# OTF Applicant Guidebook This guide is designed for anyone considering seeking funding from Open Technology Fund (OTF), a global internet freedom program. {% hint style="success" %} If you're thinking about applying for OTF for funding, you're in the right place! {% endhint %} Use the menu on the left hand side to navigate, or simply click through to the next section via the button at the bottom of this page. If you only have time to read one thing, check out our FAQ: {% content-ref url="/pages/-LCZqHfQK3JMmB4q2-v-" %} [FAQs](/otf-application-guidebook/faq) {% endcontent-ref %} # Introduction **Welcome!** The goal of this guide is to provide you with all the information you need to successfully submit an application to Open Technology Fund (OTF). Whether you're planning to submit a concept note to OTF for project funding, applying for our Information Controls Research Program, need Lab support, or you're simply curious about how our program works, this guide is for you. Through the sections found on the left, you'll find guidelines both general (relevant to all OTF's funding mechanisms) and specific (tailored to each of the funds, fellowships, and labs we offer). **A One-Stop Shop** This guide is designed to act as a starting point for understanding OTF's funding criteria, what we look for in an application, choosing the right funding mechanism, how to best structure your concept note or proposal, the application workflow, and other useful pointers about applying to OTF. In addition to making things more clear for would-be applicants, we hope that by compiling this information publicly, we’re making good on our commitment to openly share all possible aspects of our work as transparently as possible. **A Living Guide** This guide is a living document. Much of the information found here here was informed by the numerous inquiries sent our way by curious would-be applicants in the past, so hopefully if you came here with a question you can find your answer. With that said, we recognize that this is an ongoing process, and we therefore welcome your feedback, thoughts, and opinions on how to make this guide more useful and relevant to your needs. Feel free to comment directly within the guide as you see fit, or write to us at . # Guide to the Guide A brief overview of this guide's contents This guide is designed to progress in order from high-level, general guidance to more granular, fund or fellowship-specific criteria. Additionally, you’ll find more about the OTF program and ways to learn more about our work outside of this guide. On the left hand side you can navigate from section to section, each of which is briefly described below. ## [**General Funding Guidelines**](/otf-application-guidebook/general-funding-guidelines) This is the bird’s eye overview of the OTF program. Learn about our mission and purpose, the types of projects we support, and our primary focus areas. Regardless of your project’s size or focus, this is a good place to start. ## [Funds and Research Program](/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships) We offer a few different funding mechanisms tailored to support specific types of efforts, namely: the Internet Freedom Fund, Rapid Response Fund, Surge & Sustain Fund, the Free and Open Source Software Sustainability Fund, and the Information Controls Research Program. In this section you’ll find guidance specific to each. ## [Labs](/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs) Through our Labs, we offer various services for Internet freedom projects—whether they are otherwise funded by OTF or not. Available services include tool translations, security audits, secure infrastructure assistance, and more. Head to this section for guidance on each of the Labs we offer. ## [Topical Guidance](/otf-application-guidebook/topical-guidance) More specific and detailed criteria regarding the types of projects supported by OTF, focused on thematic areas such as digital security capacity building. ## [More about the Progra](/otf-application-guidebook/more-about-the-program)[m](/otf-application-guidebook/more-about-the-program) Take a deeper dive on the OTF program: explore our underlying values and principles, learn about our history, access our annual and monthly reports, and check out additional resources. ## [Application Platform Guidance](#undefined) Instructions for applicants on how to use OTF's application platform. ## [FAQ](/otf-application-guidebook/faq) If you’re thinking about applying to OTF and only read one thing, make it this. # General Funding Guidelines ## Mission No matter what fund, fellowship, or lab you’re applying to, adherence to OTF’s mission is essential. It’s first and foremost among the criteria we consider when reviewing any application. > *We support open technologies and communities that increase free expression, circumvent censorship, and obstruct repressive surveillance as a way to promote human rights and open societies.* As long as your idea falls within our mission and gets us excited, we are committed to finding a way to support you. ## Supported Effort Types for the Internet Freedom Fund The projects and people we support all fall into one or more of the following categories: Technology Development, Applied Research, Digital Security and Community Convenings. Some straddle the line between two of these categories, and some even touch on all three. * **Technology Development:** In this category we support the development of innovative Internet freedom technology, prototypes, and projects as well as core infrastructure projects that serve the Internet freedom and human rights communities. OTF seeks to support technology-focused interventions with clear human-centred benefits for Internet freedom. * **Applied Research**: Applied research efforts supported through the Internet Freedom Fund should be applied - that is, with direct feedback, insight, or applicability to the technology development process. This research may include identifying how, why, or where censorship is happening, studying specific Internet freedom tools and ways to improve them, advancing knowledge around what types of content censors target, or assessing threats to Internet freedom in a specific geographic context. * **Digital Security:** OTF aims to fill missing digital security capacity needs for on-the-ground organizations promoting human rights, focusing on those fighting to increase free expression and Internet freedom. Further, OTF seeks to support efforts that increase the developer communities’ understanding of the challenges that organizations and users are facing on the ground, when maintaining digital security strategies or using their tools. * **Community Convenings:** OTF provides funding that empowers Internet freedom communities to become stronger and vibrant by focusing on cultivating deeper trust relationships, improving knowledge share and collaboration, and supporting and diversifying the next generation of leaders. Applications for this category could include Targeted research and development gatherings or community organized events. ## Primary Focus Areas The projects and people we support all work to increase one or more of the following: access, awareness, privacy, and security. Many of our supported efforts can be defined as falling under two or more of these categories. Here’s what we mean when we use these terms: * **Access**: to the internet, including tools to circumvent website blocks, connection blackouts, and widespread censorship. * **Awareness**: of access, privacy, or security threats and protective measures, including how-to guides, instructional apps, data collection platforms, and other efforts that increase the efficacy of Internet freedom tools. * **Privacy**: enhancement, including the ability to be free from repressive observation and the option to be anonymous when accessing the internet. * **Security**: from danger or threat when accessing the internet, including encryption tools. ## Target Beneficiaries Our goal is to support efforts that aim to advance Internet freedom in the world’s most repressive environments. Ideally, this means we support organizations and individuals that are: * Working on projects that will directly benefit those living in the world’s most oppressive censorship and surveillance environments; * Located in or have direct experience with communities in the Global South; * Come from or have direct experience with repressive censorship and surveillance environments; * Come from or have direct experience with underrepresented and/or targeted minority groups, including those with a focus on human rights, LGBT, journalism, media, or activism. ## Contracts, Not Grants One thing that separates OTF from other funders is that we do not provide grants to our supported projects. Rather, OTF administers deliverable-based contracts based on proposals and scopes of work. This means that compelling applications need to clearly propose objectives, deliverables, and timelines in order to be considered competitive. OTF does not provide “lump sum” funding of any sort - funds are disbursed following completion of previously agreed upon metrics and deliverables. ## Overhead Costs **OTF supports projects, not overhead**. Generally, we do not support standalone costs which are not directly associated with the completion of objectives or deliverables. For example, indirect costs such as operational or administrative expenses are not supported. This is in part due to the contractual vehicle OTF relies upon to support projects in the internet freedom space. This policy ensures that programmatic funds are focused on the objectives specifically outlined by Congress. In the very limited instances where OTF determines that an overhead cost would be permitted, such costs cannot be greater than 10 percent of total direct costs. Projects seeking an exception bear the burden of clearly demonstrating how the lack of such an inclusion will prevent the completion of the project’s objectives. ## USG Provisions As a program funded by the United States Congress, contracts between OTF and supported projects include standard provisions for U.S. Government funded agreements. # Application Platform Guidance Instructions for applicants on how to use OTF's application platform. ​🔑 [**Login**](/otf-application-guidebook/application-platform-guidance/login)**​**​​ 👩 [**Your Profile**](/otf-application-guidebook/application-platform-guidance/login/your-profile) **​​**​🔐 **​**[**Two Factor Authentication (2FA)**](/otf-application-guidebook/application-platform-guidance/login/two-factor-authentication-2fa) **​​**:house: [**My Dashboard**](/otf-application-guidebook/application-platform-guidance/my-dashboard) :black\_nib: [**Edit Your Application**](/otf-application-guidebook/application-platform-guidance/edit-your-application) # Login Logging in to the platform The OTF platform can be accessed here: Or through “My OTF” on the website: ![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/dZufvHburs9Br9PGi9Bq8K6GLUfQ6rBC7GFIW9x3kSebus6I90rX0TiUwobiKVWKI1UrXl_rA6izJhCha2fzkcqwcjiBdfCS_yCfwo0sDyBoVatVCbd_f3wTJ9CmnciQ7CK150Vd) Please follow the link to set your password. When you are on the password reset page linked, enter your email address and click “reset password”. Shortly afterwards you should receive an email from including a link for you to create a password. Once your password is set up you can log into your account in the application platform. # Your Profile This page enables you to edit or change an email address on the platform. Any notification or communication from the system will be sent to the email associated with this profile.
# Two Factor Authentication (2FA) To access the application platform further than this page, you need to enable Two-Factor Authentification (2FA). 2FA enhances the security of this platform. Without enabling 2FA you can only access your Profile area. Please contact if you have technical difficulty enabling 2FA.
