Internet Freedom Fund Grant

The Internet Freedom Fund Grant, managed by the Open Technology Fund (OTF), supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing global internet freedom. It accepts applications for technology development, applied research, digital security, and community convenings on a rolling basis. Grants range from $10,000 to $900,000, with a focus on projects that promote collaboration and address underfunded areas. OTF prioritizes first-time applicants and those from underrepresented groups, ensuring diverse voices contribute to internet freedom efforts.

NOTE: The Internet Freedom Fund accepts applications on a rolling basis and is done in a two-stage-process. Applications are submitted as concept notes, upon positive review, OTF invites the applicant to submit a full proposal.
The Internet Freedom Fund is the primary opportunity through which Open Technology Fund supports innovative global internet freedom projects. These projects are focused on technology development and implementation, but can also include applied research, convenings, and digital security projects. See below for more details about each category.
Technology Development
OTF supports the development of innovative internet freedom technologies from the prototype phase to deployment phase, in addition to supporting core infrastructure projects that serve the internet freedom and human rights communities.
Applications for this category can include, but are not limited to:Creating new, open-source circumvention technologiesTaking an existing open-source internet freedom technology and improving upon its security, usability, and adaptabilityDeveloping content redistribution methods to aid in content access behind government firewallsNext-generation toolsImproving security standards, quality assurance, and best practices within core infrastructure projectsImproving accessibility and usability of existing projects
Applied Research
OTF supports the applied research efforts of the internet freedom community through the Internet Freedom Fund. This includes research that identifies where and how censorship is occurring, studying the methods to counteract censorship, and advancing knowledge around what types of content is targeted to help assess threats to internet freedom.
Applications for this category can include, but are not limited to:
Research that focuses on real-time monitoring and analysis of threats to internet freedomResearch exploring new methods or improvements of censorship circumvention toolsEfforts that increase the understanding and awareness of the Internet freedom community, their roles, and how they contribute to maintaining a free and open internetUser research identifying the needs of people living under repressive surveillance and censorship, how technologies and tools can address those needs, and how these tools can introduce usability and localization improvements
Digital Security
OTF works to fill the missing digital security capacity needs for individuals fighting for internet freedom by supporting efforts that increase understanding of the challenges faced while building digital security strategies. Applications in this category should have the development of a stated technology as one of the primary outcomes of the project, achieved by providing user feedback to technology developer communities, deepening the field’s understanding of front-line challenges and existing technology limitations, and strengthening the relationships between technology developers and communities in need.
Applications for this category can include, but are not limited to:
Programs focused on technical upskilling new and existing practitioners, preferably guided by a community-driven set of technical prioritiesResearch efforts to map digital threats that affect internet users and high-risk users living in countries with restrictive information controlsSetting up or growing regional or local digital security help-desksThreat intelligence sharing initiatives
Events and Community Convenings
OTF provides funding that empowers internet freedom communities to collaborate and work cohesively to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration, cultivate deeper trust, and support and diversify the next generation of Internet freedom leaders. Supported efforts include a wide representation of voices to foster greater collaboration and intersectionality. OTF believes that the need to build a collective vision and strategy with a diverse global network of internet freedom collaborators is becoming increasingly important.
Applications for this category can include, but are not limited to:
Targeted research and development gatherings designed to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing between projects in the areas of privacy, circumvention technology, and digital securityCommunity organized events to identify needs, share resources, and gain new insights about censorship, surveillance, and digital security issues
Funding Amount
Awards are between $10,000 and $900,000 for up to 24 months. Ideal applicants seek funding between $50,000 and $200,000 for efforts between 6 and 12 months.
Funding awards are performance-based contracts signed directly with the applicant or applicants. Funding is dispersed upon completion of stated objectives, activities, and deliverables per a schedule outlined in the contract. All payments are made in U.S. dollars and will comply with local laws, regulations, and ethics rules.
Successful applicants are paired with an OTF program manager who will oversee all project monitoring and evaluation for the duration of the contract. Monitoring and evaluation assessments are based on predetermined and agreed-upon metrics, deliverables, and goals as laid out by the applicant in the project proposal.

Eligibility

OTF does not have any requirements regarding an applicant’s status - whether for-profit, nonprofit, or a single individual, located inside or outside the United States, so long as the proposed effort fits within OTF’s mission, goals, and focus areas, it may be considered.Individuals or organizations (for-profit or nonprofit) of all ages irrespective of nationality, creed, or sex are eligible to apply.

Ineligibility

OTF generally does not support standalone costs which are not directly associated with the completion of contractually stated objectives or deliverables. In the very limited instances where OTF determines that an overhead cost is permissible, such costs cannot be greater than 10% of the overall project cost. OTF is not able to support applicants within countries that the United States has trade restrictions or export sanctions as determined by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). OTF does not support one-off training, training of trainers, or organizational capacity building as an effort’s primary outcome.