The Research Grant Program

The Internet Society Foundation's Research Grant Program supports global collaborations that investigate the impact and utility of the Internet in promoting human well-being. This program is deeply rooted in the Foundation’s overarching mission to ensure that the Internet remains a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. While the program will not be open for applications in 2025, it is anticipated to resume in 2026 with updated focus areas and criteria. The Research Grant Program targets both independent researchers and public research institutions, promoting applied and openly published research that contributes real-world insights relevant to Internet-related challenges. All research funded under this program must be open-access and address concrete issues that influence decision-making in government or industry. Research involving human or animal subjects must adhere to ethical standards and local legal requirements, with appropriate certifications handled by the principal investigator. The program provides tiered funding levels: independent researchers may receive up to USD 200,000, while public research institutions may be awarded up to USD 500,000. These awards are intended to support diverse, collaborative, and intersectional research initiatives. Independent researchers must hold a postgraduate research degree (Master’s or PhD) and demonstrate a track record of peer-reviewed or otherwise independently validated scholarly work. Eligible institutions must be public entities with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent, aligned with the mission of the Internet Society Foundation. Proposals are evaluated by independent External Reviewers using criteria such as novelty, applied impact, thematic alignment, and collaborative or intersectional approaches. The program emphasizes inclusivity, especially encouraging applications from underrepresented groups in the research field. Although the application cycle for 2025 is closed, the Foundation continues to evolve its strategic priorities and encourages interested parties to revisit the program in 2026. While the precise opening and deadline dates for the next cycle are pending, updates will be posted as the new call for proposals approaches. Interested applicants should monitor the Foundation’s site for forthcoming announcements and are advised to prepare necessary documentation in advance, particularly regarding eligibility and ethical compliance. For additional information or questions about the application process, applicants can contact the Foundation at foundation@isocfoundation.org. Due to staffing limitations, responses to last-minute queries (within a day before the deadline) are not guaranteed. The program’s outcomes and impacts are highlighted in the Foundation's 2024 Philanthropy Impact Report, available for download.

Ensure research is applied and intersectional; highlight novelty and relevance to Foundation’s thematic areas.