Deadline: 07-May-2026
The Internet Society Foundation’s Community-Centered Connectivity (CCC) Grant Program supports organizations that expand Internet access in digitally excluded communities. Grants range from USD 50,000 to over USD 200,000, supporting locally designed connectivity solutions, capacity building, and scalable digital inclusion initiatives.
Overview of the Program
The CCC Grant Program empowers communities to design, implement, and sustain their own connectivity solutions. The program addresses key barriers to meaningful Internet access, including availability, affordability, adoption, and digital literacy, while strengthening local capacity and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
Focus Areas
Eligible projects should focus on:
- Expanding Internet access and adoption in underserved communities
- Addressing barriers to meaningful connectivity, including technical, social, and financial challenges
- Increasing digital literacy and local capacity for sustainable management
- Developing collaborative, community-led solutions rather than externally imposed models
- Supporting scale and replication of proven connectivity initiatives
Funding Tracks
The CCC Grant Program offers three tracks to support organizations at different stages:
- Catalyst Track: Up to USD 50,000 for projects up to 12 months, focusing on new or expanding connectivity solutions
- Scaling Track: Up to USD 200,000 for projects up to 18 months, deploying proven solutions across multiple communities
- Systems Track: Invitation-only, above USD 200,000 for 24 months, supporting large-scale replication across regions or multiple countries
Who Can Apply
- Legally registered non-profit organizations and social enterprises
- Organizations with experience managing grants and implementing connectivity projects
- Applicants must demonstrate technical expertise, community engagement, and local support
- Preference is given to organizations working with refugees, displaced populations, Indigenous communities, and women and girls
Eligibility Requirements by Track
- Catalyst Track: Experience managing grants over USD 20,000
- Scaling Track: Proven record of managing grants of at least USD 50,000
- Systems Track: Invitation-only by the Internet Society Foundation
How to Apply
- Determine the appropriate funding track based on your organization’s capacity and project scale
- Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, community engagement strategies, and technical approach
- Submit documentation demonstrating grant management experience and organizational capacity
- Highlight expected outcomes, scalability, and sustainability of the connectivity solution
- Await review by the Internet Society Foundation selection committee
Why This Program Matters
The CCC Grant Program reduces digital exclusion by supporting locally tailored Internet solutions. By empowering communities to lead their connectivity initiatives, the program strengthens digital inclusion, local capacity, and social equity, ensuring long-term, scalable impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without demonstrating prior grant management experience
- Proposing externally imposed solutions instead of community-driven approaches
- Neglecting to show technical expertise or local community support
- Failing to select the correct funding track based on organizational experience
- Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documentation
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply? Legally registered non-profits and social enterprises with relevant experience in connectivity projects.
2. What are the funding amounts? Catalyst Track: up to USD 50,000; Scaling Track: up to USD 200,000; Systems Track: above USD 200,000 (invitation-only).
3. What communities are prioritized? Refugees, displaced populations, Indigenous communities, and women and girls.
4. Can new organizations apply? Only if they meet grant management and technical capacity requirements for the relevant track.
5. What is the project duration? Catalyst: up to 12 months; Scaling: up to 18 months; Systems: up to 24 months.
6. Are community-led solutions required? Yes, projects must be designed for, with, or by local communities.
7. How are applications reviewed? Selection is conducted by the Internet Society Foundation based on impact, capacity, and scalability.
Conclusion
The CCC Grant Program 2026 provides strategic support for community-driven Internet connectivity, fostering digital inclusion, capacity building, and sustainable local solutions. By targeting underserved communities and scaling proven solutions, the program enables organizations to create lasting impact in digital access and literacy.
For more information, visit Internet Society Foundation.
