Common Good Cyber Fund (CGCF) Grant Program

Applications are now open for the Common Good Cyber Fund (CGCF) Grant Program, a global funding initiative established by the Internet Society Foundation to strengthen the public-interest cybersecurity ecosystem.

The Fund provides multi-year operating grants to nonprofit organisations that protect critical Internet infrastructure, support high-risk Internet users, and advance a safer, more resilient digital environment. Through flexible funding and capacity-building support, CGCF aims to strengthen organisations working on cybersecurity challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, civil society, journalists and underserved regions worldwide.

Funding Available

• Total Funding Available (2026): At least US$3.5 million
• Grant Value: Typically US$100,000 – US$300,000
• Maximum Grant: US$300,000 over the full grant period
• Grant Duration: Two years
• Funding Type: Multi-year operating grants

Purpose of the Fund

The Common Good Cyber Fund aims to strengthen nonprofit organisations that contribute to a safer Internet by:

• Maintaining critical cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Protecting high-risk Internet users from digital threats.
• Strengthening cybersecurity resilience within vulnerable communities.
• Supporting collaboration across the global cybersecurity ecosystem.
• Building organisational capacity for long-term sustainability.

Programme Objectives

Applicants must align their work with one of the following programme objectives:

Objective 1 – Critical Cybersecurity Infrastructure

Supporting the maintenance and improvement of shared cybersecurity infrastructure and Internet security services.

Examples include:

• Internet infrastructure protection
• Threat detection and intelligence
• Security tooling
• Operational support
• Open cybersecurity systems

Objective 2 – Protecting High-Risk Internet Users

Supporting scalable cybersecurity services that protect individuals and organisations facing persistent digital threats.

Examples include:

• Incident response
• Digital security support
• Secure communications
• Cybersecurity training
• Digital protection services

Objective 3 – Advancing a Safer Internet

Supporting initiatives that improve online safety for vulnerable communities through evidence, policy, coordination and practical guidance.

Examples include:

• Cybersecurity policy
• Standards development
• Threat reporting
• Ecosystem coordination
• Protection of civil society and journalists

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for nonprofit organisations whose work strengthens public-interest cybersecurity.

Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organisations
• Charitable organisations
• Civil society organisations
• Cybersecurity organisations
• Digital rights organisations
• Internet infrastructure organisations
• Research organisations
• Organisations supporting journalists and human rights defenders

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an international equivalent.
• Have a bank account in the organisation's legal name capable of receiving funds from a U.S.-based foundation.
• Demonstrate strong governance and financial management.
• Align with one of the CGCF programme objectives.
• Deliver cybersecurity infrastructure and/or services that strengthen resilience for high-risk communities.
• Demonstrate credible implementation capacity.

Priority Areas

The Fund supports organisations working in areas such as:

• Cybersecurity infrastructure
• Internet resilience
• Digital security
• Threat intelligence
• Incident response
• Secure communications
• Digital rights
• Protection of journalists
• Human rights defenders
• Civil society cybersecurity
• Technology-facilitated gender-based violence
• Cybersecurity policy and standards
• Capacity building
• Cybersecurity research
• Ecosystem coordination

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

• Organisational eligibility
• Alignment with CGCF objectives
• Demonstrated impact
• Organisational governance
• Financial management capacity
• Ecosystem contribution
• Ability to strengthen cybersecurity resilience
• Potential to support collaboration and ecosystem building

In 2026, the Fund also prioritises organisations based in the Global Majority and those demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equity, particularly where addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As cyber threats continue to evolve, nonprofit organisations, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society groups remain among the most vulnerable to digital attacks while often having the least access to sustainable cybersecurity funding.

The Common Good Cyber Fund addresses this gap by providing flexible, multi-year operating support that enables organisations to strengthen critical cybersecurity infrastructure, protect vulnerable Internet users and improve the resilience of the wider public-interest cybersecurity ecosystem. Beyond funding, the programme promotes long-term organisational sustainability, collaboration and knowledge sharing to create lasting improvements in global digital security.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 23 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 4 August 2026 (21:00 UTC)
• Application Platform: Fluxx Grants Management System

Applicants are encouraged to register in Fluxx well before the deadline, as registration may take 1–2 business days to complete.

Click HERE to visit the official website.