2024 BOLT Grant Program: Empowering Innovation for Global Internet Access (grants of up to USD $300,000)
The Internet Society Foundation is excited to unveil the 2024 edition of our Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) Grant Program. This initiative supports teams of innovators dedicated to enhancing Internet access and connectivity in unconnected or underserved communities worldwide.
About the BOLT Grant Program
The BOLT Grant Program is designed to develop access and connectivity solutions in areas where current technologies are not easily accessible or available. By offering 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.
2023 BOLT Grant Program Impact
In 2023, the BOLT Grant Program significantly impacted 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.
Key Details for the 2024 BOLT Grant Program
- Grant Amount: Up to USD $300,000
- Project Duration: Up to 18 months
- Application Period: Opens on 2 July 2024 and closes on 6 August 2024 at 21:00 UTC
Maiko Nakagaki, Senior Program Officer, stated, “The Internet Society Foundation is committed to eliminating obstacles that hinder global access to the Internet. In a world where one-third of the population still remains unconnected, our grants support creative and sustainable solutions that foster universal Internet access and connectivity for communities around the world.”
Spotlight on BOLT Program Awardees
The BOLT Grant Program has previously supported a diverse range of projects aimed at improving Internet connectivity:
- Unconnected Foundation – Malawi: Received USD $300,000 to establish a Community WiFi Network across 50 schools, addressing the region’s low Internet penetration and high access costs.
- Internet Society Argentina Chapter: Received USD $297,266 to deploy a community and scientific network in Las Lagunitas, Argentina, including technical training, network installation, and sustainable energy solutions.
- Mycelia Foundation – United States: Awarded USD $288,402 for the Digital Equity Network Expansion Project in New Mexico, aiming to provide residential broadband access to 150 additional households.
- Instituto Nupef – Brazil: Received USD $200,000 to support the testing of new wireless technologies to enhance Internet connectivity for sparse, low-density communities, especially in the Northern region of Brazil.
- Close the Gap International and Media Matters for Women – Sierra Leone: Awarded USD $234,005 to launch Digitruck Salone, a digital classroom project empowering students and female entrepreneurs in rural communities.
Digitruck Salone, a BOLT-funded project empowering students and female entrepreneurs in rural communities in Sierra Leone.
Webinars
If you want to learn more about the Program, please register for our webinars:
- 9 July at 1 p.m. UTC – English Only. Register here
- 11 July at 12 p.m. UTC – Interpretation Available in Spanish and French. Register here
Apply Now
We are seeking applications from teams of technologists, researchers, and social and cultural workers who are working on innovative solutions to improve Internet access and connectivity. If you are passionate about making a difference and have a project that aligns with our vision and funding requirements, we encourage you to apply.
