Internet Society Foundation
The Internet Society Foundation is a public charity based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Formed in 2017, it funds initiatives intended to strengthen the Internet in function and reach so that it can serve people worldwide.
Internet Society Foundation at a glance
In short: Internet Society Foundation gave $14.5M across 28 grants in 2024 (avg $519K), top state Virginia. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $14,543,134
- -80.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 28
- -31.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $519,398
- -71.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $180,750
- Total assets
- $90,334,360
- +3.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (6 of 23, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Virginia (48% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Internet Society Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Review the requirements for the relevant grant program and follow its application process. The Foundation recommends that prospective applicants take its Grant Ready course before beginning an application.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1551 Emancipation Highway 1506, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: (703) 439-2120
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from Internet Society Foundation
Beyond the Net Grant
Internet Society Foundation
Amount
Up to US $35,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technology (BOLT) program
Internet Society Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Chapter Admin Funding Grant
Internet Society Foundation
Amount
Up to US $9,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Internet Society Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Internet Society ($7.0M). Together the top 10 received $12.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
122 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 49 grants of 122 (40%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation describes its work as supporting the global Internet community. In 2024, the largest shares of its grant dollars by recipient state went to Virginia (48%), California (20%), and New York (12%); Oregon received 4% and Florida 3%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Internet Society Foundation open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 23 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. With only 23 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $201K; repeat grants $785K. How we count
Medians: $167K first-time, $200K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.9M (2021) to $75.1M (2023). In 2024 it made 28 grants totaling $14.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Society Fredericksburg, VA | IETF | $7,000,000 |
| Global Cyber Alliance East Greenbush, NY | Opportunities | $1,500,000 |
| Techsoup Global San Francisco, CA | SCILLS | $1,041,358 |
| University of California Berkeley Berkeley, CA | Research | $527,125 |
| Code for Science and Society Inc Portland, OR | Research | $472,671 |
| Techsoup Global San Francisco, CA | Research | $396,675 |
| Center for Democracy and Technology Washington, DC | Research | $302,500 |
| SubOptic Foundation Coral Gables, FL | RARE | $250,000 |
| Mycelia Foundation Las Cruces, NM | BOLT | $226,235 |
| Techsoup Global San Francisco, CA | RARE | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Internet Society Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $90,334,360 | $32,709,029 | $33,868,292 | $14,543,134 | 28 | $3,685,029 |
| 2023 | $87,654,990 | $39,756,178 | $93,634,981 | $75,114,054 | 41 | $2,975,089 |
| 2022 | $126,634,739 | $37,230,111 | $12,240,348 | $4,699,735 | 22 | $2,903,483 |
| 2021 | $123,432,519 | $31,962,554 | $8,580,204 | $2,912,674 | 22 | $4,954,872 |
| 2020 | $101,710,445 | $28,018,851 | $17,506,204 | $14,784,673 | 9 | $1,200,456 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to champion ideas and enable communities to unlock the Internet’s potential to tackle the world’s evolving challenges. Its stated vision is that the Internet is for everyone.
Its funding programs support researchers, developers, nonprofits, educators, local organizations, and Internet Society chapters. Listed areas include research; resilience and emergency response; strengthening communities and improving lives and livelihoods (SCILLS); Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT); Internet governance; community connectivity; peering infrastructure; and technical communities.
Some 2024 grantees describe work related to these areas. Internet Society says its mission is to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of people worldwide. Global Cyber Alliance describes its work as confronting cyber risk and improving the connected world. TechSoup Global says it uses technology to enable connections and solutions for a more equitable planet. Code for Science and Society says it advances the use of data to improve people’s social and economic lives through public education, research, and technology development. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 28 grants totaling $14,543,134. Grant amounts ranged from $44,032 to $7,000,000, with a median of $180,750. The largest listed awards included $7,000,000 to Internet Society for IETF, $1,500,000 to Global Cyber Alliance for Opportunities, and $1,041,358 to TechSoup Global for SCILLS. Other listed grants included $527,125 to the University of California, Berkeley for research, $472,671 to Code for Science and Society for research, and $302,500 to the Center for Democracy and Technology for research.
The Foundation describes its award process as involving careful evaluation and selection. It obtains signed grant agreements that specify the grant purpose, use of funds, reporting, and other compliance requirements. Eligibility varies by program. General applicant guidance says organizations need an account in their legal name that can receive funds from a U.S.-based foundation; individual bank accounts are not accepted unless a specific program expressly permits them. Some programs require 501(c)(3) status or an equivalent, alignment with the Internet Society’s mission and vision, or status as a chartered Internet Society chapter. Applicants should consult the relevant program’s requirements.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Barry Leiba, Brian Haberman, Caleb Ogundele, Charles Mok, Laura Thomson, and Olufunke Baruwa as trustees. Kathleen Moriarty and Maureen Hilyard are listed as trustees as of June 2024. Jon Peterson and Luis Martinez are listed as trustees through June 2024. Laura Thomson is also listed as treasurer.