You can create or change your 2FA account by clicking on your name in the upper right hand corner. This will lead you to your personal profile. You will see the option to update your **account security** on your personal profile. ![](https://2333011677-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LCZqCJLmuG9RsuA-qL8%2Fuploads%2Fk0LWxLsSx0kkVCSwkady%2F2FA.png?alt=media\&token=551a4e81-bc12-4452-8569-d3e5e7bb2aa1) ![](https://2333011677-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LCZqCJLmuG9RsuA-qL8%2Fuploads%2FvHNv9gKJymLa2Q43g6Rd%2F-step2.png?alt=media\&token=abcf3388-b0a6-4199-9127-756b4258330f) Two-Factor Authentification, or 2FA, is an extra layer of security used to make sure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are. ### Download an Authentication App
We recommend using Authy or another authenticator app. Twillio Authy <>. Also consider using 1Password or another password manager for built in support for 2FA. If you are a macOS user, consider the built in Keychain has support for 2FA. 2FA works by pairing a phone or another device to your account on the platform. Once paired, the device can generate one-time use short codes which you could use to log into your account.
### Backup Codes You will see this page once you've completed your 2FA setup. Click on **Show Codes** for your backup codes. Backup codes will be generated.
We strongly recommend saving your backup codes somewhere safe. If you are no longer able to access your authenticator app, you can use a backup code along with your username and password to log on the platform. You could access your **Two-factor authentication settings** from your profile page anytime. ### Disable Two-Factor Authentification In Account security, you will be able to enable and disable 2FA as well as generate backup tokens. Please contact if you have questions about your account security. ![](https://2333011677-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LCZqCJLmuG9RsuA-qL8%2Fuploads%2FR6sZO0J4ACb7xyujuSWo%2FScreenshot%202022-05-20%201.51.28%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=6ff0b137-bdf2-419c-8445-0f37943272f2) ### 2FA Login You will be asked to enter your **verification code** generated by your Authenticator app when you log back on. If you are unable to receive this verification code, you could use one of the backup codes.
# Submitting Your Application ## Selecting a Fund or Lab On this page you will be able to see the funds and labs that are currently accepting applications.
## Required Questions On many application forms you will see questions that are required. Questions with an asterisk require an answer, and the platform will not accept your application if these questions do not have an answer.
## Supporting Documents OTF's application platform accepts several file types, including .doc, .docx, .odp, .ods, .odt, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, .txt, .xls, .xlsx. Invalid file types will receive an **error message in red** and will not be attached to the application when submitted.
## Submit or Save Draft There are several buttons at the end of your application. Each button represent a different action or next step you could take in the application process. ![](https://2333011677-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LCZqCJLmuG9RsuA-qL8%2Fuploads%2FsTyW4WXFOp8dCXHOllr9%2FScreenshot%202022-08-02%208.44.03%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=e7005965-1975-498d-ba1f-b137213e3fe6) **Submit for review** means you have completed your application and would like it to be reviewed by OTF.
**Save draft** means if you could save a version of your application and return to work on this version later. A draft version of your application will not be reviewed by OTF. You will be able to return to it anytime and select to submit this application for review anytime.
## Copy Questions You also have the option to use the function **Copy questions to clipboard** to copy and paste any questions as text on to a different document. This would enable you to work on the application on a separate document outside OTF's application platform.
## Landing Page :tada: When you submit your application for review or save draft you will see a landing page with a message. Below is an example of a message you could potentially see. After you have submitted or saved a draft of your application, an automated email will be sent to your inbox :mailbox\_with\_mail: ![](https://2333011677-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LCZqCJLmuG9RsuA-qL8%2Fuploads%2FEmvZANeRSGXXbnAAPlXV%2FScreenshot%202022-08-02%209.52.20%20AM.png?alt=media\&token=c9c37a8a-86c5-4c07-9107-ff924c55eb60) # My Dashboard When you log into your account you will see all the applications you have submitted to OTF. When you are on your dashboard you could submit a new application, go to a specific application, and also edit an existing application if OTF has requested more information from you. ![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wu9mk_0hzdIQTRGcu0A2_KSQ1cHKPYnwzA9r2Luq7A2vOZXdus9AggFG4Kper4RZ9M8QvuW5zMkL_TIeQnbQy8Hr5399bU4G52g5MMKFQd3AaPSL4QxpI697VgLsr7ZBvTQVNFD1) Applicants could see where their Internet Freedom Fund application is in the review process. As you can see from the above examples, each application is in a different point of the application workflow or process. James’s Wunderbar Proposal is in the Concept Note Received stage while Bryan’s Proposal is in the More information requested stage. Here is an image of the full workflow, showing every status your application could be on throughout the application process. ![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/o1dPfl0JiYanShwZdjtYxP_ZQhBArkBsRQQWQeHRdkukGWMNfSIJSU-Rdm9p9GLSHWviK9avDGFIqgBe0xP7gO_KD73UGF3Z8233mA2O6vu9NvkDeYtJERT0ke8fOXplXczIO7w6) Click on the blue title to go to a specific application. In the examples we provided, the titles are **James’s Wunderbar Proposal**, **Sandy’s Amazing Proposal**, and **Bryan’s Proposal**. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Uxp6TAHkwNTMxYboiPbMSB9BE41Uet_zrUt8CMtwPI0-vSmaL5aBL_JcvQvKNui3_M-4zmJJQSqSspUwW8cGPQ5-K71Jkij8rBzNtkjvDQkWHJODWyUnX2yvv633IFHn9agCgN9e) When you are on a specific application, you will see where your application is currently in the review process. You could also access three different tabs on your application page: SUBMISSION DETAILS, COMMUNICATIONS, and ACTIVITY FEED. # Submission Details The main body contains the applicant’s submission. When you are on a specific application, you will see where your application is currently in the review process. You could also access three different tabs on your application page: SUBMISSION DETAILS, COMMUNICATIONS, and ACTIVITY FEED. The main body contains the applicant’s submission. # Communication As an applicant, you could use the **COMMUNICATIONS** function to submit a comment or contact OTF about your application. Use the **COMMUNICATIONS** section to write notes to yourself or write to OTF directly. ![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZYFvLHJ4iQ8gJm29kc4e8Yb39oNwHzEFX7Ltp8veBOFjqnH5CK0Z-FZiUfrGGs3BRhhDY-Hg7aD_ujhpcouZemU5Ie9Y1AtxcO33nxPSqbvOOLBJr6Izss5F9DUF_jTflPraXe1D) # Activity Feed The **ACTIVITY FEED** is your application’s history. OTF reviewers will see a side-by-side comparison of the original and the revised version of the applicant’s recent edits, a timestamp of when an application has been submitted, and other information related to this application. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/O01VgkygFI-2_eRH8-9obEhMVl5oNuRhgIteRaAYwnbkvX5du7vfAsw8nvedO_1EBGZ5b_pU_m8mD1hG-h7WeWB1VDb20tsXICqvgyFvHqLdCy6lt5a-M-04ReqdKHxjmeZldoXx) # Edit Your Application When your application is in the More information requested stage this means OTF has reviewed your application and reviewers have questions related to your application. There are two methods for editing your application. **Method 1:** You can edit the application directly via your dashboard by clicking on the Edit button when you are on My Dashboard. ![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/YMl_m3r6KpdgSxZrUojm22JI9iTsMp0GDgIxZGRzZJ8fk_W60hTWqHpKA8EvhXfyVHJAXfymH6NPiqYKb-JPWSL92pRyHdmLrQxF3CTp7XEQVYLqN5Z_VStm9-zBFGzkPeCdAJhM) This takes you directly to the application’s edit view.
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nV1lMOQ76jyr-X676DvvTcC4OwE170vNcBX80aOPUVOB_JotOFGhbOsSKfo_AjNYJf4XOKsbm2kDlZzyPSJVsOxQjHFNgvlh1ThKDrfFXPZH8FsbAaneYukQYz2Mt0a_J2TpEDXf) Towards the bottom of this edit view are three options. You can submit your revised application, save a draft, or copy the application’s questions to a clipboard. ![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/9K4_DIgg27E34hD95VtomuDtI2kSY-Z3My3YRKEAu4QR23mtuORi13knKfJqfu4BmOHx4-LqHIFY4AHmVRQO4rfMENEhkzmx1GvX2Ls4SOJPfI00o5mCBkyEdcp801pxLdQt90XI) **Method 2:** The other method is accessing the application by clicking on the title. As seen in the image below, the title of the example proposal is call Project’s Name ![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/YMl_m3r6KpdgSxZrUojm22JI9iTsMp0GDgIxZGRzZJ8fk_W60hTWqHpKA8EvhXfyVHJAXfymH6NPiqYKb-JPWSL92pRyHdmLrQxF3CTp7XEQVYLqN5Z_VStm9-zBFGzkPeCdAJhM) When you are on the application page,you will see on the right-hand side of the screen several items. These items vary depending on the status of your application. Applicants will see an Actions to take box if there are actions to take like view a determination. The Related submissions box indicates there is another application associated with this application. Applicants will not see these boxes if there are no actions to take or related submissions. You could access determinations or correspondence from OTF by clicking on the View determination button in the Actions to take box. Or clicking on the message in the Determinations box. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f1nhR1kGCCC-8z10c9VDkLmCwJKYvSzserkj_uFR7cR9n3CglgF0aylOGRryP7sM_0XBDe69yXwpPN_Yn845ZTM_EsXB_sTtwC29wxHu5Hd6nH3ThKZ1_kzZoGKagS4YXZl4oXyc) Your edits in your revised application will be highlighted. This highlighted text enables OTF reviewers to identify the edits or changes you have made to the application. OTF could review your application side-by-side. On the left hand side is the original application. On the right side is the revised version with highlighted changes. ![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RT9mxqYJu7IfLDB3LxVcgoIgft_oNGi28cldz1ymoHJOFhYnfhyLp87gQBbPIzLT_qafiDuj3J1HjoXDqCKNRFbTA2PMh233kNn5XmPbip0cc-fIIAzjy53g9ccvmjG7biHKHUI) # Invited to Proposal The Internet Freedom Fund is a two stage process. If your concept note has been accepted, you will receive an email message letting you know that you have been invited to submit a proposal. \ \ Please log into the platform and you will find on **My dashboard** the blue button **Start your Proposal application**.
