The Internet Society Foundation’s Resiliency Program supports projects that increase network resiliency in communities prone to natural disasters, so that these communities will be better able to prepare for and withstand the effects of natural disasters on Internet connectivity.
Program Objectives
- Ensure readiness of local communities to maintain or repair Internet connectivity
- Re-establish Internet connectivity for communities affected by natural and climate-related disasters
Overview
With the constant threat of natural and climate-related disasters, people around the world are experiencing more and more disruption in their lives and to their livelihoods. The damage from these disasters often interrupts Internet connectivity and isolates people from family, friends and information in a time of crisis and vulnerability. The Resiliency program aims to provide support for these communities to be prepared for and reconnect to the Internet quickly after natural and climate-related disasters strike.
The Internet Society Foundation will support organizations with experience and direct knowledge of Internet resiliency to deploy resilient Internet infrastructure and provide training to local stakeholders on its use in the event or in the aftermath of natural and climate-related disasters.
Examples of the types of projects the Foundation will support includes:
- Supporting development of community networks
- Hardening data centers and IXPs against environmental threats
- Fortifying sub-sea cables and/or stations
- Supporting ISPs to upgrade infrastructure
- Strengthening capacity of communities to maintain, repair, and re-establish Internet connectivity
Eligibility
The basic eligibility requirements for all Foundation grants are outlined here. All applicants must ensure that they meet these basic requirements.
The Foundation seeks to fund teams housed in organizations that align with the Internet Society’s mission and its work for an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone.
In addition to the basic eligibility requirements for all Foundation grants, the specific requirements for the Resiliency Program are:
- Demonstrated capacity to manage grant awards between USD $250,000 to USD $500,000
- Prior experience with Internet resiliency and or reconnection projects
- Prior experience working on global projects or projects that are multi-national
- Prior experience working in disaster management, emergency response, or recovery
Application Process
Applications will be accepted between June 11, 2024, and July 30, 2024. The application period closes at 21:00 UTC on July 30, 2024. Applications can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.
Applicants are required to submit their application through the Foundation’s grants managements system, Fluxx. Please note that the registration process can take up to two days to complete after creating an account.
Read more about the application review process
View the application template.
Selection Criteria
Organizations are encouraged to submit a full application to be reviewed by the independent External Reviewers. Final submissions will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrate previous experience in managing grants between USD $250,000 to USD $500,000 within a two-year period. Experience in managing subawards to local groups is desirable as well.
- Possess alignment with the purposes and activities of Internet Society (ISOC), the Foundation’s supported organization.
An Independent Program Review Committee (IPRC) will determine the success of eligible applications based on the following:
- The proposed project effectively responds to a clearly identified need.
- The proposed project increases network resiliency and readiness in communities prone to natural or climate-related disasters.
- The applicant demonstrates the necessary knowledge, experience and capacity required to successfully implement this project.
- The proposed project clearly illustrates how a connectivity solution will support the affected community.
- The project team has identified relevant outcome indicators that demonstrate sufficient impact, relative to the funding level.
Funding
Grants up to USD $500,000 will be awarded for projects up to 24 months in duration.
How To Apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to register their organization in the Foundation’s grants managements system, Fluxx, prior to the application window opening. Only applications submitted in the Foundation’s grants management system, Fluxx, by the deadline will be considered for funding. We encourage you to submit your application early.
Applications may be submitted in English, French, or Spanish. Incomplete submissions that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be considered (see Eligibility Requirements). Please allow adequate time to prepare your application as it will be closely reviewed by Foundation staff.
Organizations can register for Fluxx here. You may wish to consult this guidance on how to develop a strong application.
