Introduction

PLEASE NOTE: The Silicon Valley Impact Grant Program is closed for the current funding cycle. New applications will be accepted starting February 1, 2010.

Silicon Valley Impact Grants funds organizations and programs that serves an audience greater than 65% economically underserved, relative to the average standards of the target geography.

Highest priority for consideration in all funding categories is given to applications that clearly articulate the planned impact of the program; provide metrics by which that impact will be measured; operate programs that are sustainable; and use internet technology as part of the program implementation.

Program Overview

Silicon Valley Impact Grants offer $15,000 in targeted funding for standout programs within qualifying community organizations. Grants are awarded through a competitive annual process staffed by Cisco employee volunteers who are passionate about supporting the Bay Area's most innovative and effective nonprofits.

Nonprofits: Are You Eligible?

To qualify for a Silicon Valley Impact Grant, your program must:

• Operate within 50 miles of Cisco's Silicon Valley headquarters
• Meet Education or Health program revised requirements (details apply)
• Serve an audience greater than 65% economically underserved (relative to the average standards of the target geography)
• Measure its impact on the community
• Emphasize scalability and sustainability
• Incorporate technology whenever possible

Also, your organization must:

• Qualify as 501(c)(3) public charity
• Restrict operating expenses to less than 25%
• Refrain from regranting Cisco funds
• Demonstrate at least one year of successful organizational operation
• Apply for one program per year

Please review all eligibility requirements and policies before beginning an online application.

Funding Established Programs as well as Innovative New Programs from Well-Qualified Organizations

We accept grant application submissions for programs within an organization with less than one year of implementation (provided the organization itself has been in existence for minimum of one full year). We are looking for innovative, replicable, sustainable opportunities that use the internet and communications technology to improve the efficiency and reach of program services. Cisco funding should not exceed 50% of total budget. Additional funding resources must be disclosed within application to insure launch of new program within calendar 2009. PROGRAM MUST MEET REVISED GUIDELINES OUTLINED IN THE INVESTMENT AREAS SECTION OF THIS WEB SITE.

Deadlines & How to Apply

The online application for this program opens February 1 of each year and closes March 1 of each year, at 11:59 PM PST. Successful applicants can expect to receive grant funds in June. Learn how to apply.

Special Note for Returning Grantees

Organizations who have received Silicon Valley Impact Cash Grants the past 3 consecutive years ('06, '07, '08) are not eligible to apply for either a new program or further funding of an existing program. Please reference our grant recipients page to determine your eligibility.

Past Recipients

We invite you to review our Silicon Valley Impact Grant recipients from years past.

Hierarchical Navigation

Silicon Valley Impact Grants