Social Innovation Investments
Cisco helps nonprofits and NGOs serve communities worldwide
Our distinctive model to maximize impact
Cisco and the Cisco Foundation partner with nonprofit organizations around the world, helping to solve global problems through cash grants, technology, and shared expertise. We support grantees through the following four stages of innovation:
Stage 1: Blueprint
Ideating, creating, and iterating innovative tech-enabled concepts with high potential for lasting impact
Stage 2: Validate
Deployment and testing of preliminary model to validate effectiveness and growth potential
Stage 3: Scale
Expanding and scaling the validated model to reach more underserved people
Stage 4: Transition
Helping the mature solution transition to financial self-sufficiency and sustainability
Explore our grant programs
Global Impact Cash Grant Program
Funding to multiply the tech-fueled impact of organizations with national or multinational operations
India Cash Grant Program
Funding for programs that serve the underserved in India by applying technology
Technology Grant Program
Donating Cisco networking technology to help nonprofits make innovative use of the internet
Technology helps us change more lives for the better
We exceeded our ten-year goal to positively impact one billion people by 2025
Inclusive future for all
Emphasizing the innovative use of technology, we support programs with scalable, replicable, and financially sustainable solutions, focusing especially on underserved populations.
Working locally, nationally, and globally
Our social impact partners use technology to enable unprecedented impact at every level, building programs that will carry on long after our funding concludes.
Core requirements for grant applicants
Social investment areas
We concentrate our investments around climate, crisis response, economic empowerment, and education.
Grant giving policies
Cisco grantees must meet the requirements listed. Each grant program also has specific eligibility requirements.
SMART metrics for nonprofits
We prioritize proposals that clearly articulate planned results, using SMART metrics for measurement.
Cisco Foundation
The Cisco Foundation supports Cisco’s efforts to team up with nonprofit and non-governmental organizations around the world.
Helping nonprofits develop and scale tech solutions
Cisco and the Cisco Foundation's social impact grants to nonprofit organizations support early-stage, technology-based solutions that serve underrepresented and vulnerable populations.
Nonprofit partner impact updates
Power an inclusive future for all
We pursue our purpose by closing the digital divide, empowering the future of work, fighting for equality and social justice, and building a regenerative planet.