# Our Funds and Research Program Funds and our Research Program are how we support projects and people. We also connect projects with third-party service providers through our Labs. {% tabs %} {% tab title="Funds" %} ### [Internet Freedom Fund](/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/internet-freedom-fund) - OTF's flagship funding mechanism ### [Rapid Response Fund](/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/rapid-response-fund) - Fast support for urgent digital emergencies ### [Surge and Sustain Fund](https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/surge-and-sustain-fund)- Supports the user carrying costs of established large-scale circumvention technologies {% endtab %} {% tab title="Research Program" %} ### [Information Controls Research Program](/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/information-controls-fellowship-program-icfp) - supporting individuals conducting cutting-edge applied research on repressive censorship and surveillance {% endtab %} {% tab title="Labs" %} ### [User Experience & Discovery Lab](/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs/user-experience-discovery-lab) - improving the user experience design of internet freedom tools ### [Security Lab](/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs/security-lab) - strengthening the security of open source internet freedom software ### [Impact & Engagement Lab](/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs/impact-engagement-lab) - helping internet freedom projects effectively communicate about their work in order to contribute to audience adoption in the world's most repressive contexts {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} # Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Sustainability Fund The FOSS Sustainability Fund helps to ensure that free and open source software projects and the communities that sustain them have the resources and support needed for long-term maintenance, security, and community well-being. Ensuring a diverse, vibrant, and sustainable FOSS ecosystem is critical to OTF’s commitment to support the development and maintenance of anti-censorship technologies, and ensures that all users have better access to privacy and security tools. This Fund supports established FOSS apps, tools, and core infrastructure in the areas of maintenance, operations, and community. ## Key Questions There are a few questions we always ask ourselves when reviewing a FOSS Sustainability Fund concept note. These are some of the most important: \ **Does the proposed effort fit within OTF’s remit?** This is the first and last question we ask; review our [mission](https://www.opentech.fund/about/values-principles/) and focus areas for more information about OTF’s remit. When it comes to FOSS technologies, OTF is focused on anti-censorship, anti-surveillance apps and tools, and secure network and communications digital infrastructure. **Is the proposed effort cost effective?** Due to rising demand, we are forced to turn away hundreds of applicants each year, many of whom present ideas which hold promise or potential. In an ideal world we’d support many more, but with demand far outstripping our budget, competition for OTF funding has grown. Therefore, projects that aim to achieve cost-effective, collaborative solutions are most welcome, with any overhead or administrative components either eliminated or kept as low as possible. All line items should be necessary, appropriate, and directly relevant to the proposed effort. Whenever possible, cost sharing is strongly encouraged and is viewed favorably by OTF. **Does the proposed effort have plans for sustainability beyond OTF support?** Rather than providing ongoing core funding, this Fund invests in a project’s current and future sustainability. We pay special attention to applications that emphasize activities investing in a project’s long-term stability. We’re interested in seeing a variety of income models and sustainability efforts beyond OTF funding. **Does the project consider both the technical and social aspects of sustainability?** OTF supports the long-term sustainability of FOSS from a holistic perspective, considering both the technical and human elements necessary for project health and longevity. Each project must consider balancing operational and community needs versus technical needs when considering their priorities for their long-term sustainability. We support a project’s maintenance, operational, and community development activities. See the [Fund page](https://apply.opentech.fund/foss-sustainability-fund/) for details and examples in these priority areas. **Does the maintenance of the FOSS project directly benefit users affected by surveillance and censorship in repressive contexts?** What is the real-world applicability of the proposed effort? Projects supported by OTF should not be overly theoretical in nature. If the proposed effort stands to directly benefit a specific user group, tell us about them, and why this FOSS project’s sustainability is critical to continue supporting those users. We prioritize projects that put their users front and center. ## Important Considerations * Ideal applicants seek funding for between $150,000 and $400,000 for approximately 24 months. * The Fund is available to all internet freedom FOSS tools, apps, open standards, protocols and libraries, that have come into shape from inception to development, and are seeking to work on the sustainability of the project beyond initial release. * Applicants must meet the following qualifying conditions to be considered eligible: * **Release**: Software has been released for at least 3 years. * **Updates**: The project pushes updates at least 4 times a year. * **Development**: Active coding towards the software has occurred in the last 2 years. * **User base**: The project has a substantial base of active users, if it is an app or other user-facing tool. * **Keystone technology**: OTF aims to support projects with many dependencies, to maximize long-term impact in the broader FOSS ecosystem. * Individuals or organizations\* (for-profit or nonprofit) of all ages irrespective of nationality, creed, or sex are encouraged to apply. ## When to Apply The FOSS Sustainability Fund solicits concept notes on an annual basis. Refer to the Fund’s web page for its status. ## Review Process 1. **Concept Note Submission and Review:** Once the solicitation closes, we review and respond to all concept notes submitted. During the initial concept note review phase, we may reach out to ask some clarifying questions. 2. **Concept Note Determination:** Once we’ve had the chance to review your concept note and ask clarifying questions if needed, we’ll then contact you via email and let you know whether your concept note has been invited to submit a proposal or if we are unable to provide funding (after we review all concept notes). If we’re inviting you to submit a proposal, we’ll specify a date by which you’ll need to submit that. If we’ve declined your concept note, we’ll provide you with feedback on why your concept was not approved. 3. **Proposal Invitation:** If invited to proposal, you’ll have the chance to expand beyond the high-level overview you shared with us in your concept note. The biggest difference between your Concept Note and proposal will be the level of detail around your project’s planned activities and budget. Ideal applicants are specific and cost-conscious in these areas, while drilling down on details. You can expect us to contact you with follow-up questions or comments to solicit additional clarifying information; we do this for just about all of the projects we end up supporting. 4. **Advisory Council Review:** OTF’s[ Advisory Council](https://www.opentech.fund/about/people/advisory-council) is made up of a diverse array of subject matter experts who understand various relevant fields and issues as they relate to Internet freedom. In their capacity as Advisory Council members, they provide strategic guidance to OTF, including by reviewing proposals. They are subject matter experts who have a vested interest in OTF funding decisions and are uniquely positioned to bolster our project oversight capacity, expertise, perspective, and accountability. At least two reviews from Advisory Council members are required before a proposal can move forward. 5. **Proposal Determination:** Upon successful review by the OTF team and Advisory Council, we will inform you whether your proposal has been accepted or declined. 6. **Legal Review:** Approved proposals are reviewed by our executive, legal and financial departments. If you reach this stage, an OTF Program Manager will be assigned to work with you on completing this step. 7. **Contract Issued:** Once a contract has been approved, it will be issued to the applicant to sign and return. Note that each contract includes standard provisions for U.S. Government funded agreements. 8. **Project Oversight:** An OTF Program Manager will be assigned to assist you for the duration of your contract. All OTF-issued contracts provision for consistent and diligent oversight that go beyond the minimum accountability safeguards and requirements. Please note that payments are only made once OTF determines that contract deliverables have been satisfactorily completed.

