Global Impact Cash Grant Program

The Global Impact Cash Grant Program is organized by Cisco Systems, Inc. and its philanthropic foundation, the Cisco Foundation, to support and develop innovative social solutions globally. The program focuses on identifying, incubating, and scaling early-stage initiatives that possess the highest potential to solve critical societal challenges. Grant funding is provided to non-profit (NPO) and non-governmental (NGO) organizations with national or multinational operations.

The primary focus of the program is on supporting economically underserved populations and implementing modern information and communications technologies (ICT) to improve the reach and efficiency of social services. Funded programs must align with at least one of Cisco's four core social investment sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. The submission process begins with an Eligibility Quiz to verify basic criteria and submitting a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Only after a positive assessment of the initial concept by Cisco grant administrators will applicants receive an official invitation to submit a full grant proposal.

• Organization type: Eligible applicants are strictly non-profit (NPO) and non-governmental (NGO) organizations with national or multinational operations.
• Organizational status:
  • For US organizations: Recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and classified as a public charity.
  • For non-US organizations: Must provide documentation to determine equivalency to a US public charity.
• Target audience: Greater than 65% of program beneficiaries must be economically underserved relative to target geography standards.
• Sector focus: The project must focus on at least one of the 4 sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience.
• Board certification: The applicant must certify that the chairperson or at least one officer of the board of directors has reviewed and supports the proposal submission.

• Maximum grant amount: For first-time grant recipients from Cisco, the maximum request amount is US$100,000.
• Overhead limit: An organization's overhead expenses must not exceed 25% of the total project budget. Exemptions to this rule are rare and determined on a case-by-case basis for exceptional alignment with Cisco's values and with clear justification.
• Educational institution restrictions: The Cisco Foundation does not tend to make grants to colleges and universities; in the rare case an exception is made, additional institutional overhead rates for universities are not supported.
• Equipment purchases: The purchase of computer hardware and software is generally not funded, except in cases where such resources are leveraged in a strategically innovative manner (extending far beyond everyday staff use) and the applicant demonstrates that alternative, lower-cost, or free options (such as in-kind donations) are unavailable.
• Ineligible expenses and funding areas:
  • General operating expenses of the organization not directly associated with program implementation.
  • Direct funding for individuals.
  • Scientific and research programs.
  • Membership-based activities and programs serving the interests of only one culture, race, religion, population group, or political viewpoint rather than the community at large.
  • Activities of religious, political, or sectarian organizations (direct service programs run by faith-based organizations may be eligible).
  • Private or public hospitals, hospital foundations, medical centers, and research centers (hospital-based programs are eligible only if funds go exclusively to direct community service).
  • Healthcare programs focused on improving physical or mental health.
  • Private, public, or charter schools, school foundations, booster clubs, colleges/universities, scholarships, stipends, loans, or school-related activities (e.g., field trips).
  • Events and recreational activities: athletic events, competitions, tournaments, conferences, seminars, workshops, festivals, recreational trips, as well as fundraising events, walks/runs, benefit dinners, or event sponsorships.
  • Capital building funds, challenge grants, and grant-making organizations/foundations (including private and family foundations).

• Development, testing, and deployment of early-stage innovative social solutions.
• Initiatives across the 4 core sectors:
  • Crisis response;
  • Education;
  • Economic empowerment;
  • Climate resilience.
• Environmental sustainability initiatives within the context of education, crisis response, and economic empowerment (e.g., creating jobs supporting climate resilience).
• Implementation of technology and ICT to optimize service delivery and increase beneficiary reach.
• Scalable and replicable models providing long-term social impact in communities.

• Step 1: Determination of Eligibility: Complete the online Eligibility Quiz for NPOs/NGOs on the Cisco Grants and Cash Donations portal to verify baseline eligibility. (For for-profit climate resilience projects, a separate Climate Impact Investing Inquiry Form is used).
• Step 2: Submission of Letter of Inquiry (LOI): After successfully passing the quiz, the applicant completes and submits the online LOI form detailing the organization, project, target population, and budget. Review of the LOI takes up to one business quarter (up to 3 months).
• Step 3: Invitation and Submission of Full Proposal: If the LOI is approved, the applicant receives an official invitation to submit a full grant proposal. Review and final decision on the full proposal take up to one business quarter (up to 3 months).
• Step 4: Agreement Signing and Disbursement: Electronic signing of the donation agreement and delivery of grant funds.
• Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring: Using Cisco's online platform to track established project metrics and report progress throughout the life of the grant award.

