In a world increasingly shaped by digital transformation, access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet, millions of people across low-income, rural, and marginalized communities remain excluded from the digital economy. To bridge this divide, digital inclusion funders are stepping up in 2025 to support projects that ensure equitable access to digital tools, internet infrastructure, and digital literacy. These global funding organizations play a critical role in helping NGOs, researchers, and social innovators build inclusive, tech-enabled futures.
Top Digital Inclusion Funders in 2025
Below are some of the most impactful global funders supporting digital inclusion initiatives in 2025.
1. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation continues to invest in digital public infrastructure and data systems that enable equitable access to health, education, and financial services. In 2025, their “Digital Equity for All” initiative focuses on digital literacy, women’s access to mobile technology, and digital ID systems in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Website: gatesfoundation.org
2. The World Bank (Digital Development Program)
The World Bank provides funding and technical support to governments seeking to improve broadband infrastructure, digital government services, and digital skills training. Its 2025 strategy places strong emphasis on “universal digital access” as a pillar of inclusive development.
Website: worldbank.org/digitaldevelopment
3. Internet Society Foundation
Focused on building resilient, inclusive internet systems, the Internet Society Foundation offers grant programs such as “Building Opportunities” and “Research Grants” in support of community networks, internet access for underserved groups, and local content creation.
Website: internetsociety.org
4. Omidyar Network
A philanthropic investment firm founded by eBay’s creator, Omidyar Network supports policy innovation, open digital ecosystems, and civic technology. In 2025, they are especially focused on responsible tech, digital rights, and inclusive digital economies.
Website: omidyar.com
5. Mozilla Foundation
Through its “Tech + Society” funding stream, Mozilla supports community-based organizations working to make technology more accessible and equitable. Grants in 2025 include funding for projects in open-source education tools, internet governance, and disability tech inclusion.
Website: foundation.mozilla.org
6. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
As a UN agency for ICT, ITU provides funding and implementation support for digital inclusion programs, particularly in low-income countries. Current efforts are centered on inclusive broadband planning, capacity building, and gender equity in tech.
Website: itu.int
7. Mastercard Foundation
This foundation’s “Young Africa Works” strategy includes large-scale investments in digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, and access to digital tools for young people across Africa. In 2025, their focus remains on equipping youth for the digital economy.
Website: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/
How to Engage with These Funders
To access funding or partnership opportunities:
- Visit each foundation’s official grants page or newsletter.
- Subscribe to funding alerts via platforms like FundsforNGOs or GrantStation.
- Align your project goals with their thematic focus (e.g., youth, gender equity, rural access).
- Prepare a concise, impact-driven proposal showing measurable outcomes.
Why Digital Inclusion Funders Matter
These digital inclusion funders are powering the movement to close the global digital divide—one project, policy, and partnership at a time. Whether you’re designing a community internet initiative, launching a digital skills training program, or advocating for inclusive tech policy, aligning your work with the priorities of these funders can help you scale your impact. As the digital economy grows, the need for sustained support from digital inclusion funders is more urgent than ever.