Reston’s Internet Society Foundation launched this emergency grant program

Reston, Virginia-based Internet Society Foundation has launched an emergency grant program for organizations working on projects that “use the Internet to improve lives during or in response to an emergency.”

The foundation was launched last year by its parent organization, advocacy-focused Internet Society. This funding is part of the foundation’s Emergency Response Programme, which will award grants to orgs working on projects for the immediate COVID-19 pandemic and beyond to aid with the second wave of the virus. Grants of $250,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to organizations pivoting from their regular work to build internet-based technical solutions to respond to the global crisis.

Applications open May 5 and will continue to be accepted through May 17. The foundation will begin announcing grant awards on May 27. An independent review panel will determine which orgs will get funding.

Applicants must be registered as a 501c3 or equivalent, and be able to show past experience managing grant funding of at least $250,000 within a one-year period. Organizations can submit as many applications as they want, as well as team up with other organizations working on internet-based solutions. Only  applying organization needs to meet the eligibility requirements if they plan on partnering with others.

In April, Technical.ly spoke with Internet Society’s senior policy manager, Katie Jordan, who develops and advocates for policy related to internet access and security, about how people are using the web now, new cybersecurity threats and how to protect your privacy during the health crisis. Read her Q&A here.