Article

$300,000 to establish a Community WiFi Network across 50 schools in a region where Internet penetration is currently at 15%, and the cost of Internet access is one of the highest in the world, averaging $2.42 per GB.

$288,402 to launch the Digital Equity Network Expansion Project, a 12-month initiative designed to improve broadband access and digital skills in the Las Cruces district in New Mexico. The project aims to expand an existing community-owned pilot mesh network to provide residential broadband access to 150 additional households in the district, especially those facing affordability challenges.

$300,000 to establish the Connected project, which will provide free Internet access for 275 households over one year, boosting confidence and connectivity within these communities and enabling important services needed in the areas including distance learning, telehealth, upskilling, and other online services.

$297,266 to deploy a community and scientific network in the rural area of Las Lagunitas, Argentina. This initiative includes technical training for the local community, installation of both wired and wireless networks, and the deployment of cameras for monitoring and managing forest fires, a significant concern in the region. The project also involves the acquisition of solar panels to support the Soldati Conectada Community Network in transitioning to sustainable energy sources, addressing frequent power outages in the area.

$234,005 to launch Digitruck Salone, a transformative project that aims to empower 300 students and 30 female entrepreneurs in rural communities across three districts in Sierra Leone. The project will convert a 40ft refurbished shipping container into a self-sustainable, state-of-the-art digital classroom. Close The Gap, Media Matters for Women, and Africell Sierra Leone have joined forces to make this project a reality, ensuring that vulnerable communities gain access to digital skills and opportunities.

The Internet Society Foundation is committed to using its funding to eliminate obstacles that hinder global access to the Internet. In a world where one-third of the population remains unconnected, our grants support creative and sustainable solutions that foster universal Internet access and connectivity for communities across the world.

We will launch the next call for grant applications in July 2024. More information on future calls for grants can be found at:  https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programmes/.