The Internet Society Foundation has opened applications for the next phase of its Common Good Cyber Fund (CGCF), a multi-year initiative designed to strengthen cybersecurity across civil society and support nonprofit organizations protecting critical Internet infrastructure.
Announced on June 23, 2026, the new funding round will provide at least $3.5 million in grants through an estimated 15 two-year awards. The initiative targets nonprofit organizations working to improve cybersecurity resilience, defend vulnerable communities, and secure essential digital infrastructure worldwide.
The announcement comes as cyber threats against civil society organizations, journalists, human rights defenders, and public-interest technology projects continue to rise, placing increased pressure on organizations that often operate with limited resources.
Key Details
Applications for the Common Good Cyber Fund are open from June 23 through August 4, 2026, with eligible nonprofit organizations from around the world encouraged to apply.
The latest funding cycle follows the program’s initial launch and pilot phase in 2025, during which six organizations received grants aimed at addressing urgent cybersecurity gaps across the global digital ecosystem.
According to the Internet Society Foundation, the Fund focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations working in several critical areas:
Critical Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Organizations responsible for maintaining and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure that benefits the broader Internet ecosystem.
Protection Against Digital Harm
Initiatives that help secure Internet users from cyber threats, including:
- State-sponsored cyber activity
- Digital surveillance
- Online harassment
- Digital transnational repression
- Targeted cyberattacks against civil society
Support for Vulnerable Communities
Projects focused on improving cybersecurity protections for:
- Civil society organizations
- Journalists
- Human rights defenders
- At-risk communities
- High-risk digital users
The funding initiative forms part of the Internet Society’s broader Safer Internet Initiative, which aims to improve both Internet accessibility and online security.
Between 2026 and 2029, the Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation plan to invest more than $40 million into safer Internet programs through a combination of organizational funding and donor contributions.
Technical Analysis
While much of the cybersecurity industry focuses on commercial security products and enterprise defenses, a significant portion of the Internet’s security ecosystem depends on nonprofit organizations maintaining shared infrastructure and public-interest cybersecurity services.
These organizations often contribute to:
- Vulnerability disclosure programs
- Security research initiatives
- Open-source cybersecurity tools
- Digital safety training
- Threat intelligence sharing
- Incident response support
- Internet infrastructure resilience
Many operate behind the scenes but play a crucial role in defending users, organizations, and communities from evolving cyber threats.
The Common Good Cyber Fund reflects growing recognition that cybersecurity is increasingly a public-interest issue requiring sustained investment beyond traditional corporate and government security programs.
Funding models focused on cybersecurity public goods have gained attention in recent years as policymakers and industry leaders acknowledge that many foundational Internet security services remain underfunded despite their critical importance.
Impact and Risks
The launch of the new grant cycle arrives at a time when cyber threats targeting civil society continue to increase in frequency and sophistication.
Organizations supporting journalists, activists, humanitarian groups, and democratic institutions often face threats such as:
- Advanced phishing campaigns
- Surveillance operations
- Account compromise attempts
- Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
- State-linked cyber activity
- Digital intimidation campaigns
Unlike large enterprises, many nonprofit organizations lack dedicated security teams, substantial cybersecurity budgets, or access to advanced defensive technologies.
As a result, underfunded security initiatives can create broader ecosystem risks that affect vulnerable populations and public-interest institutions worldwide.
The Common Good Cyber Fund seeks to address this challenge by helping organizations scale sustainable cybersecurity programs and strengthen long-term resilience.
Expert Recommendations
For nonprofit organizations considering an application, cybersecurity leaders recommend aligning proposals with measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability goals.
Focus on Ecosystem Impact
Projects that provide benefits beyond a single organization are often viewed as particularly valuable.
Examples include:
- Shared cybersecurity services
- Open-source security tools
- Community defense programs
- Threat intelligence initiatives
Demonstrate Scalability
Funders increasingly prioritize projects capable of expanding their impact over time while maintaining operational sustainability.
Address High-Risk Communities
Programs supporting journalists, civil society groups, and vulnerable populations align closely with the Fund’s stated priorities.
Build Sustainable Security Capacity
Organizations should emphasize how grant funding will improve long-term resilience rather than only addressing short-term cybersecurity needs.
Measure Outcomes
Successful applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:
- Security improvements
- User impact
- Community benefits
- Operational effectiveness
- Long-term sustainability
Industry Context
The Common Good Cyber Fund reflects a broader movement toward treating cybersecurity as a global public good rather than solely a private-sector responsibility.
Governments, philanthropic organizations, and technology stakeholders increasingly recognize that many critical cybersecurity functions support the entire Internet ecosystem and require coordinated investment.
The Fund is supported through contributions from:
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- The United Kingdom
- Craig Newmark Philanthropies
- The Internet Society
This multi-stakeholder funding model highlights growing international collaboration around cyber resilience and digital security.
The initiative also aligns with broader discussions surrounding cyber capacity building, digital rights protection, and securing democratic institutions against evolving cyber threats.
As geopolitical tensions, cybercrime activity, and online threats continue to expand, investment in nonprofit cybersecurity infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important component of global cyber resilience strategies.
Conclusion
The opening of applications for the Common Good Cyber Fund marks a significant investment in the nonprofit organizations helping secure the Internet and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.
With at least $3.5 million available through this funding round and a broader commitment exceeding $40 million through 2029, the Internet Society Foundation is reinforcing the role of civil society in strengthening cybersecurity resilience and safeguarding the public-interest infrastructure that underpins the modern Internet.
FAQ SECTION
What is the Common Good Cyber Fund?
The Common Good Cyber Fund is a multi-year grant initiative created to support nonprofit organizations that strengthen cybersecurity, protect civil society, and maintain critical Internet infrastructure.
How much funding is available in 2026?
The Internet Society Foundation will distribute at least $3.5 million through approximately 15 grants lasting two years each.
Who can apply for the Common Good Cyber Fund?
Eligible nonprofit organizations worldwide that work on cybersecurity, Internet security, digital safety, or civil society protection initiatives are encouraged to apply.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are open from June 23, 2026, through August 4, 2026, at 21:00 UTC.
Why is cybersecurity funding for nonprofits important?
Many organizations that protect Internet users, journalists, human rights defenders, and digital infrastructure operate with limited resources despite facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