Internet Society Foundation is led by Andrew Sullivan, President & Chief Executive Officer since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 11 of 27 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Andrew Sullivan
President & Chief Executive Officer
President & CEO → President & Chief Executive Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$60K (2020) → $182K (2024)
Sally Wentworth
President & Chief Executive Officer
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
$36K (2024)
Sarah Armstrong
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$225K (2020) → $308K (2024)
Ted Hardie
Trustee & Board Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Board Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Locke
Executive Vice President & Managing Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$147K (2024)
Yurie Cho
Operations Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$139K (2023) → $157K (2024)
Alejandra Prieto
Director, Fellowships & Alumni
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$194K (2024)
Shannon Morley-Ragland
Senior Director of Institutional & Grant Funding
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$155K (2024)
Laura Thomson
Trustee & Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Pepper
Trustee
Trustee → Trustee & Secretary, 2022
Trustee & Secretary → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Haberman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Peterson
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Luis Martinez
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barry Leiba
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Charles Mok
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sagarika Wickramasekera
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Victor Kuarsingh
Trustee & Secretary
Trustee → Trustee & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Caleb Ogundele
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Olufunke Baruwa
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ramanou Biaou
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Moriarty
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maureen Hilyard
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Russell Housley
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ilona Levine
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$28K (2021) → $111K (2024)
Sae-Young Park
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer → Senior Vice President & CFO, 2022
Senior Vice President & CFO → Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, 2024
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$20K (2021) → $104K (2024)
Joyce Dogniez
Vice President, Empowerment & Outreach
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$274K (2023) → $281K (2024)
Kristi Mason
Vice President & Communications
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$232K (2023) → $261K (2024)
Former officers (23)
- Former: George Sadowsky (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Muhammad Shabbir (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Allesandra De Santillana (2023) — Director & Media Relations
- Former: James Wood (2023) — Head of Cont Com
- Former: Rinalia Abdul Rahim (2023) — Md & Internet Fdn
- Former: Connie Kendig (2020–2022) — Fdn Ops Director
- Former: Ndeye Maimouna Diop (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Richard Barnes (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Paul Ebersman (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Shayna Robinson (2021–2022) — Programs Director
- Former: Gonzalo Camarillo (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Heather West (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: John Levine (2020–2021) — Trustee & Secretary
- Former: Mike Godwin (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Olga Cavalli (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Walid Al-Saqaf (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Sandra Spector (2021) — CFO
- Former: Brittany Piovesan (2020) — Program Officer
- Former: Glenn McKnight (2020) — Trustee Till
- Former: Hans Peter Dittler (2020) — Trustee Till
- Former: Hiroshi Esaki (2020) — Trustee Till
- Former: Mieke Va Heesewijk (2020) — Trustee Till
- Former: Sean Turner (2020) — Trustee Till
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $308K, to Sarah Armstrong (Executive Director). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Internet Society Foundation
How much does Internet Society Foundation give each year?
Internet Society Foundation gave $14.5M across 28 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $75.1M across 41 grants.
What is Internet Society Foundation's typical grant size?
Internet Society Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $180,750, and its average grant was $519,398, across 28 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Internet Society Foundation that year got $201K on average.
Where does Internet Society Foundation give grants?
Internet Society Foundation's top state is Virginia, with 48% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (20%) and New York (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Francisco, CA (5 grants), Coral Gables, FL (2 grants) and Oakland, CA (2 grants).
Does Internet Society Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 28 grants with a stated purpose on Internet Society Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research" (12 grants), "Rare" (5 grants) and "Bolt" (5 grants).
Who are Internet Society Foundation's largest grantees?
Internet Society Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Internet Society ($7,000,000), Techsoup Global ($1,787,934 across 4 grants) and Global Cyber Alliance ($1,500,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 71% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Internet Society Foundation?
Internet Society Foundation reported $90.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $32.7M.
What does Internet Society Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to champion ideas and enable communities to unlock the Internet’s potential to tackle the world’s evolving challenges. Its stated vision is that the Internet is for everyone. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Internet Society Foundation?
Review the requirements for the relevant grant program and follow its application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Internet Society Foundation's EIN?
Internet Society Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-3285688. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 16, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Internet Society Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
Gates Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Gates Foundation funds work to reduce disease and poverty, improve health and gender equality in lower-income countries, and support education and economic mobility in the United States, especially Washington State; it works in more than 140 countries. Its 2024 grants had a median of $500,000, with awards ranging from $1 to $350.5 million. It generally does not accept unsolicited proposals, but periodically offers opportunities through published requests for proposals.
Assets
$78.7B
Grants
4,974
Total Given
$6.3B
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Lansdowne, VA
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation funds education programs that help exceptionally promising students with financial need, including college access, academic enrichment, and support for talented students. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6 to $515,000, with a median of $7,702; it funds across the United States, with most grant dollars going to Virginia. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations and directs applicants to its website for current application instructions and eligibility.
Assets
$940.1M
Grants
1,419
Total Given
$25.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Virginia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Internet Society Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/internet-society-foundation-morg_7462b3d5346e4e6dabf813939dad1aa3
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_823285688_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Internet Society Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/internet-society-foundation-morg_7462b3d5346e4e6dabf813939dad1aa3},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Internet Society Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Internet Society Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?