Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program 2026: Funding for Innovative Technology-Enabled Solutions

Overview

The Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program provides financial support to eligible nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations implementing innovative, early-stage solutions to address major social challenges. The program seeks initiatives that combine social impact with information and communications technology to enhance the reach, efficiency, and effectiveness of services for underserved populations globally.

First-time grant recipients may request a maximum of US$100,000. Funded projects must align with at least one of Cisco's four priority investment sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response: Supports food security, essential supplies, housing, secure connectivity, disaster relief, and critical services for communities facing crises.
Education: Strengthens education, increases student engagement, builds skills, and expands opportunities for students and educators.
Economic Opportunity: Advances skills development, long-term careers, entrepreneurship, financial access, and job creation.
Climate Resilience: Focuses on climate education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, clean energy, and community climate resilience.

Eligibility

Applicants must represent eligible nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations rather than individuals. Organizations operating nationally or internationally must meet specific organizational and programmatic standards:

U.S.-based organizations must hold tax-exempt status as 501(c)(3) public charities recognized by the IRS.
International organizations must provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate equivalence to a U.S. public charity.
The target audience for the proposed program must consist of more than 65 percent economically underserved individuals relative to the target geography.
General organizational overhead must typically not exceed 25 percent.
Proposed activities must avoid Cisco's specified exclusions, which include general operating expenses outside the project, research programs, private or public hospitals, and primary or secondary schools.

How to Apply

The application process involves a multi-stage review rather than an immediate full submission:

Determine Eligibility: Complete the Eligibility Quiz for NPOs and NGOs through the Cisco Grants and Cash Donations portal.
Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Eligible organizations submit an initial concept detailing the organization, proposed program, target population, and budget. LOI reviews may take up to one business quarter.
Submit a Full Proposal: If invited based on the LOI review, applicants submit a full grant proposal for final evaluation.

Applicants must also certify board awareness and approval before applying.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year without a fixed closing date.