Transparency
Governance
Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and 501(c)(3) Application
Internet Society’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws control the fundamental governance requirements for Internet Society in compliance with the DC Nonprofit Corporation Act, which is the law under which the Internet Society was incorporated.
We have also provided Internet Society’s Application for Recognition of Exemption.
Board of Trustees
The Internet Society Board of Trustees is made up of up to fifteen trustees. There are currently fourteen Trustees worldwide, including the current Internet Society President and CEO, who is a non-voting member (ex officio).
Current Trustees
A list of the current board members, their terms, their committees, and how they were elected or appointed.
Elections
Trustees serve the interests of the Internet Society as a whole but are appointed or elected by the following groups: Chapters, Organization Members, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Administration LLC, and the Internet Society Board.
Meetings, Minutes, and Resolutions
Agendas and details from upcoming and past meetings, meeting minutes, and a list of board resolutions.
Board Policies and Procedures
Links to board policies including, but not limited to, Code of Ethics, Attendance Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, procedures for selecting trustees, and other policies and procedures.
Staff
Lists of staff and their biographies for the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation.
Corporate
Structure and Related Organizations
The Internet Society is a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation and is a US 501(c)(3) public charity. Internet Society is the sole member of the Internet Engineering Task Force Administration LLC (IETF LLC), the Public Interest Registry (PIR), the Internet Society Foundation, and the Connected Giving Foundation (CGF).
Connected Giving Foundation
The Connected Giving Foundation is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation and is a US 501(c)(3) public charity. CGF is a subsidiary of Internet Society and supports the mission of the Internet Society. CGF manages investment assets for the benefit of Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation.
Internet Engineering Task Force Administration LLC (IETF LLC)
IETF LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. Since 1992, the Internet Society has supported the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) by providing a corporate home for IETF LLC.
Internet Society Foundation
Internet Society Foundation is a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation and a US 501(c)(3) public charity. It is a subsidiary of the Internet Society and supports its mission. A central resource for grant programs, the Foundation works to expand Internet access and connectivity, build Internet resiliency, promote digital inclusion, and enable research on the future and sustainability of the Internet.
The Foundation also manages grants on behalf of Internet Society grant programs, engages in fundraising to support Internet Society, conducts Training & e-Learning programs, handles communications, and otherwise helps to helping to grow the impact of the Internet Society.
Public Interest Registry (PIR)
Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation and is a US 501(c)(3) public charity. PIR is a subsidiary of Internet Society and supports the mission of the Internet Society. PIR is a registry operator that manages the .ORG top-level domain (TLD) along with other TLDs for nonprofit organizations. PIR’s activities also provide funding for the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation.
2030 Strategy
Our 2030 Strategy was developed through an inclusive process led by our Board of Trustees, which reflects the diverse insights and perspectives of our global community, partners, and staff. It is the strategic foundation which guides the work done from 2025–2030.
Annual Reports and Financials
Each year, we publish our annual Action Plans, Financial Statements, IRS Form 990s, and the previous year’s Year in Review report (formerly called an Impact Report) on our Annual Reports and Financials page.
Funding
As outlined on our financial statements and IRS Form 990, the Internet Society receives funding through diverse revenue streams, including individual and organizational donations, organizational membership dues, meeting sponsorships, and grants. One of our subsidiaries, PIR, primarily funds our programs and operations. Donations to the IETF LLC are reported on our IRS Form 990 but are directly collected and used by IETF LLC to support its own programs and operations. More information about donations to the Internet Society can be found in our FAQs.
The Internet Society is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (federal tax identification number: 54-1650477). Unless designated otherwise, donations are used by the Internet Society where most needed and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Gift Acceptance Principles
When considering whether to solicit or accept gifts, we adhere to the Internet Society Gift Acceptance Principles.
Legal
Links for legal information about our privacy statement, cookie policy, terms and conditions for Internet Society websites, and intellectual property.
Community
Chapters
There are more than 110 active Chapters across six continents. Chapters serve the interests of a segment of the global Internet community in a manner consistent with the mission and principles of the Internet Society.
Chapter Advisory Council (ChAC)
The Chapter Advisory Council (ChAC) comprises representatives from various global chapters. The ChAC is the voice of the chapters to the Internet Society president and CEO and Board of Trustees.
Chapter Charter
All Chapters are subject to a Chapter Charter Agreement that provides the minimum standards and requirements a Chapter must meet and follow. The Chapter Charter Agreement also outlines the support Internet Society will provide to Chapters in good standing.
Chapter Processes
Internet Society members interested in starting a Chapter can follow the steps to Start a Chapter. Information on rejuvenating a Chapter after it has ceased to be in good standing or de-chartering a Chapter that has been unsuccessful in addressing compliance issues in our Chapter processes.
Individual Members
Anyone can become an Internet Society member free of charge. Individual members must follow a code of conduct and can access member-specific information through the member portal.
Organization Members
Internet Society’s organization members are companies, non-profits, academic institutions, and governmental organizations committed to supporting the Internet.
Organization Member Advisory Council (OMAC)
The Organization Member Advisory Council (OMAC) represents the organization members of the Internet Society within the context of its overall vision and serves as an advisory body to Internet Society senior management and board.
Special Interest Groups and Standing Groups
Any Internet Society member can join special interest groups and standing groups. The community selects the group topics and elects boards for each group.
Policy Development Process
The Internet Society benefits from the insights and expertise of its diverse membership and seeks to be as inclusive as possible in its policy development processes.