The Open Technology Fund (OTF) is accepting applications to its Internet Freedom Fund — its primary funding mechanism for innovative projects that advance internet freedom globally. The fund supports technology development, applied research, digital security initiatives, and community convenings, with a focus on circumvention tools, security infrastructure, and protecting individuals exposed to censorship and surveillance in repressive environments.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline. However, OTF prioritises first-time applicants, individuals and organisations from under-represented backgrounds within the internet freedom field, and projects addressing areas that remain underfunded.
Ideal applicants seek between $50,000 and $200,000 for efforts running between six and twelve months, though awards range from $10,000 to $900,000 for up to 24 months.
What the Fund Supports
Technology Development:
- Creating new, open-source circumvention technologies
- Improving the security, usability, and adaptability of existing internet freedom tools
- Developing content redistribution methods to aid access behind government firewalls
- Improving security standards and best practices within core infrastructure projects
- Improving accessibility and usability of existing open-source projects
Applied Research:
- Research that strengthens the evidence base for internet freedom interventions
- Technical research informing policy and legal efforts around censorship and surveillance
Digital Security:
- Projects improving the digital security ecosystem for at-risk communities and human rights defenders
Events and Community Convenings:
- Gatherings that bring together the internet freedom and human rights communities around shared challenges
Who Can Apply:
- Individuals or organisations — for-profit or non-profit — of any age, nationality, creed, or sex
- First-time applicants are prioritised, as are those from under-represented groups within the internet freedom field
- Applicants must not be based in countries under United States trade restrictions or export sanctions as determined by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
How to Apply
The application process runs in two stages:
Stage 1 — Concept Note: Submit a short concept note through OTF’s online application system outlining your project idea. Applicants can expect to hear back within six to eight weeks.
Stage 2 — Full Proposal: Applicants whose concept notes are deemed highly competitive will be invited to submit a full proposal expanding on their project idea. A final review is conducted by the Internet Freedom Fund Advisory Council, comprising subject-matter experts across relevant fields.