Briefly
Program description
The Internet Freedom Fund is the primary grant program through which the Open Technology Fund (OTF) supports innovative global internet freedom projects.
The purpose of the program is to develop, implement, and support technological solutions, applied research, digital security initiatives, and community convenings aimed at countering censorship, digital threats, and restrictions on access to information.
The fund is intended for individuals and organizations worldwide, with priority given to first-time applicants, under-represented groups, and projects focused on underfunded areas.
Main Information
Eligibility
Priority is given to first-time applicants, under-represented groups, and projects in underfunded areas. Individuals and organizations of any age and nationality are eligible.
The fund does not support applicants from countries subject to U.S. trade restrictions or export sanctions (OFAC).
Financing
Funding is provided through performance-based contracts; payments are made upon completion of agreed objectives and deliverables according to the contract schedule.
The program does not support providing internet connectivity except in the case of politically instigated shutdowns, does not support ICT4D, and does not support legal analysis or policy advocacy except narrow technical research.
It does not support one-off training, training of trainers, or organizational capacity building as primary outcomes.
Supported Activities
Supported activities include:
- Technology development
- Applied research
- Improving digital security
- Community convenings
Roadmap
The application process is two-stage: submit a concept note, then invited applicants submit a full proposal.
Applicants can expect to hear back approximately 6–8 weeks after submitting a concept note.
How to Apply
Submission takes place in two stages:
1) submit a concept note via the online system
2) applicants invited after review of the concept note submit a full proposal. Final review is conducted by the fund’s advisory council.
Evaluation Criteria
- Project alignment with the fund’s purpose
- Whether the project addresses an existing or emerging problem
- Cost effectiveness
- Sustainability after funding ends
- Complementarity to existing initiatives
FAQ
OTF supports research, development, and implementation efforts focused on increasing access to the internet (including circumvention tools), awareness of access, privacy, or security threats (including research, censorship detection, measurement platforms, and increasing digital security know-how), privacy for at-risk users, and security against threats to internet access and safety
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. You’ll receive a determination notice 6–8 weeks after submission. Rapid Response Fund applications are reviewed as quickly as possible, with efforts to decide within five days.
OTF places high priority on funding tools that are open-source and freely available to download and use, ensuring a low barrier to user adoption and use
If you have materials that strengthen your application and cannot be added as a link, including them as an attachment is fine.
Reporting and Compliance
Successful applicants are paired with a program manager who oversees monitoring and evaluation during the contract. Assessments are based on agreed metrics, deliverables, and goals in the proposal. Payments comply with local laws and ethical rules.
Legal Terms
The fund does not support applicants from countries subject to U.S. trade restrictions or export sanctions.
Payments comply with local laws, regulations, and ethical norms.