Community-Centered Connectivity Grant
By Internet Society Foundation
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Quick Answer
Up to US$200,000 (about ₹1.9 crore) for non-profits and social enterprises bringing affordable Internet to unconnected communities. The 2026 round closed on 7 May 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Internet Society Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 8 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Internet Society Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Community-Centered Connectivity (CCC) Grant Program of the Internet Society Foundation funds organisations that bring Internet access to communities that are left out. The 2026 round is closed. Applications ran from 17 March 2026 and shut on 7 May 2026 at 21:00 UTC. The official page lists no date for a future round, so check it before planning around one.
This is an international programme and is not limited to India. An Indian registered non-profit or social enterprise can apply, as long as it meets the conditions below. Treat this page as a guide to preparing for the next round, if and when the Foundation opens one.
What the program offers
There are three funding tracks. Catalyst gives up to US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh) to build one new connectivity solution, or expand an existing one, in a community, with projects of up to 12 months. Scaling gives up to US$200,000 (about ₹1.9 crore) to deploy proven solutions in several communities, for up to 18 months. Systems is above US$200,000 for large-scale replication across a region or several countries, for up to 24 months, and is invitation-only: only applicants invited by a Foundation staff member can apply.
The Foundation says the money may cover connectivity equipment, training materials, relevant travel, personnel and contractor costs, and indirect costs. If your budget is in another currency, note the exchange rate you used.
Who can apply
You must be a legally registered non-profit or a social enterprise in your country, with an official bank account in the organisation's own name that can receive funds from a foundation based in the United States. You need to be well placed to deliver: relevant Internet-connectivity experience and technical skills, either in your own team or through partners. You also need to show support from the communities that would benefit.
Track rules differ. For Catalyst, the page says organisations that have managed grants of more than US$20,000 are preferred. For Scaling, you need a record of managing grants of at least US$50,000. Internet Society Chapters may also apply. The programme strongly prefers work with refugee and displaced communities, Indigenous communities, and women and girls, but projects outside those groups can still apply.
This suits community networks, cooperatives and rural connectivity groups with a track record. It is a poor fit for a for-profit company without a social-enterprise structure, or for an idea with no community partner yet.
How to apply
Applications go through the Foundation's online grants system (Fluxx). Register at least 24 hours before the deadline, then submit before it. Email submissions are not accepted, and incomplete or ineligible applications are not considered. You can write in English, French or Spanish. The programme page offers an eligibility quiz, example application forms for both open tracks and an application guide. A practical tip: read the example forms early so you know what budget and work plan detail is expected.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Internal and independent external reviewers check eligibility and then assess alignment with the programme's goals, how well the project is community-centred and tackles the three barriers, the knowledge, relationships and experience of your team and partners, and whether your goals, milestones and work plan are clear and consistent. Review can take up to 14 weeks. A Catalyst project should address at least two of the three barriers (availability, affordability, adoption); Scaling and Systems projects should address all three. Grantees report about every six months, with a final report due one month after the project ends.
About the Internet Society Foundation
The Foundation supports the Internet Society's vision of an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet. It holds a GuideStar Platinum seal and a four-star Charity Navigator rating. The CCC programme is now its main connectivity funding initiative; older programmes are closing as existing projects finish.
Things to check before you apply
- Confirm that your bank account can receive funds from a US foundation before you start writing.
- Indian organisations receiving foreign money should check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
- Gather letters or other evidence of community support well ahead of time.
- Expect a long review, up to 14 weeks, so plan project start dates accordingly.
- The Foundation does not give individual application guidance during the application window, so ask questions early.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Catalyst grants are up to US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh) for projects of up to 12 months, and Scaling grants are up to US$200,000 (about ₹1.9 crore) for up to 18 months. Invited organisations can receive more than US$200,000 through the Systems Track for up to 24 months. Eligible costs include connectivity equipment, training materials, relevant travel, personnel and contractor costs, and indirect costs.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Internal and independent external reviewers first check eligibility, then assess alignment with the programme's goals, how the project delivers a community-centred answer to availability, affordability and adoption, the experience of the team and partners, and whether goals, milestones and the work plan are clear and consistent. Review can take up to 14 weeks.
Application Process
- 1
Register in Fluxx
Register your organisation at least 24 hours before the deadline.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Community-Centered Connectivity Grant?
A legally registered non-profit or social enterprise with an official bank account in its own name that can receive funds from a US-based foundation. It must show Internet-connectivity experience and support from the communities it will serve. Internet Society Chapters can also apply.
Can Indian NGOs and social enterprises apply?
The programme is open to organisations in any country, and the page sets no India-specific limit. An Indian registered non-profit or social enterprise can apply if it meets the eligibility rules, including the bank account requirement. Check FCRA and tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
How much funding is available?
Catalyst gives up to US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh) for up to 12 months, and Scaling gives up to US$200,000 (about ₹1.9 crore) for up to 18 months. The Systems track goes above US$200,000 but is by invitation only.
What is the deadline, and what if it has passed?
The 2026 round closed on 7 May 2026 at 21:00 UTC. The official page lists no date for a future round, so keep checking the programme page and prepare in the meantime.
Which barriers should my project address?
A Catalyst project should address at least two of availability, affordability and adoption. Scaling and Systems projects should address all three.
What if my project is not focused on refugees, Indigenous communities or women and girls?
You can still apply. Those groups get strong preference, but they are not required.
What can the grant money pay for?
Connectivity equipment, training materials and resources, relevant travel, personnel and contractor costs, and indirect costs. Note the exchange rate used in your budget.
How do I apply, and in which language?
Register in the Foundation's online grants system at least 24 hours before the deadline and submit there. You can write in English, French or Spanish. Email applications are not accepted.
How long does the review take?
Review can take up to 14 weeks. The page does not give a fixed results date.
What must grantees report?
Grantees report about every six months, and a final report is due one month after the project ends.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