# Internet Freedom Fund OTF's flagship funding mechanism The Internet Freedom Fund (IFF) is OTF’s primary way to support projects advancing Internet freedom for users in repressive environments. Through the Internet Freedom Fund, we support development, research, and implementation projects creating or promoting the use of tools that allow users—including journalists, human rights defenders, activists, and regular people—to circumvent Internet censorship, communicate safely, or otherwise access Information that is blocked. Applied research efforts supported through the IFF may track how, why, or where censorship is happening, study specific Internet freedom tools and ways to improve them, advance understanding around what types of content censors target, or concentrate on assessing threats to Internet freedom in a specific geographic context. ## *Key Questions* There are a few questions we always ask ourselves when reviewing an Internet Freedom Fund concept note. These are some of the most important: {% hint style="info" %} **Does the proposed effort fit within OTF’s remit?** This is the first and last question we ask; review our mission and focus areas for more information about OTF’s remit. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **Does the proposed effort solve an existing problem (or preempt a rising problem)?** What is the real world applicability of the proposed effort? Projects supported by OTF should not be overly theoretical in nature. If the proposed effort stands to directly benefit a specific user group, tell us about them, and why existing solutions (if they exist) have failed. A clearly stated problem statement is beneficial. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **Is the proposed effort cost effective?** Due to rising demand, we are forced to turn away hundreds of applicants each year, many of whom present ideas which hold promise or potential. In an ideal world we’d support many more, but with demand far outstripping our budget, competition for OTF funding has grown increasingly competitive. Therefore, projects that aim to achieve cost-effective, collaborative solutions are most welcome, with any overhead or administrative components either eliminated or kept as low as possible. All line items should be necessary, appropriate, and directly relevant to the proposed effort. Whenever possible, cost sharing is strongly encouraged and is viewed favorably by OTF. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **Is the proposed effort sustainable?** Will the project survive beyond the life of OTF’s support? Applicants should address the long-term sustainability of their proposed effort. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **Does the project exist in a vacuum or with an ecosystem in mind?** Ideal projects bring with them a community-based, collaborative approach from the ground up, incorporating partners and outreach from an early stage. Awareness of similar or complementary efforts is also important. If your tool fills a gap where existing solutions fail, tell us about that. If you’ve worked on other projects in the net freedom community, we’d love to know that too. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **Is the proposed effort novel while still grounded in reality?** The best ideas are novel and ambitious while maintaining a realistic game plan. We want to know the dream end state, but need to see the road map showing how you plan to get there. {% endhint %} ## *Important Considerations* {% hint style="success" %} Ideal applicants seek funding for between $50,000 and $200,000 for efforts between 6 and 12 months. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Our target support ceiling is set at $300,000. However, candidates may apply for up to $900,000 and no less than $10,000 for up to 24 months. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Preference is given to organizations and individuals without a history of prior support, and who bring with them a deep understanding of the censorship, surveillance, and security issues affecting communities from the Global South living in repressive environments. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Keep in mind that the concept note is the first step in the process, and if your idea seems like a good fit, you’ll have the chance to expand upon it during the proposal stage. {% endhint %} ## *When to Apply* Concept notes for the Internet Freedom Fund are accepted on a rolling basis. ## *Review Process* 1. **Concept Note Submission and Review**: In the beginning of the month, we review and respond to all concept notes submitted during the previous month. So, for example, all January submissions are reviewed in February. During the initial concept note review phase, we may reach out to ask some clarifying questions. 2. **Concept Note Determination**: Once we’ve had the chance to review your concept note and ask clarifying questions if needed, we’ll then contact you via email and let you know whether your concept note has been invited to submit a proposal or declined. If we’re inviting you to submit a proposal, we’ll specify a date by which you’ll need to submit that. If we’ve declined your concept note, we’ll provide you with feedback on why your concept was not approved. 3. **Proposal Invitation**: If invited to proposal, you’ll have the chance to expand beyond the high-level overview you shared with us in your concept note. The biggest difference between your concept note and proposal will be the level of detail around your project’s planned activities and budget. Ideal applicants are specific and cost-conscious in these areas, while drilling down on details that will help make your big-picture idea come to life. You can expect us to contact you with follow-up questions or comments to solicit additional clarifying information; we do this for just about all of the projects we end up supporting. You can find [additional proposal-specific guidance in greater detail here](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-ii-proposal-guide). 4. **Advisory Council Review**: OTF’s [Advisory Council](https://www.opentech.fund/about/people/advisory-council) is made up of a diverse array of subject matter experts who understand various relevant fields and issues as they relate to Internet freedom. In their capacity as Advisory Council members, they provide strategic guidance to OTF, including by reviewing proposals. They are subject matter experts who have a vested interest in OTF funding decisions and are uniquely positioned to bolster our project oversight capacity, expertise, perspective, and accountability. At least two reviews from Advisory Council members are required before a proposal can move forward. 5. **Proposal Determination**: Upon successful review by the OTF team and Advisory Council, we will inform you whether your proposal has been accepted or declined. 6. **Legal Review**: Approved proposals are reviewed by our executive, legal and financial departments. If you reach this stage, an OTF Program Manager will be assigned to work with you on completing this step. 7. **Contract Issued**: Once a contract has been approved, it will be issued to the applicant to sign and return. Note that each contract includes standard provisions for U.S. Government funded agreements. 8. **Project Oversight**: An OTF Program Manager will be assigned to assist you for the duration of your contract. All OTF-issued contracts provision for consistent and diligent oversight that go beyond the minimum accountability safeguards and requirements. Please note that payments are only made once OTF determines that contract deliverables have been satisfactorily completed. **Questions?** Have a question that isn’t answered here or on the [Internet Freedom Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/) page? Feel free to contact us: # Rapid Response Fund Fast support for urgent digital emergencies The [Rapid Response Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/rapid-response-fund/) aims to resolve threats in a timely manner for individuals, communities, and organizations facing digital attacks and emergencies caused by repressive state actors. We offer both technical services and direct financial support to those at high-risk, such as activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. #### **Technical Services from Trusted Partners** We work exclusively with community partners who are highly sensitive to and well-aware of the specific needs and challenges of high-risk communities. These partners regularly work with individuals and organizations who are subject to censorship and surveillance online by repressive governments. To respond to requests as quickly as possible, OTF maintains open agreements with these partners to provide the following services: * Digital security audits for organizations * DDoS response and mitigation * Secure web hosting * Secure hosting, monitoring, and resiliency of websites during politically sensitive events (e.g., elections) * VPN connections * Safe internet connections * Forensic analysis of digital attacks * Recovery of compromised websites * Audit of presumably compromised websites * Malware analysis A more detailed list of technical services is available on the [Rapid Response Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/rapid-response-fund/) page. If you are seeking technical support services, we’ll match you with one of our partners who will guide you through the process. #### **Direct Financial Support** If you have a need that is not sufficiently covered by our service partners and have the capacity to carry out the work yourself, we can provide financial support directly to help prepare for or mitigate digital threats or emergencies. Applicants may request funding for between $1 and $50,000 for efforts under six months in duration. Average Rapid Response support is between $5,000 and $25,000. ***Activities eligible for direct financial support include (but are not limited to):*** * providing circumvention solutions during censorship events *(applicants must explain why the selected circumvention solution is the right fit for the emergency at hand and/or the right threat model);* * providing personal digital protection for journalists, human rights defenders, NGOs, and activists *(applicants must explain how the beneficiary has been directly affected, and how they will use the circumvention solutions selected. **Note: OTF does not support replacement of stolen or lost personal devices**)*; * rapidly developing tools or translations needed to respond adequately to emergencies *(applicants must indicate both the technical and operational skills they have to execute this task, and the uniqueness of their approach in comparison to other existing efforts)*; and * developing emergency, decentralized communications and emergency patches *(applicants must indicate the technological approaches that will be used, if they have done this work before or their plan to onboard the needed technical skillset to execute the task).* ***Activities the Rapid Response Fund cannot support include (but are not limited to):*** * general and/or long-term organizational digital security capacity building efforts; * replacement of stolen or lost personal devices; and * long-term projects or those that do not address a recent or ongoing internet freedom violation (this includes long-term capacity efforts and training of trainers). #### **What OTF looks for when reviewing a Rapid Response Application:** Beyond determining whether the proposed effort fits within OTF’s remit, we ask if it addresses a time-sensitive digital emergency (the Rapid Response Fund does not support long-term projects or those that do not address a recent or ongoing digital emergency or threat). #### **When to Apply** We accept applications for the Rapid Response Fund on an ongoing basis — there are no deadlines. The OTF team strives to review them as they are received, and respond to applicants as quickly as possible. This ensures that qualifying digital emergencies are addressed in real time. #### **The Application Process** **Step 1: Submit Your Application** You will complete the [single-application form online](https://apply.opentech.fund/rapid-response-fund/) in which you share details about the time-sensitive digital emergency. **Step 2: OTF Review** We will review your application as quickly as possible. During this step, we may contact you with questions in order to reach a decision. **Step 3: Application Determination** Upon successful review by the OTF team, we will inform you whether or not your application is accepted. *For Applicants Requesting Technical Services:*\ \ **Step 4: Matching You With a Service Provider (final step)** Upon successful review by the OTF team, we will share your request with a relevant technical service provider whose capabilities match your needs as much as possible (technical needs, or relevant geographic focus). The assigned provider will then reach out to you directly and work with you to scope your request accordingly, covering only aspects relevant to the remit of the Rapid Response Fund. You will not enter into any contract agreement with OTF. *For Applicants Requesting Direct Financial Support:* **Step 4: Legal Review** Approved applications are reviewed by our Compliance team. **Step 5: Contract Issued (final step)** Once the contract is approved, we will send it to you to review and sign. Please note that each contract includes standard provisions for U.S. government-funded agreements. An OTF team member is happy to explain these to you. #### **Project Oversight and Support** If you are receiving direct financial support, an OTF team member will assist you for the duration of your contract. All OTF-issued contracts include provisions for consistent and diligent oversight to ensure accountability safeguards and requirements. Payments are made upon satisfactory completion of contract deliverables. Have a question that isn’t answered here or on the [Rapid Response Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/rapid-response-fund/) page? Feel free to contact us: # Information Controls Research Program Supporting individuals researching repressive internet censorship and surveillance OTF’s Information Controls Research Program (ICRP) supports individuals conducting research into how repressive governments are restricting the free flow of information, cutting access to the open internet, and implementing censorship mechanisms; and the ways in which these threats to internet freedom may be countered. Supporting a diverse range of multidisciplinary research activities, the ICRP may fund projects that seek to develop or refine tools and techniques used to monitor internet interference worldwide, or others looking to analyze targeted online threats and attacks against at-risk groups (such as civil society organizations, journalists, or activists) in specific geographic areas.\ \ A more detailed look at program's scope and desired criteria can be found on the [Information Controls Research Program page.](https://www.opentech.fund/research-2/icrp/) ### *Important Considerations* {% hint style="info" %} ICRP researchers work out of a host organization of their choosing for the duration of their project, which may last for three, six, nine, or 12 months. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ICRP offers researchers a monthly stipend of $7,000 USD, a travel stipend of up to $5,000 USD (depending on the project length), and an equipment stipend of up to $5,000 USD (depending on the project length). {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} For the duration of their project, the researcher will be expected to work full time with their host organization. Ideally, researchers are working locally with their host organization but applicants may propose to work remotely with the expectation that a strategy for remote communications is established. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Objectives should be ambitious while still measurable and achievable, with month-by-month activities and milestones listed accordingly. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Proposed ICRP projects should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the mission of promoting freedoms of expression, assembly, and association online. This means considering how your project directly impacts users in repressive environments. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Projects should include a technical component to technical output. For example, one former researcher created a dashboard with internet shutdown data and analysis for others interested in the topic. We recommend reviewing the projects of [previous researchers](https://www.opentech.fund/fellows/?include-former=yes) to understand the types of outputs projects might produce. {% endhint %} ### *When to Apply* We accept applications for the ICRP on an annual basis. The 2026 application was open from July 27, 2026 to September 7, 2026. ### *Review Process* 1. **Application Submission and Review**: After the deadline for ICRP’s annual application window passes, we review each application received, assigning two OTF team members to individually review it. During this phase, we may reach out to ask some clarifying questions about your application. 2. **Application Determination**: Once we’ve had the chance to review your application and ask clarifying questions if needed, we’ll then contact you (along with all applicants for that round) via email and inform you whether your application will be advanced to the full proposal stage or declined. If we’ve declined your application, we’ll provide you with feedback on why it was not approved. 3. **Proposal Invitation**: If you’re invited to submit a full proposal, you’ll have the chance to expand on the idea you presented in your initial application, fleshing out your plan in a more focused, detailed form. We will specify a date by which the full proposal will need to be submitted.
