Beyond the Net Grants support Internet Society Chapters with funding for projects focused on connectivity, online trust, Internet access and local community impact.
The Internet Society Foundation Beyond the Net Grant Program provides funding to eligible Internet Society Chapters implementing innovative projects that create local impact and help expand access to an open, trusted and globally connected Internet. The programme also supports stronger relationships between Chapters and their local communities.
Application status: Closed. The Foundation’s current page states that Beyond the Net Grants are open to Internet Society Chapters, with applicants required to be registered in the Foundation’s Fluxx grants management system at least 24 hours before the application deadline.
Beyond the Net Grants Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Internet Society Foundation |
| Programme | Beyond the Net Grant Program |
| Target applicants | Internet Society Chapters |
| Status | Closed |
| Main purpose | Local Internet and community-impact projects |
| Funding limit | Up to USD 55,000 in simultaneous BtN grants |
| Key areas | Connectivity, affordable access, online trust and safety, open and trustworthy Internet |
| Application system | Fluxx |
| Application deadline | Closed on the supplied page |
What the Beyond the Net Grant Program Supports
The programme funds projects that strengthen the Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation mission through complementary local activities.
It also seeks to help Chapters develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.
Projects can focus on one or more of four thematic areas.
Community-Centered Connectivity
Projects can support unconnected and under-connected communities through sustainable connectivity solutions and training on productive Internet use.
Affordable and Reliable Access
Funding can support projects designed to make Internet access more affordable and resilient, including work supporting local Internet interconnection infrastructure.
Online Trust and Safety
Projects can help recently connected people develop the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their communities online.
Open and Trustworthy Internet
Projects may focus on education and engagement around an open and accessible Internet, fundamental rights, user wellbeing and trust in digital technologies.
Who Can Apply?
Beyond the Net Grants are available to Internet Society Chapters that meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must generally:
- Be in good standing or meet the applicable pre-rejuvenation criteria.
- Have an official bank account in the Chapter’s legal name.
- Not be undergoing a rejuvenation process.
- Have submitted required reports for previous Internet Society Foundation-funded projects.
- Not be in an election period.
A Chapter can manage a maximum of two simultaneous Beyond the Net grants, with a combined maximum of USD 55,000. Chapters seeking to manage more than USD 35,000 must also have successfully managed a single Internet Society Foundation grant of at least USD 20,000 within the previous three years.
Funding and Project Requirements
Applications should allow sufficient processing time. The Foundation states that applications require at least eight to ten weeks from the proposed project start date and that proposals submitted less than eight weeks in advance will be declined immediately.
Funding cannot be used for expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed. Projects exceeding USD 20,000 must run for at least six months and should not exceed 24 months.
For grants above USD 20,000, the proposed project must involve at least one external partner, such as a local nonprofit, business, university or another Internet Society Chapter, with partnership documentation included in the application.
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted online through the Internet Society Foundation’s Fluxx Grants Management System.
The required application materials include a:
- Budget
- Workplan
- Equipment request form or equipment tab, where applicable
The Foundation also provides a 3-Tab Budget Report Template for grant reporting.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The Foundation evaluates proposals against criteria including alignment with the Beyond the Net programme objectives, clear objectives and key performance indicators, a realistic workplan, community and collaborator relationships, and appropriate technical specifications and equipment.
Projects requesting USD 20,000 or more are subsequently reviewed by the Beyond the Net Selection Committee.
Application Deadline
The supplied Internet Society Foundation page currently lists the Beyond the Net Grant Program as closed. Applicants should wait for a future funding round and check the official Foundation page for the next application period.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s official grants management system, Fluxx, when the programme is accepting applications.
Internet Society Foundation Beyond the Net Grants – Official Page
Important Restrictions
Beyond the Net funding cannot be used for certain activities. The Foundation specifically prohibits lobbying, bribes and gifts, meals or entertainment above USD 25, subject to the stated rules and applicable regulations.
Projects involving multiple Chapters can have a lead applicant, but the lead Chapter assumes responsibility for grant reporting and the overall project. Domestic and international travel for collaboration with other Chapters is generally not permissible under the programme.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Beyond the Net Grant Program is structured specifically for Internet Society Chapters, rather than individual applicants or general nonprofit organisations.
Its funding areas cover practical community connectivity, affordable Internet access, online safety and efforts supporting an open and trustworthy Internet. Applicants must also meet detailed financial, reporting, project design and compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Beyond the Net Grants?
The programme is open to eligible Internet Society Chapters.
Is the Beyond the Net Grant Program currently open?
No. The supplied Foundation page lists the application status as Closed.
How much can a Chapter receive?
A Chapter can manage up to two simultaneous Beyond the Net grants, with a combined maximum of USD 55,000.
What projects does Beyond the Net fund?
The programme focuses on community-centered connectivity, affordable and reliable access, online trust and safety, and an open and trustworthy Internet.
Can projects worth more than USD 20,000 include partners?
Yes. Projects exceeding USD 20,000 must be conducted with at least one external partner, with partnership documentation included in the application.
How long should larger projects last?
Projects exceeding USD 20,000 must run for at least six months and should not exceed 24 months.
Where are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted online through the Internet Society Foundation’s Fluxx Grants Management System.
Does submitting an application guarantee funding?
No. The Foundation states that submitting an application does not guarantee that a project will be funded.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this grant programme for informational and funding purposes. We are not affiliated with the Internet Society Foundation or the Internet Society and do not administer the Beyond the Net Grant Program. Applicants should verify the latest funding round, eligibility requirements, deadlines, application procedures and grant conditions through the official Foundation website.
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