The Internet Society Foundation is inviting applications for its funding programme to support Internet Governance Forums (IGFs) and Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs). The initiative aims to help recognised national and regional organisers host inclusive, multi-stakeholder discussions that strengthen Internet governance and build local capacity for a safer and more open digital future.
The programme is designed to promote open, non-commercial dialogue on Internet policy issues while helping to train the next generation of Internet governance leaders. Successful applicants must also commit to strong inclusion practices, especially for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups, and submit detailed narrative and financial reports after their events. Because funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and is often exhausted before the end of the year, interested organisations are strongly encouraged to apply early.
The Internet Society Foundation is offering grants to support recognised National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) and Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs), with funding amounts depending on the type and scale of the event. Eligible National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) and Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs) can apply for grants of up to $25,000, depending on the scope and level of the event. The funding is intended to support key costs, including venue hire, outreach activities, and efforts to ensure diverse participation, although equipment purchases and extended fellowship programmes are not covered.
National IGFs and National SIGs can receive up to $7,500, while sub-regional IGFs, sub-regional SIGs, and regional SIGs may receive up to $15,000. Recognised Regional IGFs are eligible for the highest funding tier of up to $25,000. Each organisation can receive a maximum of two sponsorships per year, one for an NRI and one for a SIG.
Note that applicants must be officially recognised by the United Nations Internet Governance Forum Secretariat and submit their proposals through the Foundation’s Fluxx grants platform at least eight to ten weeks before their planned event date, as email submissions will not be accepted. The initiative prioritises transparency and inclusiveness, requiring organisers to clearly publish their event details, leadership structure, and reports from previous editions.
The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the annual budget is often fully committed by the third quarter; therefore, interested organisations are encouraged to apply early. Groups seeking support are advised to carefully review the updated 2026 eligibility requirements to ensure their proposals meet all criteria before submission.
Organisers who receive support are expected to follow the Foundation’s accessibility and reporting guidelines to ensure their events remain open, inclusive, and transparent. By backing recognised IGFs and SIGs around the world, the Internet Society Foundation aims to amplify local voices in global Internet policy discussions and help build a more secure, trusted, and universally connected digital ecosystem.
Eligible applicants include UN IGF Secretariat-recognised NRIs, youth initiatives, and national or regional SIGs. Internet Society Chapters are generally given priority, though other organisations may apply if no active Chapter is available to lead the event. Applicants must provide proof of recognition for the current year and demonstrate that they have an established organising committee, published event dates and locations, a public call for agenda input, reports from past editions, and clear information on the initiative’s history and purpose. SIGs must also show tangible connections to the broader Internet governance ecosystem, such as partnerships with accredited academic institutions or collaboration with NRIs.
The Foundation reviews applications based on alignment with programme objectives, eligibility compliance, the applicant’s experience, and track record of managing past events, including the timely submission of previous reports. Grant recipients are expected to collect valid participation data, submit detailed financial and narrative reports, and ensure transparency in all activities. NRIs must also provide reports to the IGF Secretariat within twelve weeks of the event, while SIG organisers must submit their reports within six weeks. Mismanagement or misrepresentation can disqualify organisations from future funding.
For more information, please visit: https://www.isocfoundation.org/2026/01/the-internet-society-foundation-opens-funding-applications-for-igfs-and-sigs/