4. **Advisory Council Review**: Each ICRP proposal is reviewed by at least two [Advisory Council](https://www.opentech.fund/about/people-type/advisory-council/) (AC) members, as well as two OTF team members.
5. **Proposal Determination**: Upon successful review by the OTF team and AC, we will inform you whether your proposal has been accepted or declined. After AC review takes place, we may reach out to ask some clarifying questions about your application.
6. **Legal Review**: Approved proposals are reviewed by our executive, legal, and financial departments. If you reach this stage, your OTF Program Manager will work with you on completing this step.
7. **Contract Issued**: Once the contract has been approved, it will be issued to the applicant to sign and return. Note that each contract includes standard provisions for U.S. Government funded agreements. A sample contract can be viewed here: {% file src="/files/g63LdHYVYnLl9euf7m26" %} **Project Oversight** Because payment is dispersed at monthly intervals upon completion of stated contractual goals, successful applicants can expect regular contact with both their host organization and their OTF Program Manager. Monitoring consists of monthly reports and phone, email, or in-person discussions and consultations as needed. The monthly reports are brief monthly updates about their work to OTF and their host organization. The adviser or responsible person at the host organization, in turn, provides a “traffic light” report to OTF evaluating the researcher’s progress. This report, detailed below, is the basis upon which stipend payments are approved and released. A “green light” from the host organization signals that the researcher is on track and funds can be released. A “yellow light” from the host organization signals that while funds may be released, there are some concerns that need to be flagged to OTF. A “red light” from the host organization signals that progress has been interrupted and an intervention is required. The host organization recommends “stop payment” and OTF, the host organization, and the researcher discuss possible remedial steps to either get back on track or terminate the project. **Questions?** Have a question that isn't answered here or on the [Information Controls Research Program](https://www.opentech.fund/research-2/icrp/) page? Feel free to contact us: [hello@opentec.fund](mailto:hello@opentech.fund). # Surge and Sustain Fund Supports the user carrying costs of established large-scale circumvention technologies In countries where the internet is censored, circumvention tools like VPNs have increased exponentially as these have become critical information lifelines. In response to this increasing demand, OTF established the [Surge and Sustain Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/surge-and-sustain-fund/) to provide leading, open source circumvention tools with the resources they need to connect millions of users in the most repressive environments to the global internet. \ \ **This Fund exclusively covers the server infrastructure costs** of providing circumvention services to users in highly censored countries, such as China, Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and Russia. See previously funded projects [here](https://www.opentech.fund/projects-we-support/supported-projects/?sc=\&filter1=\&filter2=ssf\&order-by-selector=date-desc\&pageno=1).\ \ Each applicant must calculate the average costs for supporting a monthly active user (MAU) in their application. Successful applicants receive contracts from OTF with per-user costs for a set of approved countries. The Surge and Sustain Fund then reimburses tool developers only for the number of demonstrably served active users each month. The Fund does not cover any staff time or development efforts. You can find more information about the Fund, including the qualifying conditions, [here](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/surge-and-sustain-fund/). ## **Questions for Applicants to Consider:** Please use these as guiding questions when drafting an application to the Surge and Sustain Fund. Reviewers will look for this information as they assess your application. 1. Does your tool focus on circumventing repressive censorship? Does your tool maintain a large user base and operate effectively for sustained periods in highly censored contexts? Is it an established tool rather than one that is only just being built? 2. Does it prioritize cost-effectiveness and find inexpensive ways to run its infrastructure, while also prioritizing flexibility to scale up and down as demand fluctuates? 3. How does the tool maintain reliable service when components or tactics are blocked or disrupted? In what ways is it able to automatically adapt when there are changes to the blocking environment? What innovative features and tactics have been developed to strengthen the tool? 4. Does your project collaborate and engage with other circumvention tools and/or developers? Do you share tactics and code with other developers? If you do not currently share this information with others, are you open to doing so? How does the project contribute to the broader circumvention and internet freedom ecosystem? 5. Do your policies and technical practices minimize the amount of information collected from users? Do your practices address the risks faced by users in highly censored environments? 6. How does your project incorporate usability and user feedback into its design, development, and ongoing priorities? ## **Review Process** Applications to the Surge and Sustain Fund go through a two-stage application process: **Stage 1: Concept Note:** Submit a Concept Note via OTF’s [online application system](https://apply.opentech.fund/surge-and-sustain/) in which you provide an overview of the circumvention tool, including its resilience and scale, and adherence to the qualifying conditions (see the [Surge and Sustain Fund page](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/surge-and-sustain-fund/) to learn about the qualifying conditions). Determination: After we review your Concept Note and ask clarifying questions (if needed), we will contact you via the online application system and inform you whether your application will be advanced to stage two (the proposal stage) or declined. If we decline your application, we will provide feedback on why it was not approved. **Stage 2: Proposal :** Selected Concept Notes will be invited to submit a full Proposal in which applicants provide more detail on their circumvention tool, including its distinguishing features, ability to demonstrably support a large user base in highly repressive contexts, and cost model. **Advisory Council Review:** The Surge and Sustain Fund Advisory Council, comprising experts from the circumvention and internet freedom community, will conduct a final review of competitive Proposals (see [OTF Advisory Council](https://www.opentech.fund/about/people-type/advisory-council/)). OTF considers the Council’s review when making a final decision. **Proposal Determination:** Upon successful review by the OTF team and Advisory Council, we will inform you whether your proposal has been accepted or declined. We may also ask some final clarifying questions about your application. **Executive, Legal, and Financial Review:** Approved proposals are reviewed by OTF’s executive, legal, and financial departments. If you reach this step, your OTF program manager will work with you to complete it. **Contracting:** After the executive, legal, and financial review, OTF will provide the approved applicant with a contract to sign and return. \ \ **Project Oversight and Support:** Your OTF program manager will assist you for the duration of your contract. This includes overseeing project monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring and evaluation assessment are based on predetermined and agreed-upon metrics, deliverables, and goals as reflected in the contract. **Questions?**\ Have a question that is not answered here or on the [Surge and Sustain Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/surge-and-sustain-fund/) page? Feel free to contact us at \ \ \

# Our Labs OTF's Labs provide additional services to Internet freedom projects through third-party service providers. Services are available whether a project is otherwise funded by OTF or not. {% tabs %} {% tab title="User Experience & Discovery" %} ### [User Experience & Discovery Lab](/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs/user-experience-discovery-lab) *Improving the user-experience design of internet freedom technologies* {% endtab %} {% tab title="Security" %} ### [Security Lab](https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs/red-team-lab) *Conducting independent security audits of internet freedom technologies* {% endtab %} {% tab title="Impact & Engagement " %} ### [Impact & Engagement Lab](/otf-application-guidebook/our-labs/impact-engagement-lab) *Helping technology-focused internet freedom projects effectively communicate about their work.