Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program

Apply before: On Going

The Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program supports programs that serve the underserved and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services. Cisco welcomes applications for Global Impact Cash Grants from community partners around the world who share Cisco’s vision and offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge.

Eligibility

US organizations need IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Foreign organizations must show equivalence to US public charities.
Funded organizations must benefit over 65% of the economically underserved.
The focus areas are crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate impact.
Education, crisis response, and economic proposals may include environmental sustainability.
Overhead should not exceed 25%, with exceptions explained and justified.
The Cisco Foundation typically avoids grants to colleges and universities. If considered, no additional institutional overhead rates are supported.

The Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program does not fund

Operating expenses not directly related to the program
Individual support
Research programs
Culture, race, religion, or political-specific programs
Religious, political, or sectarian organizations (some exceptions apply)
Private and public hospitals, medical centers, etc.
Programs in hospitals must serve the community directly, not the hospital itself.
Programs improving physical or mental health
Private, public, and charter schools
School foundations, booster clubs, and fundraising organizations
Colleges/universities
Scholarships, stipends, and loans within programs
School-related activities (field trips, research programs, etc.)
Athletic events, competitions, conferences, festivals, field trips, etc.
Fundraising events or sponsorships (dinners, walks/runs, concerts, sports teams)
Capital building funds, challenge grants
Grant-making organizations (excluding specific exceptions)