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.
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.
In 2024, 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.
The BOLT (Building Opportunities and Leveraging Technology) Grant Programme provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations at the forefront of technological innovation. The primary objective of the program is to foster the development of projects that use internet-based technologies to improve quality of life, enhance communication, promote education, and solve critical societal issues. By offering this support, the Internet Society Foundation aims to catalyze positive change and drive progress in areas such as digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, health, and economic development.
Grantees of the BOLT program receive substantial financial support, which can be used to cover various project-related expenses, including research and development, prototype creation, testing, and implementation. The funding is intended to help innovators bring their ideas to life and scale their solutions to reach broader audiences. In addition to financial aid, grantees also benefit from access to a network of mentors, industry experts, and resources that can provide guidance and enhance the impact of their projects.
One of the key aspects of the BOLT Grant Programme is its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. The program actively seeks to support innovators from diverse backgrounds and regions, particularly those who may not have had access to traditional funding opportunities. By promoting diversity, the Internet Society Foundation ensures that a wide range of perspectives and solutions are brought to the table, enriching the global conversation on how to leverage technology for the greater good.
The application process for the BOLT Grant Programme is designed to be rigorous yet accessible, encouraging applicants to clearly articulate their vision, the potential impact of their projects, and their strategies for implementation and sustainability. Successful applicants are those who demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of the societal issues they aim to address and a commitment to making a lasting positive impact.
Benefits
Grants of up to USD 300,000 will be awarded for projects up to 18 months in duration.
Requirements For The Worldwide Internet Society Foundation 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.
Method of Application
Applicants are strongly encouraged to register their organization in the Foundation’s grants management system Fluxx prior to the application window opening. Please note that the registration process can take up to two days to complete after creating an account. Only applications submitted in the Foundation’s grants management system by the deadline will be considered for funding. We encourage you to submit your application early
Application Deadline: August 6, 2024.
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