Applications from 23 June to 16 July at 21:00 UTC
Strong encryption is a fundamental part of how we remain safe online and offline. It means people can communicate with others safe in the knowledge that no-one is listening in or tampering with their messages.
Despite this, governments around the world are increasing their attacks on end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Governments view E2EE as a hurdle for law enforcement agencies. But systematically weakening people’s digital safety is not the answer.
End-to-end encryption is the gold standard of security in a world where daily life is increasingly online. We need to push back against government efforts to undermine E2EE.
To celebrate Global Encryption Day (21 October), we will join our efforts to protect end-to-end encryption and defeat any proposals that undermine it. We’ve already shown how attempts to create backdoors in end-to-end encryption weaken security. Now we need to stop the other shortcuts that governments are suggesting.
End-to-end encryption protects us all – we need to protect it!
Funding
The Internet Society Foundation, in partnership with the Internet Society, intends to provide 22 to 28 grants of USD $3,000 each, on average, to members of the Global Encryption Coalition for activities that support and celebrate Global Encryption Day in 2026.
Focus Areas
The funding is for activities that support and celebrate Global Encryption Day, including events and convenings that:
- Encourage adoption and use of end-to-end encrypted tools and services.
- Help communities understand the real-world risks of policy proposals that undermine encryption.
- Bring together stakeholders (civil society, technical community, policymakers, educators, journalists, and others) to discuss how strong encryption protects people in uncertain times.
Eligibility Criteria
- This funding is intended for organizations planning an activity that aligns with Global Encryption Day and the Global Encryption Coalition’s goals and messaging. Events may be held up to four weeks before or four weeks after 21 October.
- Applicants must be individuals or organizations that are Global Encryption Coalition members as of 22 June 2026.
- Grants are limited to one per GEC member.
- Applicants must have an official bank account that can accept funds from a U.S. entity in their name (as per their legal registration) to be eligible for a grant.
- Grantees will be required to submit a brief report through the Foundation’s grant management system (Fluxx), summarizing the event, attendance, and relevant quotes.
- Grantees will also be required to consent to the event being listed on the Global Encryption Coalition master calendar unless it is a closed event.
Application Process
The 2026 Encryption Day Grant applications will be accepted from 23 June to 16 July at 21:00 UTC. Applications are reviewed by Internet Society Foundation staff to determine whether they meet eligibility requirements and are aligned with the program’s focus areas.
We encourage applicants to apply early.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online using Fluxx, the Internet Society Foundation’s grant management platform. Only applications submitted online via Fluxx will be considered.
Applications will be accepted from 23 June to 16 July at 21:00 UTC and must be submitted online using Fluxx, the Internet Society Foundation’s grant management platform.
Only applications submitted online via Fluxx will be considered. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be considered.
Applicants must be registered in Fluxx at least 24 hours before the application window deadline, and applications must be submitted prior to the deadline to be considered for funding. No e-mail submissions will be accepted.
If you don’t have an account already, you must create one to apply. Please visit https://isocfoundation.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new to get started or to log into an existing account.
After you login to Fluxx, choose “Application & Grants Portal” from the menu on the left. Scroll down to “Encryption Day” and select “Apply Now”, as seen in the screenshot below.
Reporting
Within four weeks after the event, Encryption Day grantees are required to submit narrative and budget reports through Fluxx. Reports typically include an event summary, participation/attendance information, and relevant highlights (for example, quotes, links, photos, or other documentation).
Questions?
If you have questions about this program or the application process visit the Global Encription Day Events grant program webpage or contact us at [email protected].
If you’d like to learn more about Encryption, the Internet Society offers an online course to anyone interested in this topic.