* {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} # User Experience & Discovery Lab Improving the user-experience design of internet freedom technologies. The [User Experience & Discovery Lab](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/uxd-lab/) provides free user-experience research and design support to internet freedom projects. We help projects better understand the needs of their user communities, and support them to make their tools usable and accessible to all. Would your internet freedom project benefit from user experience research and design support, free-of-charge? Our Lab partners offer the following services: **User Discovery Services:** These services assist internet freedom projects to engage in user experience (UX) research in order to deepen their understanding of the needs of their user communities, and to help inform the usable and context-appropriate design of the technologies they are building. Our partners can also help technical teams establish sustained feedback loops with their users, and to incorporate user feedback into the design of free and open source internet freedom technologies. *Services include (but are not limited to):* * Secure user research * Interviews * Focus groups * Journey mapping * Systems mapping * Audience & early adopter mappings * Exploratory research * User testing and feedback sessions * Supporting the design of sustainable user feedback flows **Usability and Design Services:** Lab partners are available to provide internet freedom technology projects with design and usability support, encompassing prototyping, wireframing, visual identity development, UX feedback sessions, as well as longer-term usability coaching services throughout a project’s design phase. *Services include (but are not limited to):* * User experience (UX), developer experience (DX), and user interface (UI) ideation * UX, DX, UI prototyping and wireframing: * Low fidelity prototypes (ideation and sketching) * Mid-fidelity prototypes (wireframes) * High fidelity prototypes (mock-ups) * UX visual identity support * Typography design * Interface design * Responsive Design * UX feedback sessions, coaching and support services * Offline-first UX/UI design and development * Privacy-first design support **Accessibility Design Services:** Accessibility services are focused on offering accessibility design support to technology projects during the design phase, to ensure that people with disabilities are able to access and use all privacy- and security-enhancing tools and circumvention technologies without impediment. *Services include (but are not limited to):* * UX accessibility feedback sessions * Accessible UX/UI design support * Accessible UX/UI development support * Accessibility coaching and support services * Digital (web and mobile) accessibility trainings * Neurodiversity-inclusive accessibility support **Post-Release Usability and Accessibility Services:** These services offer usability and accessibility auditing, quality assurance, and user testing efforts, and are designed to ensure that internet freedom projects can continue to identify opportunities to improve tools’ usability and accessibility even after they have been released. *Services include (but are not limited to):* * Usability audits and heuristic reviews * Accessibility audits * Quality assurance & user testing
### Our experienced service providers: #### [**A11y Lab**](https://a11ylab.com/) We are a digital accessibility agency based in Mexico, offering global support for internet freedom projects. Our expertise includes inclusive design and development, comprehensive accessibility audits, and specialized training. Deeply committed to supporting compliance with international standards, we enhance tools, websites, and mobile apps to improve accessibility. Our mission is to empower all communities through accessible technology. Accessibility Lab can provide services in **English** and **Spanish**. #### [**Convocation Research & Design**](https://convocation.design/) We are a security and research design agency focused on offering human rights centered design support for privacy focused, human rights and internet freedom projects on a global scale. We have over a decade of experience in offering user research, design research, innovation, strategy, prototyping and accessibility guidance, with a particular focus on human rights defenders, journalists, activists, open source and community based projects, along with expertise in protecting marginalized groups experiencing different technology facilitated violence online including malware attacks and those facing online gender based violence. Convocation Research & Design can provide services in **English**. #### [**Decent Design**](https://decentdesign.org/) Decent Design is a multidisciplinary design research lab based in Southeast Asia. They work closely with individuals and teams from the open-source, Internet Freedom, and decentralized and distributed web ecosystems. Through a decolonial and intersectional approach, they co-design and build respectful technologies with and for historically marginalized communities. Decent Design can provide services in **English** and **Vietnamese**. #### [**Draftlab**](https://draftlab.org/) Creative project design for social good champions through appropriate technology that strengthens human systems. We are experts in discovery, user research, and UX/DX, and have more than a decade of experience working with activists and human rights defenders across the globe. We can help you refine good ideas into well-defined tools, improve existing tech through human-first research and design, and create sustainability pathways for you and your community. Draftlab can provide services in **English** and **Dutch**. #### [**Kumquat**](https://www.thekumquat.co/) Kumquat is a women-led design consultancy in Cape Town. We specialize in human-centered design, UX/UI, and accessibility strategy for purpose-driven organizations. We design for a broad spectrum of user groups across Africa and the global south. Our portfolio includes collaborations with journalists in sensitive regions like Nigeria, Egypt, and Uganda; developing programs on economic empowerment and sexual health for conservative communities; and building mobile/web designs, considering factors like Android dominance, data constraints, offline-first functionality, regulatory variations, and localized content. Kumquat can provide services in **English**, **Mandarin**, **Cantonese**, and **Afrikaans**. #### [**Plaintext Design**](https://plaintext.design/) Plaintext Design is a collective based in Europe with a focus on usability and communications. We bring years of experience working with global Internet Freedom projects, ranging from censorship circumvention and shutdown resilience to protocol design. Highly collaborative and always values-driven, we offer both short-term interventions and long-term support. Plaintext Design can provide services in **English, German, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Swahili**, and **French**. #### [**Superbloom**](https://superbloom.design/) Superbloom (previously known as Simply Secure)'s mission is to leverage design as a transformative practice to shift power in the tech ecosystem. We build interventions in tech strategy, design, and development processes, challenging harmful paradigms and the concentration of power, and creating a more just world. We are a global team bringing intersectional thinking, diverse skills, and above all passion to problem-solving and design. Superbloom Design can provide services in **English**. #### [**Technique**](https://www.thisistechnique.com/) With advanced skills as a manager and user experience designer, Robert Stribley is the founder of Technique. He works with organizations across diverse sectors to design thoughtful UX solutions. Previously, he worked with Publicis Sapient and with Razorfish most recently as an Experience Director. He offers skills as a UX researcher and designer, but also has expertise in UX feedback and heuristic analysis, usability testing, leading design workshops, and also with UX writing. He also advocates for privacy by design. The Engine Room can provide services in **English, Spanish, Portuguese**, and **Arabic**. #### [**Ura Design**](https://ura.design/) Ura Design provides user experience, accessibility and visual design services to internet freedom and open source communities since 2016. Our team is based in Albania, Germany, France and Spain. Over the past 7 years we have supported over 100 open source and privacy-preserving technology tools, including Mozilla Firefox, Tor Project, Ubuntu Linux, Thunderbird, SecureDrop, Briar as well as various internet censorship and security research projects at the University of Michigan, Georgia Tech and University of Darmstadt. Ura Design can provide services in **English**, **Albanian**, and **German**. {% hint style="success" %} **To learn more about the User Experience & Discovery Lab or apply to receive services, head to the** [**User Experience & Discovery Lab page**](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/uxd-lab/)**.** {% endhint %} # Security Lab Conducting independent security audits of internet freedom technologies The [Security Lab](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/security-lab/) is focused on ensuring the highest possible security standards for internet freedom projects. To this end, the Security Lab supports independent technology audits for all of OTF’s supported projects. Additionally, projects that are not receiving OTF support but are otherwise relevant to internet freedom may apply for an audit. [Audit findings are made publicly available](https://www.opentech.fund/impact/security-safety-audits/) after undergoing a responsible disclosure period to correct bugs found in the audit. Auditors are also able to review state-sponsored software suspected of malicious intent for privacy and security. Security Lab vendors are able to analyze a project at different phases of its development lifecycle. As such, we encourage applications from those looking for early-stage security assessments of their technical design, those looking for cryptographic design reviews, and those looking for code reviews. As of this writing, the Security Lab has supported more than 170 audits, resulting in the identification and patching of over 2,000 privacy and security vulnerabilities. Community members may also suggest a project for the Security Lab by reaching out to .
