Internet Organization Grants Funding to Nine Community Initiatives, Bolstering Internet Access in Lesser-Connected Locales
The Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2025 Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program. This year, a record number of applications were received, and nine community-led projects were awarded funding to build and expand Internet infrastructure in underserved, rural, remote, and low-income communities across seven countries.
The Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program is designed to support communities and local organizations in their efforts to provide affordable, reliable, and resilient Internet access. The program's goals include strengthening local technical capacity for network management, connecting key community institutions, and promoting digital inclusion and resilience to empower communities.
Projects Across the Globe
The funded projects will be implemented in Mexico, Colombia, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Each project aims to connect people living in areas where access to the Internet is limited or non-existent.
- Mexico: The Centro de Investigación en Comunicación Comunitaria will develop infrastructure to connect two indigenous communities facing challenges in reliable Internet access, ensuring affordability and local technical management.
- Colombia: Environmental Women will deploy solar-powered Internet solutions led by indigenous women in remote Andean Mountain areas.
- Senegal: Hahatay will improve an existing community network to enhance digital access and opportunities.
- Kenya and Uganda: Kakuma Ventures and Project Hello World aim to provide Internet access in refugee camps and rural regions, supporting digital literacy and sustainable economic activities.
- Malawi: MAGUFINA will launch a community network in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, benefiting over 8,000 households.
- Kenya: Oasis Mathare Community Network strives for a sustainable, community-owned Internet network.
- Zimbabwe:
- Tariro Youth Development Foundation plans to expand solar-powered Wi-Fi and digital training to thousands of households.
- Zimbabwe Community Network Initiatives will restore and upgrade damaged network equipment in Murambinda.
Bridging the Digital Divide
These projects, along with a related project supported by the Internet Society Foundation’s Resiliency Grant Program, Atma Connect in Indonesia, share the unified impact of bridging the global digital divide, promoting community empowerment, and improving digital rights, literacy, and resilience.
Due to the high volume of quality applications, no second funding window is planned for 2025. The work of these grantees is expected to strengthen communities through Internet connectivity, providing opportunities for education, economic development, and social inclusion.
[1] Internet Society. (2025). Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program. Retrieved from https://www.internetsociety.org/our-work/initiatives/connecting-the-unconnected/funding-program/
[2] Internet Society Foundation. (2025). Resiliency Grant Program. Retrieved from https://www.internetsocietyfoundation.org/grants/resiliency-grant-program/
[3] Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation. (2025). 2025 Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program Grantees. Retrieved from https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2025/connecting-the-unconnected-funding-program-grantees/
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