Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
Virtual Routes Incubator CIC, with support from Google.org, is launching the Securing Critical Community Infrastructure program across Europe. The initiative provides free cybersecurity services and potential grants up to €10,000 to organizations that strengthen local communities, enhance resilience, and handle sensitive data, focusing on improving cyber hygiene, staff training, and incident preparedness.
The Securing Critical Community Infrastructure program is a Europe-wide initiative aimed at strengthening cybersecurity for organizations that deliver essential community services. These organizations often serve large populations, handle sensitive data, and are not included in national critical infrastructure frameworks, leaving them under-protected against cyber threats. Key objectives of the program include enhancing cyber hygiene and incident preparedness, delivering free cybersecurity services tailored to organizational needs, providing potential grant funding for further cybersecurity implementation, supporting organizations with limited internal cybersecurity resources, and building a cross-border community of cybersecurity practice.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organizations include Critical Community Infrastructure (CCI) organizations across Ireland, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Spain. Criteria include: organizations whose primary mission strengthens local or regional communities, can be nonprofit, publicly owned, cooperative, or private, deliver services that promote cohesion, inclusion, and resilience, and serve large populations or handle sensitive data related to vulnerable groups. Organizations not included in national critical infrastructure lists but serving key societal functions are particularly encouraged to apply.
Why This Program Matters
Cybersecurity threats can disproportionately impact organizations that maintain essential community services, putting vulnerable populations at risk. By improving cybersecurity, the program helps organizations protect sensitive community data, ensure continuity of essential services, strengthen community trust and resilience, and reduce risk of financial loss or reputational damage due to cyber incidents.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Open call dates: October 20, 2025 – March 31, 2026. Applications submitted by a permanently employed staff member acting as Principal via the Virtual Routes application portal.
Step 2: Selection and Support
Successful applicants may receive a grant up to €10,000 and gain access to the Virtual Routes Cybersecurity Services Centre.
Step 3: Services Provided
The program delivers practical cybersecurity support, including: 1. Cyber hygiene improvement: Policies, risk assessments, and best practices. 2. Phishing simulations: Training staff to recognize and respond to attacks. 3. Staff training: Workshops, e-learning modules, and awareness campaigns. 4. Website vulnerability scanning: Identifying and mitigating security gaps. 5. Email and domain security: Configurations to prevent spoofing and attacks. 6. Secure communications: Tools and guidance for safe digital collaboration. 7. Incident preparedness: Response plans and real-time support.
Tips for a Successful Application
Clearly demonstrate community impact and scope of services, highlight sensitive data handling and cybersecurity challenges, provide examples of existing cybersecurity practices, and submit the application through the authorized Principal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without a permanent staff member as Principal, failing to demonstrate community relevance, submitting incomplete or unclear cybersecurity needs, and missing the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is a Critical Community Infrastructure organization? A CCI organization is one whose primary role strengthens community cohesion, inclusion, and resilience, often handling sensitive data for vulnerable groups.
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Which countries are eligible? Ireland, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Spain.
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Can private companies apply? Yes, private companies delivering community services, alongside nonprofits, cooperatives, and publicly owned entities, are eligible.
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How much grant funding is available? Selected organizations may receive up to €10,000 for implementing cybersecurity services.
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What cybersecurity services are included? Services include cyber hygiene support, phishing simulations, staff training, vulnerability scans, email/domain security, secure communications, and incident preparedness.
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Who can submit the application? Only a permanently employed staff member of the organization acting as Principal may submit.
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When is the application deadline? The program accepts applications from October 20, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Conclusion
The Securing Critical Community Infrastructure program empowers community-serving organizations to protect sensitive data, enhance cyber hygiene, and prepare for cyber threats. With free services, potential grant funding, and expert support, the program strengthens both organizational resilience and the communities they serve.
For more information, visit Virtual Routes.