{% hint style="success" %} **To learn more about the Security Lab or apply for an audit, head to the** [**Security Lab page**](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/security-lab/)**.** {% endhint %} # Impact & Engagement Lab Helping technology-focused internet freedom projects effectively communicate about their work. Do you need help communicating about your work with at-risk users, researchers, and/or other communities who could benefit from your project? Whether it’s an important update, a final research report, or a new user guide—the [Impact & Engagement](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/impact-engagement-lab/) (IE) Lab matches you with experts to help you tell your story in a compelling and accessible way for your audience. If you’re strapped for time, or communications isn’t your strong suit, the IE Lab can help! We offer the following services: **Editorial Services to Tell Your Story, Explain Your Project, and/or Communicate Findings** *Services include (but are not limited to):* * Communications strategy * Written content such as blog posts, reports, social media messages, website copy, user guides, and other documentation * Editing and copy editing to improve written communications **Design Services to Tell Your Story, Explain Your Project, and/or Communicate Findings Visually** *Services include (but are not limited to):* * Branding and visual identity (can include rebranding support) * Data visualization * Graphic design and visual content creation, such as instructive illustrations and infographics {% hint style="info" %} To learn more about the Learning Lab or apply to receive services, head to the [Impact & Engagement Lab page](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/impact-engagement-lab/). {% endhint %} # Topical Guidance Subject-specific criteria and remit guidance In this section, you'll find issue-specific guidelines related to areas of our work which we see regularly while reviewing applications. We want to ensure that the descriptive criteria listed for each fund, research program, and lab is as accurate and clear as possible, so the more precise guidance found below may be useful should your proposed effort be relevant to these areas. {% content-ref url="/pages/-LL6IhgqRn03XFhhHMlv" %} [Digital Security Support Guidance](/otf-application-guidebook/topical-guidance/digital-security-capacity-building-criteria) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/o7smvjjsMyprnk3oZM0W" %} [Disinformation Criteria](/otf-application-guidebook/topical-guidance/disinformation-criteria) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LapPGQcpyklUTjhc22P" %} [Online Harassment and Internet Freedom Criteria](/otf-application-guidebook/topical-guidance/online-harassment-and-internet-freedom) {% endcontent-ref %} # Digital Security Support Guidance Criteria for supporting digital security projects OTF supports efforts to increase the impact of the global digital security ecosystem (as well as regional ecosystems) under our Internet Freedom Fund. We also fund emergency digital security support under our Rapid Response Fund. Below we’ve outlined the criteria for each funding mechanism. **Criteria for supporting digital security projects under the Internet Freedom Fund**: Authoritarian censors are sharing strategies, techniques and—in some cases—the tools to enact repressive information controls. To effectively counter this highly orchestrated, well-resourced, and pervasive online censorship and surveillance, we need a strong digital security ecosystem that can grow and adapt to evolving threats. To this aim, digital security support under our [Internet Freedom Fund](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/) supports structural improvements to the digital security ecosystem. This includes infrastructure-wide investments to help practitioners do their work and best serve at-risk populations experiencing repressive information controls. Ensuring that the community of practice (e.g., technical experts, incident responders, threat intel researchers, and developers of digital security tools) is able to grow and adapt to evolving global and/or regional threats is crucial. We are interested in ideas that will support the growth and adaptability of this digital security network, including improving the coordination and collaboration between different actors in the space. Applications in this category should include: * thoughtful consideration of existing and complementary efforts * a clear methodology * an explanation of how the proposed effort will lead to positive and systemic change in the regional and/or global digital security ecosystem Please be mindful that OTF has a limited digital security budget and does not support one-off training, training of trainers, or organizational capacity building as an effort’s primary outcome. [Various other funders](https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support) support these types of projects. [Learn more about the Internet Freedom Fund & how to apply for support.](/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/internet-freedom-fund) **Criteria for supporting digital security projects under the Rapid Response Fund:** Our Rapid Response Fund helps resolve urgent threats in a timely manner for individuals, communities, and organizations facing digital attacks and emergencies. If you are facing a clear and time-sensitive digital emergency and need short-term and urgent support, then you may be eligible for support under this fund. We offer direct financial assistance, as well as technical services from our digital security partners. These services include, but are not limited to: * Organizational Security & Digital Security Support * Digital Attacks Response & Forensic Analysis * Secure Web Hosting * Responding to Censorship Events & Network Shutdowns * Rapid Localization of Digital Security Tools & Resources [Learn more about the Rapid Response Fund & how to apply for support.](https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/rapid-response-fund) # Disinformation Criteria While OTF seeks to develop tools and technologies that help specific communities under threat or are optimized for particular use cases such as journalists and human rights defenders, our funding remit is focused on the censorship of content or surveillance rather than the content itself. This distinction is particularly important when it comes to disinformation. Further, OTF seeks to deduplicate out efforts from other sources of US Government support and the State Department’s [Global Engagement Center](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/global-engagement-center/) is tasked with combating disinformation. As a result, OTF generally does not fund projects that seek to combat disinformation unless the projects seek to counter by technical means disinformation efforts that constitute a form of censorship, regardless of the specifics of the content these efforts employ. Projects that seek to combat disinformation by evaluating the content of a disinformation campaign (e.g. fact-checking) rather than its technical orchestration or effect are generally considered out of remit. The extent disinformation aligns with OTF’s remit depends on the tactics and focus of the disinformation effort. The criteria relied on by OTF to determine if a proposed project is within remit: * Is a primary goal of the disinformation tactics employed by a government-aligned actor to attempt to censor critical speech? * Is the effort focused on specific disinformation threats targeting at-risk communities in repressive environments or “countries that are strategic priorities for the U.S. Agency of Global Media”? * Is the malicious actor preventing access to relevant information through means of disinformation thereby constituting censorship? * Does the project seek to counter disinformation efforts that constitute a form of censorship by technical means? # Human Rights Documentation and Reporting Tools Criteria In OTF’s early years, the program provided direct [support](https://www.opentech.fund/results/supported-projects/martus-project/) to Martus. However, since that time, we’ve narrowed our investments to focus on improving the security and usability of existing human rights documentation tools. This is due to the fact that a broad landscape of funders focused on advancing efforts to document human rights abuses worldwide already exists. Given that human rights documentation represents some of the most sensitive information being transmitted by individuals, the two focus areas that define OTF’s remit with greatest relevance are: * Privacy enhancement, including the ability to be free from repressive observation and the option to be anonymous when accessing the internet; and * Security from danger or threat when accessing the internet, including encryption tools. **When applying for OTF support, applicants with projects related to human rights documentation and reporting tools should focus on one or more of the following:** * Improving a platform’s privacy and security, such as through security audits or integrating encryption protocols or tools. * Enhancing the usability of such tools, such as through usability assessments that include concrete recommendations for how to make the tool more usable. * Addressing feedback received directly from users in the field, such as through feature additions or modifications that improve functionality while upholding users’ security and privacy. # Online Harassment and Internet Freedom Criteria Online harassment has been on the rise against historically marginalized groups as they engage in online spaces. While the internet was thought to bring an egalitarian space for all people to share their opinions and ideas, we have witnessed an increase of hate speech, threats of violence, targeted hacking and other methods used as a form of censorship to silence underrepresented voices. The actions of harassers are both a) a reprisal tactic against those who speak out online and b) a means to control online discourse by discouraging others from continuing to participate equally. Of particular interest to OTF are the evolving methods deployed by repressive governments to silence independent voices and marginalize vulnerable populations. Sockpuppetry, or manipulating online discussions with the intent to distort, has existed in online spaces for years. OTF previously supported efforts to detect these actions in online forums. Now, a variety of advanced techniques regularly employed by repressive governments allow them to manipulate and control online discourse rather than simply block the underlying medium. For instance, in Vietnam unknown actors successfully silenced those expressing dissent against the government by coordinating use of the “flag as inappropriate” function on Facebook, which, with more than 25 million users, is the dominant social platform in the country. This episode highlights how these types of tactics can not only deter freedom of expression but also silence it entirely. **What applications to OTF addressing online harassment should include/omit:** * In general, technical approaches which mitigate the effectiveness of such censorship tactics or the ease with which they are carried out, or digital security support for those who have experienced such censorship in repressive environments fit within our remit. * Directly developing technology that directly address this challenge are within remit; * Conducting research or analysis to better understand the nature or scope of the challenge, in particular outputs that could advance the effectiveness of mitigating technologies, are within remit; * Trainings or digital security efforts with outputs that could advance the effectiveness of mitigating technologies are within remit; * More holistic digital security or organization capacity building support and/or efforts aimed at those in environments with non-repressive governments are not within remit. * Efforts where advocacy is the primary objective are not within remit – while recognizing a fine line between efforts that increase available information and awareness as a means to improve technology. [*This criteria can also be found on the OTF website*](https://www.opentech.fund/news/online-harassment-and-internet-freedom/)*.* # More about the Program Learn more about what guides our work and what we've accomplished # Values & Principles … in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion, expression, and the press; including the right to seek, receive and impart information without interference through any media, regardless of frontiers. … the best way to protect these freedoms is to passionately support a free and open internet. … in the doctrine of open philanthropy and governance, to share openly with the public and other stakeholders, in a non-competitive fashion, all possible aspects of our work, including what we have learned. … the greatest ideas are iterative innovations: supported by healthy ecosystems that share, use, and build openly and collaboratively; built by embracing change through experimentation, reflection, and adaptation without fear of failure. … to sustain long-standing positive change, we must be more than just makers of technology. We must also shift social norms, improve laws, and affect market forces. We strive to identify the root of a challenge, it’s interconnectedness, so that we can be a part of holistic solutions. … in prioritizing sustainable and holistic strategies over resolving issues efficiently. To do so, we empower existing networks addressing challenges, and focus on strategies that work in situations where scarce resources or intersecting systems of oppression may exist. … the actual impact of any effort we support should be measured by evaluating the experience of those who are at the receiving end of the engagement. … cultivating a diverse and collaborative network of communities is at the core of what we do; that our power originates from our depth and relevance in those communities and the individual efforts within our organization. … our strongest moments are when we listen, are changed by what we hear, and follow those diverse voices while solving the most pressing challenges collectively. We emphasize a community’s power, not its powerlessness. # Creating a More Inclusive, Diverse Community The Open Technology Fund is part of a global community working against repressive censorship and surveillance that is made up of individuals from all walks of life who are found in all corners of the world. We work hard to ensure that our own team, Advisory Council, and network of supported projects and fellows reflect this diverse, global dynamic, including folks born into the environments in which we work, who speak multiple languages, and represent diverse communities, each of which faces its own unique challenges. It is through these experiences that these same people offer a set of skills and knowledge that are valuable to the ecosystems in which we reside. With that said, we recognize that our global communities - like others - face issues of inequality that must be addressed head on, collaboratively, together. We recognize the importance and challenge of creating an environment where all voices feel valued, included, and empowered to bring their perspectives to the table. Not only are we committed to taking on that challenge, but will strive to better support underrepresented voices in the communities we support through a variety of means. *We hold our team, projects and Advisory Council to the following principles:* 1. We believe all people, regardless of background, should be treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate discrimination or exclusion based on individual characteristics and circumstances, such as: age; disability; caring or dependency responsibilities; gender or gender identity; marriage and civil partnership status; political opinion; pregnancy and maternity; race, colour, caste, nationality, ethnic or national origin; religion or belief; sexual orientation; socio-economic background; trade union membership status or other distinctions. Inequities perpetuated by these distinctions degrade human dignity, represent a waste of talent, a denial of opportunity for self-fulfilment, and contradict our goals.
