Cybersecurity organisations working in the public interest now have a fresh opportunity to secure international funding, as the Internet Society Foundation has opened applications for its Common Good Cyber Fund Grant Programme 2026, with at least US$3.5 million available for eligible nonprofit groups worldwide.
- Cybersecurity organisations working in the public interest now have a fresh opportunity to secure international funding, as the Internet Society...
- The funding initiative aims to strengthen the global cybersecurity ecosystem by supporting organisations that protect vulnerable internet users, maintain essential...
- According to the Foundation, many organisations providing cybersecurity services remain underfunded despite playing a vital role in protecting online communities...
- The third area funds efforts that promote a safer internet for vulnerable communities.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Civil society cybersecurity — everything you need to know is covered below.
The funding initiative aims to strengthen the global cybersecurity ecosystem by supporting organisations that protect vulnerable internet users, maintain essential digital infrastructure, and improve online safety for civil society groups. Applications opened on 23 June and will remain open until 4 August 2026.
Supporting Public Interest Cybersecurity
The Common Good Cyber Fund was launched in 2025 through collaboration between the Internet Society Foundation and partners working to improve digital security worldwide. The programme was created in response to growing cyber threats that increasingly affect journalists, human rights defenders, nonprofit organisations, and other groups operating in high-risk environments.
According to the Foundation, many organisations providing cybersecurity services remain underfunded despite playing a vital role in protecting online communities and maintaining trust in digital systems. The fund seeks to address this gap by providing multi-year operational support to qualified nonprofits.
Funding Priorities for 2026
The programme will support projects under three main areas. The first focuses on maintaining cybersecurity infrastructure that helps secure the internet, including threat intelligence, internet routing security, and technical services used by many organisations.
The second area supports initiatives that help internet users defend themselves against digital threats. This includes incident response services, cybersecurity assistance for civil society organisations, and protection against online attacks and digital repression.
The third area funds efforts that promote a safer internet for vulnerable communities. Eligible activities may include policy work, security standards development, coordinated responses to cyber threats, and measures that improve online protections for journalists and civil society groups.
Grant Size and Eligibility
The Internet Society Foundation expects to award around 15 grants through the 2026 funding round. Successful applicants will receive two-year grants typically ranging from US$100,000 to US$300,000, with US$300,000 serving as the maximum award value.
Applications are open to nonprofit organisations, including US 501(c)(3) entities and international equivalents. Priority will be given to organisations that contribute to broader ecosystem development, particularly those based in the global majority or those capable of supporting smaller organisations through regranting initiatives.
Application Process Now Underway
Interested organisations must submit their applications through the Foundation’s Fluxx grants management system. Applicants are encouraged to register in advance and prepare supporting documents, including financial records, governance documents, and organisational budgets.
The 2026 call marks the first global open application round following a pilot phase that awarded grants to six cybersecurity-focused organisations. Foundation officials say the programme will continue to build a stronger and more sustainable cybersecurity community capable of protecting internet users and public-interest institutions worldwide.
The Foundation urges interested applicants to subscribe to the Internet Society Foundation newsletter to receive updates on the Fund and the application window.