• Step 1: Determination of Eligibility:
  • Visit the Cisco Grants and Cash Donations portal and complete the online Eligibility Quiz for NPOs/NGOs. 
  • (Note: For-profit climate resilience investments follow a separate climate impact investing inquiry form).
• Step 2: Submission of Letter of Inquiry (LOI):
  • Upon successfully passing the quiz, access is granted to complete the LOI form.
  • Fill in detailed information about the organization, proposed program, target audience, and budget.
  • Await review (takes up to 3 months).
• Step 3: Submission of Full Proposal:
  • If invited by a Cisco grant administrator, complete and submit the full grant proposal via the online portal. 
  • Await the final decision (takes up to 3 months).

• Addresses a critical social challenge with unmet need: The program addresses a problem affecting many lives within one of Cisco's 4 sectors with severe effects on the target community. A significant unmet need exists due to a gap in funding or a need for innovative approaches.
• Metrics to measure program impact: Utilizes SMART metrics (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely). Highest priority and funding consideration are given to proposals with clearly articulated planned results and concrete metrics.
• Serves the underserved: Greater than 65% of the target audience must be economically underserved relative to the average standards of the target geography.
• Innovative use of technology: The program makes innovative use of information and communications technology (ICT) to improve service efficiency and reach.
• Innovative approach with potential for broad impact: Provides an innovative solution creating opportunities for significant reach beyond direct grant-funded activities (e.g., market effects due to shifts in economics or productivity, or ability to catalyze ecosystem partner behavior).
• Replicable, scalable, and sustainable: Designed to be easily and cost-effectively replicated in other communities globally, with a long-term plan to flourish beyond Cisco funding.
• Outstanding leadership: The organization possesses an outstanding leader or management team with vision, execution ability, passion, an ethical approach, expertise, and a credible track record.

• Results of the online Eligibility Quiz.
• Completed and submitted online Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
• Full online grant proposal (submitted upon official invitation only).
• Proof of legal and tax-exempt status:
  • IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status document (for US organizations).
  • Documentation proving equivalency to a US public charity (for international/non-US NPOs/NGOs).
• Official board certification/confirmation that the proposal was reviewed and approved by the chairperson or a board officer.
• Electronically signed donation agreement (prior to fund disbursement).

• Reporting and performance tracking: Recipient organizations are required to use Cisco's online grant platform to customize performance metrics and regularly measure progress over the life of the grant. Meaningful participation in this process is required for continued funding eligibility.
• Reviews of accuracy/compliance: All applicants are subject to reviews regarding the accuracy of representations, compliance with policies, and adherence to grant agreement terms. Significant inaccuracies, violations, or failure to cooperate may result in the forfeiture and return of granted funds and disqualification from future funding.
• Agreement signing: Organizations must electronically sign a written donation agreement before funds can be delivered.
• Mandatory policies: Strict adherence to Cisco policies on nondiscrimination, prohibition of religious proselytizing, non-support of violence and terrorism, and restrictions on advocacy, lobbying, and political activities.

• Proposal expenses: Cisco is not responsible for and will not reimburse any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting grant proposals at any stage.
• Policy changes: Grant policies and requirements are subject to change without notice and become effective immediately upon posting to the website.
• Grantor discretion: Policy interpretation and funding decisions are wholly within the discretion of Cisco and the Cisco Foundation. Qualification under eligibility criteria does not entitle an organization to receive a grant.
• No guarantees: A request to submit a full proposal (LOI approval) does not constitute a guarantee of funding.
• Right to audit: The grantor reserves the right to review representations and compliance. Significant violations or non-cooperation may lead to the demand for return of funds and forfeiture of future eligibility.
• Political and religious compliance: Applicants must strictly comply with Cisco policies regarding nondiscrimination, religious proselytizing, lobbying, and non-support of violence or terrorism.