The Open Technology Fund (OTF) Internet Freedom Fund supports individuals and organisations developing innovative solutions that protect internet freedom and human rights in the digital environment.
The fund supports practical projects addressing online censorship, surveillance and digital security, with a focus on tools, research and collaboration that help people communicate and access information safely.
Funding is available for projects ranging from the development of open-source internet freedom technologies to applied research, digital security ecosystem initiatives, and community convenings.
Funding
Funding ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 900,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months. OTF considers USD 50,000–200,000 over 6–12 months to be an ideal funding range for many projects.
Funding is provided through performance-based contracts, with payments linked to agreed objectives, activities and deliverables.
Categories
Technology Development
Supports the development and improvement of innovative, open-source internet freedom technologies, from prototype through deployment.
Projects may include:
Developing open-source circumvention technologies.
Improving the security, usability and adaptability of existing tools.
Developing methods for accessing content behind government firewalls.
Improving security standards and quality assurance for core infrastructure.
Developing next-generation internet freedom tools.
Applied Research
Supports research that strengthens understanding of internet censorship, surveillance and threats to online freedom.
Projects may include research into:
Monitoring and analysing threats to internet freedom.
New or improved censorship circumvention methods.
Emerging digital threats and censorship practices.
The needs of people living under surveillance and censorship.
Technology usability, accessibility and localisation.
Digital Security Ecosystem
Supports initiatives that strengthen regional and global digital security networks and improve coordination among practitioners, researchers and other community actors.
The fund does not support one-off training, training-of-trainers or organisational capacity building as the primary outcome.
Community Convenings
Supports targeted events and gatherings that bring internet freedom practitioners, developers, researchers and other community actors together to improve collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective strategies.
Eligibility
The fund is open to:
Individuals aged 18 and above.
For-profit and nonprofit organisations.
Applicants of any nationality.
OTF particularly encourages applications from first-time applicants, underrepresented groups within the internet freedom field and projects addressing underfunded areas.
Projects should focus on practical solutions that advance internet freedom, protect human rights, or address digital censorship, surveillance and security.
The fund does not support general internet connectivity, hardware provision, broad digital literacy training, general policy advocacy, or projects using closed-source or proprietary software.
Application process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through a two-stage process:
Stage 1:Â Applicants submit a Concept Note outlining their project through OTF's online application system.
Stage 2:Â Applicants with competitive Concept Notes are invited to submit a more detailed Proposal.
Final proposals are reviewed by the Internet Freedom Fund Advisory Council.
Application information
Deadline:Â Rolling
For more information and to apply, click here.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.