Internet Society Foundation 2024 BOLT Grant Program for Innovators Worldwide

Published: 15 Jul 2024

The Internet Society Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 edition of our Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) Grant Program. This initiative is designed to support teams of innovators dedicated to improving Internet access and connectivity in unconnected or underserved communities worldwide. 

The BOLT Grant Program focuses on developing access and connectivity solutions in communities where current technologies are not easily accessible or available. By providing grants of up to USD $300,000, the program aims to support the creation of innovative prototypes and pilots that can bridge the digital divide and bring secure, affordable Internet to more people. 

In 2023, the BOLT Grant Program made significant strides, impacting over 93,000 individuals, including women, students, and indigenous communities. These efforts have opened new opportunities for education, communication, and economic development in various parts of the world. 

ISF BOLT Grant Program

Benefits of ISF BOLT Grant Program

Grants of up to USD 300,000 will be awarded for projects up to 18 months in duration.

Requirements for ISF BOLT Grant Program

• Be a legally registered 501(c)(3) OR equivalent. (Before awarding funds to any organization, the Foundation will verify this equivalency)
• Possess alignment with the purposes and activities of Internet Society (ISOC), the Foundation’s supported organization
• Have an official bank account in their name (based on their legal registration)

Selection Process

Assembled teams/collectives will be asked in the online application form to:

• Clearly articulate how the proposed project directly addresses the objectives of the BOLT program
• Demonstrate their affiliation with an organization that is a 501(c)3 or equivalent

An Independent Program Review Committee (IPRC) will determine the success of eligible applications based on the following:

• The proposed project effectively responds to an identified need
• The team demonstrates the necessary knowledge, experience, and capacity required to successfully implement this project
• The project team has identified relevant outcome indicators that demonstrate sufficient impact, relative to the funding level.

Application Deadline

How to Apply