Internet for All

Focus Areas
Media Policy
Digital Equity
Community Internet

Access to digital technology is a critical need in today’s democracy and our media-saturated information society. IPMF believes the internet is a public utility and a right, not a luxury. We want to ensure that all communities have access to open, affordable, and reliable internet.

The Internet for All program aims to help communities get and stay connected to the internet in order to access the information and resources they need to have agency and thrive. The program supports:

  • The expansion of community internet that is collectively owned and managed by local communities.
  • Projects and organizations that aim to strengthen community organizing for digital equity. 

Examples of this work include:

  • Philly Community Wireless, a volunteer-led coalition of technologists and organizers working to build community controlled wireless internet networks in Philadelphia. 
  • Technology Learning Collaborative, a professional development organization advocating for digital access, inclusion, and literacy in Philadelphia.

See our glossary for definitions of terms we use to describe our work

What We Support

    Projects

    $45,000 - Awarded August 2021

    Focus areas
    Digital Equity
    Description

    The 2021 Digital Equity Fund grant will support the investment in digital community organizing to advocate, host training, and help hundreds of low to moderate-income and limited digital proficient African/Caribbean immigrant families obtain affordable and stable internet services and digital skills.

    $45,000 - Awarded August 2021

    Focus areas
    Immigrant Voices
    Digital Equity
    Description

    To hire a Digital Navigator who will provide individualized, as well as group instruction, and language specific assistance to close the digital divide among Philadelphia's African and Caribbean immigrant and refugee communities. 2021 Digital Equity Fund recipient.

    $75,000 - Awarded August 2021

    Focus areas
    Digital Equity
    Description

    To install NERDiT Kiosks in community centers in Philadelphia which will provide: affordable device repair and tech support via phone/video to individuals living in communities with less tech access; donations of 100 computers per year for each kiosk to individuals and families who need them; and a place to easily recycle old tech helping the community and city move toward zero e-waste. The 2021 Digital Equity grant will also support a Philadelphia-based NERDiT Cares workforce apprenticeship to develop the certifications, skills, and experience for 10 participants that will prepare them for well-paying tech careers.

    $200,000 - Awarded August 2021

    Focus areas
    Community Internet
    Description

    To build community-owned/operated internet infrastructures that will democratize access, promote digital literacy, and fight digital inequity with free, net-neutral broadband service in North Philadelphia. This is a two-year grant. Recipient of the 2021 Digital Equity Fund grant.

    $45,000 - Awarded August 2021

    Focus areas
    Youth
    Digital Equity
    Description

    To prepare underrepresented young people to succeed as tech and innovation leaders through project-based learning and mentorship, resources, and support networks in the tech and innovation space.

    Stay in Touch

    Sign up for our Community Zine to get notified of available grants and stay up-to-date on grantee work.