’s IXP page
Internet Society’s Community-Driven IXPs report
Info sessions to learn more about this program (available soon)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of eligible project expenses? Eligible project expenses include purchasing IXP equipment; reasonable operational, governance, and business development costs; technical, policy, and best practice capacity-building and workshops.

What if I am not from an LDC/SIDS? While applications from any organization are welcome, a strong preference will be given to applications from United Nations-recognized Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

What is required if I become a grantee? All grantees must submit regular reporting to the Foundation. Reports are due approximately every six months, and a final report is due one month after the project is completed. By agreeing to become a grantee, you consent to Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation to include information about your grant in periodic public reports, websites, press releases, speeches, newsletters, and other public disclosures.

Questions

If you have any further questions about this program or the application process, please email [email protected], indicating that you are interested in the Sustainable Peering Infrastructure Program. If you have specific questions about peering, contact the Internet Society IXP team at [email protected]

Due to limited staff capacity, we cannot guarantee a response to questions about the program or the application process received within the last 24 hours of the application window. We cannot provide individualized application guidance during the application window.

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