Up to $100,000 for Nonprofits & Social Impact Projects – Cisco Global Impact Cash Grants

Cisco and the Cisco Foundation are offering up to USD $100,000 in grant funding for first-time recipients through the Global Impact Cash Grant Programme.

The programme supports nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) developing innovative, technology-enabled solutions to major social, economic and environmental challenges.

Cisco is particularly interested in projects that support underserved communities and have the potential to be expanded or replicated nationally or internationally.

Here's what you can expect:

• Up to $100,000 in cash grant funding for first-time recipients

• Applications accepted throughout the year

• Funding for innovative, technology-enabled social impact projects

• Support for organisations working nationally or internationally

• Opportunities to develop scalable and sustainable solutions

• Funding for programmes addressing critical community needs

• Support for initiatives improving education and economic opportunity

• Opportunities to strengthen climate resilience

• Funding for projects with measurable, long-term social impact

What projects can be funded?

Cisco prioritises four social impact areas:

1. Education

Projects improving access to education and learning opportunities, including:

• Digital learning and educational technology

• Skills development

• Improving educational engagement and outcomes

• Technology that expands access to learning

2. Economic Opportunity

Initiatives helping underserved communities access better economic opportunities, including:

• Employment and workforce development

• Digital skills training

• Entrepreneurship support

• Access to financial products and services

• Technology-enabled career development

3. Climate Resilience

Projects helping communities respond to environmental challenges, including:

• Climate adaptation and resilience

• Regenerative agriculture

• Environmental conservation

• Clean energy solutions

• Technology supporting sustainable development

4. Crisis Response

Programmes supporting communities experiencing emergencies or hardship, including:

• Food security

• Housing and shelter

• Disaster relief

• Access to essential services

• Secure connectivity for vulnerable communities

Projects should demonstrate how technology improves the reach, effectiveness or efficiency of their services.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered nonprofit organisations

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• International charities

• Organisations delivering national or multinational programmes

• Nonprofits developing innovative, technology-enabled solutions

Important eligibility requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be a legally recognised nonprofit or NGO.

• Demonstrate a clear focus on at least one of Cisco's four priority sectors.

• Serve a target population where more than 65% are economically underserved relative to local standards.

• Demonstrate innovative use of information and communications technology.

• Show potential for their solution to be scaled or replicated.

• Establish measurable outcomes and clear impact indicators.

• Have an experienced leadership team.

• Demonstrate a credible plan for long-term sustainability.

• Generally have organisational overhead costs of no more than 25%, although exceptions may be considered.

International eligibility:

Organisations outside the United States may apply but must provide documentation demonstrating that they are equivalent to a US public charity.

This means eligible UK charities and international NGOs can potentially apply, subject to Cisco's assessment.

What cannot be funded?

Cisco generally does not support:

• Individual applicants

• General organisational operating expenses unrelated to the proposed programme

• Standalone research projects

• Programmes primarily focused on physical or mental healthcare

• Schools, scholarships and university programmes

• Conferences, festivals and fundraising events

• Capital building projects

• Political or religious activities

• Routine computer equipment purchases

How does the application process work?

Stage 1 – Eligibility Assessment

Organisations complete Cisco's online eligibility quiz to confirm whether their programme meets the basic requirements.

Stage 2 – Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Eligible organisations submit an initial proposal outlining their project, target beneficiaries, expected impact and budget.

Cisco may take up to three months to review the initial enquiry.

Stage 3 – Full Application

Selected organisations are invited to submit a detailed funding proposal.

A decision is generally provided within approximately three months of the full application being submitted.

Stage 4 – Grant Agreement & Reporting

Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement and report on their project's progress and measurable outcomes.

Funding: Up to USD $100,000 for first-time grant recipients

Deadline: Rolling applications – no fixed closing date