Internet Society Foundation opens global call for cybersecurity grants

The Internet Society Foundation opened applications June 23 for the Common Good Cyber Fund, a multiyear effort to back nonprofits that protect civil society and strengthen core Internet cybersecurity infrastructure. The fund plans at least $3.5 million in about 15 two-year grants, with applications due Aug. 4 at 21:00 UTC.

Why it matters: - Nonprofit cybersecurity groups are a key defense for civil society, journalists and other high-risk communities facing digital harm. - The fund is designed to support the infrastructure and services that help keep the Internet safer for users worldwide. - The initiative adds to a broader effort that will direct more than $40 million to safer Internet programs between 2026 and 2029.

What happened: - The Internet Society Foundation opened a global call for applications to the Common Good Cyber Fund on June 23, 2026. - The fund will provide at least $3.5 million through an estimated 15 two-year grants. - Eligible nonprofit organizations worldwide can apply through Aug. 4, 2026 at 21:00 UTC. - More information on eligibility and the application process is available here.

The details: - The Common Good Cyber Fund backs nonprofit organizations working to protect civil society and strengthen the Internet’s core cybersecurity infrastructure. - Funding priorities include maintenance of critical cybersecurity infrastructure. - The fund also supports scalable services that protect Internet users from digital harm, including state-directed cyber activity and digital transnational repression. - Another focus area is a safer Internet for vulnerable groups and high-risk communities, including civil society and journalists. - The Internet Society Foundation runs the grantmaking for the fund on behalf of the Internet Society. - The foundation works with the Common Good Cyber Ecosystem Committee and a Strategic Advisory Committee. - The fund is supported by pooled contributions from Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, plus Craig Newmark Philanthropies and the Internet Society.

Between the lines: - The launch follows the fund’s 2025 debut and pilot phase, which awarded six initial grants to address urgent gaps in the global cybersecurity ecosystem. - The structure signals a collaborative funding model for cybersecurity treated as a shared public good, not just a private-sector issue. - Sally Wentworth, president and CEO of the Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation, said nonprofits focused on cybersecurity remain under-resourced.

What's next: - The foundation will review applications and distribute grants to selected nonprofits for two-year projects. - The Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation will continue rolling out safer Internet programs through 2029. - The fund’s next phase will likely test whether pooled international funding can sustain cybersecurity support at scale.

The bottom line: - The Common Good Cyber Fund is turning a pilot into a larger global grant program, with new money aimed at filling cybersecurity gaps for the groups most exposed to online abuse.