Silicon Valley Impact Grants

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 requirements (details apply)
• Serve an audience greater than 65% economically underserved (relative to the average standards of the target geography)
• Measure its outcome and impact on the community
• Demonstrate scalability and sustainability

Priority is given to programs that incorporate technology in the delivery and reach of services.

Also, your organization must:

• Qualify as 501(c)(3) public charity
• Restrict operating expenses to no more than 25%
• Refrain from regranting Cisco funds
• Demonstrate at least one year of successful organizational operation
• Apply for only one program per year

Please note that our investment areas and eligibility requirements were substantially revised in September 2009. Even if you have applied for a Silicon Valley Impact Grant in the past, please review all eligibility requirements and policies with care before beginning an online application.

Funding Of Innovative New Programs from Well-Qualified Organizations

We accept grant application submissions for programs 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 year 2010. PROGRAM MUST MEET GUIDELINES OUTLINED IN THE INVESTMENT AREAS SECTION OF THIS WEB SITE.

Deadlines & How to Apply

The online application for this program will open February 1, 2010 and close February 19 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 3 consecutive years of cash grant funding ('07, '08 and '09) from Cisco Foundation are not eligible to apply for either a new program or an existing program in 2010. Please reference the grant recipients page to determine your eligibility. Your organization will be eligible again in 2011.