Cisco’s Global Impact Cash Grant Program supports nonprofit and nongovernmental organisations developing innovative, technology-enabled solutions to significant social challenges.
The programme focuses on organisations working with underserved communities and supports projects with potential for measurable, scalable and sustainable impact.
Key Information
- Funder: Cisco Foundation
- Grant: Up to US$100,000 for first-time grant recipients
- Application status: Open year-round
- Application process: Eligibility assessment followed by a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
- Geographic scope: Global, subject to eligibility requirements
Priority Areas
Cisco currently focuses its Global Impact Cash Grants on four social impact sectors:
- Crisis Response – supporting communities affected by crisis and addressing critical human needs
- Education – improving engagement, skills and learning opportunities
- Economic Opportunity – supporting skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and financial access
- Climate Resilience – supporting conservation, regenerative agriculture, clean energy and other climate-resilience solutions
Eligibility
The programme is open to eligible nonprofit organisations and NGOs operating nationally or internationally.
Organisations outside the United States must provide information and documentation demonstrating that they are equivalent to a US public charity.
Funded programmes must:
- Serve an audience that is more than 65% economically underserved in the relevant geography
- Address at least one of Cisco’s four priority sectors
- Use technology in an innovative way to improve the reach or efficiency of services
- Have measurable outcomes and potential for wider impact
Cisco generally requires organisational overhead to remain at or below 25%, although exceptions may be considered in specific circumstances.
Application Process
The first step is an eligibility assessment through Cisco’s grants portal.
Eligible organisations can then submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) describing the organisation, proposed programme, population served and budget.
Cisco reviews the LOI and may invite selected organisations to submit a full proposal. Submission of an LOI does not guarantee an invitation or funding.
There is no fixed application deadline. Cisco accepts applications year-round from eligible organisations.
Important Note
Applicants should carefully review Cisco’s current eligibility requirements, excluded activities and grant policies before applying. Programme requirements may change without notice.
NGOPortal provides this information for informational purposes only and does not guarantee funding or selection.
Official Information
Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program:
https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/about/purpose/community-resilience/investments/global-impact-cash-grants.html