2. We value creating safe spaces where people can share their perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture without fear of retaliation, retribution or violence, or feeling belittled.
3. We are committed to empowering underrepresented groups in all the communities we support, and will work diligently to remove barriers, inequalities, patterns of underrepresentation, discrimination, and harassment so their voices are truly present in the decision making process. While we strive to build a fair, open and just society, we expect and anticipate challenges to these principles. We are committed to responding constructively and positively, respecting different needs and circumstances, so everyone can achieve their potential. # Annual Reports OTF's [annual reports](https://www.opentech.fund/impact/annual-reports/) give a holistic, bird’s eye view of OTF’s activities for a given year, including a look at our portfolio of supported projects and researchers; application data, such as the number of support requests we received, amount requested; and budget information, both specific to OTF and with respect to overall US government funding for internet freedom. # Keep in Touch Here are ways to stay up to date with the OTF community: * Check out [**News**](https://www.opentech.fund/news/) from OTF. Learn about the latest developments on our programs, press, and research. * Sign-up for our low-volume [**OTF-Announce mailing list**](https://groups.google.com/a/opentechfund.org/forum/#!forum/otf-announce/join) where we announce application windows. * Follow us on social media: * **X:** [@opentechfund](https://x.com/OpenTechFund) * **Bluesky:** [@opentechfund.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/opentechfund.bsky.social) * **LinkedIn:** [linkedin.com/company/open-technology-fund](https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-technology-fund) # Common Ineligible Areas of Focus OTF knows our applicants’ time is valuable so we aim to make our application process as transparent and straightforward as possible. Part of this also means being transparent about what we don’t fund so that applicants do not expend unnecessary time and resources submitting applications that fall outside of OTF’s remit. In order to better reflect our respect for an applicant’s time and effort in submitting an application, we have detailed below common types of proposed projects that we are unable or very rarely support. If your project falls within one of these categories, we encourage you to explore our alternative sources of support [resources](https://guide.opentech.fund/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support) to identify a more suitable funder. [**Providing Internet Connectivity**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#information-and-communications-technologies-for-development-ict-4-d-including-deploying-internet-connectivity) OTF does not provide support for basic connectivity except in limited cases around politically instigated internet shutdowns. Numerous U.S. Government programs outside of OTF provide support for bringing Internet connectivity to areas that have never had it previously. The framework OTF operates within ensures a clear distinction exists to protect against overlapping mandates which is why we do not support projects of this nature. [**Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D)**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#information-and-communications-technologies-for-development-ict-4-d-including-deploying-internet-connectivity) OTF does not provide support for projects focused on harnessing technology for the purpose of societal development. Numerous U.S. Government programs exist to support civic technology projects that use technology to solve societal challenges, such as improving government delivery of services, providing equitable access to technologies and improving digital literacy across society. The OTF program is focused on assisting those exposed to censorship or surveillance in repressive environments. [**Legal Analysis and Policy Advocacy**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#digital-rights) OTF does not provide support for projects to improve the legal and policy landscape, outside of narrowly focused technical research to help inform these efforts. Numerous U.S. Government programs provide support for efforts to conduct legal analysis and improve advocacy for specific policies. The framework OTF operates within ensures a clear distinction exists to protect against overlapping mandates. In addition, these types of activities do not reflect the technology centric approach underlying the OTF program. # FAQs Frequently Asked Questions {% hint style="info" %} ### **What types of efforts does OTF support?** OTF supports applied research, development, implementation, and maintenance of technologies that provide secure and uncensored access to the free and open internet. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Does OTF support projects, individuals, or both? Individuals ages 18+ or organizations (for-profit or nonprofit) of all ages irrespective of nationality, creed, or sex are eligible to apply. We offer several different funding mechanisms: * [**Internet Freedom Fund** ](https://www.opentech.fund/requests/internet-freedom-fund) * [**Rapid Response Fund**](https://www.opentech.fund/requests/rapid-response-fund) * [**Surge and Sustain Fund**](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/technology-scale/https://www.opentech.fund/funds/surge-and-sustain-fund/) * [**FOSS Sustainability Fund** ](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/free-and-open-source-software-sustainability-fund/) * [**Labs**](https://www.opentech.fund/labs) * Research Program * [**Information Controls Research Program (ICRP)**](https://www.opentech.fund/research-2/icrp/) {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Does my project sound like something OTF would support? OTF encourages any potential applicant to first explore OTF’s [**mission, goals, and primary focus areas**](https://www.opentech.fund/about/program). If it sounds like your project might be a good fit, you’ll want to identify which [**fund or research program**](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/) is most appropriate for you. From there, submitting a concept note is the best next step. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### When does OTF accept applications? When are the deadlines? *For the Internet Freedom Fund* * OTF accepts applications on a rolling basis for the [**Internet Freedom Fund**](https://www.opentech.fund/requests/internet-freedom-fund)**.** *For the Rapid Response Fund* * OTF accepts and reviews applications for its [**Rapid Response Fund**](https://www.opentech.fund/requests/rapid-response-fund) on an ongoing basis as they’re received. There is no deadline for Rapid Response so that digital emergencies can be confronted as they arise. *For the FOSS Sustainability Fund & the Surge and Sustain Fund:* * OTF accepts applications during specified time periods (usually on an annual basis) for the [**FOSS Sustainability Fund**](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/free-and-open-source-software-sustainability-fund/) and the [**Surge and Sustain Fund**](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/surge-and-sustain-fund/). *For the Research Program* * The[ **Information Controls Research Program (ICRP)**](https://www.opentech.fund/research-2/icrp/) accepts applications on an annual basis, usually in the spring (typically from mid-February to mid-March). *For Labs* * OTF's [**Labs**](https://www.opentech.fund/labs/) accept applications for services on an ongoing basis. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Is there a minimum or maximum monetary amount for funding requests? *Internet Freedom Fund* * Minimum of $10,000 and maximum of $900,000 for a year-long contract. Note, however, that OTF’s target support ceiling is $300,000; most supported efforts receive between $50,000 and $200,000 (all figures in USD). *Rapid Response Fund* * Minimum USD $1 and maximum of USD $50,000 for a period of no longer than six months. *Information Controls Research Program* * Fixed monthly stipend of $7,000, plus travel and equipments stipends of $1,250 to $5,000, depending on project length (all figures in USD). *FOSS Sustainability Fund* * Projects usually range from USD $150,000 to USD $400,000 (for approximately 24 months). *Surge and Sustain Fund* * Monthly payments are based upon an agreed upon rate per circumvention tool user, and is based on the actual number of monthly active users. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### I submitted an application. When can I expect to receive a response? Immediately after submitting your application, you should receive an email from OTF confirming that we have received your submission. You'll receive a determination notice 6-8 weeks after your application submission date. \ \ Applications for the Rapid Response Fund are reviewed as they are received, and we provide determinations as quickly as possible. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### I submitted a new application. How do I set up my user account on OTF's application platform? Immediately after submitting your application, you should receive an email from OTF confirming that we have received your submission. This email will provide you with instructions for activating your account. Please set your password as soon as possible because the link will timeout. If you do not complete the activation process within the suggested timeframe, you can use the [password reset form](https://apply.opentech.fund/account/password/reset/). We are asking all applicants to please enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account on OTF’s application platform. Here is guidance on how to [set up your 2FA.](https://guide.opentech.fund/application-platform-guidance/login/two-factor-authentication-2fa) {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Does OTF support projects that are commercial or proprietary in nature? 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. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Does OTF support overhead costs? 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 total direct costs. More information can be found [here under the "Overhead" section](https://guide.opentech.fund/general-funding-guidelines#overhead-costs). {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Do I have to include an attachment with my application? If you have something you feel strengthens your application and it can’t be added as a link, including such materials as an attachment is fine. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### In what language should I submit my application? Please note that English is the language of record for all applications, and those submitted in other languages will be translated into English. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ### Reset or recover your lost account password If you haven’t set up two-step authentication and can’t reset or sign in to your account, check our [application platform guide](/otf-application-guidebook/application-platform-guidance). If you know the email address that you used to set up your account (which is used to sign in to OTF's application platform), you can reset your password now: 1. Go to Reset your password and enter your email address. [Reset your password](https://apply.opentech.fund/account/password/reset/) 2. Enter the email that is associated with the application you submitted. 3. Once you receive this email, you’ll be prompted to choose a new password and enter it twice. Passwords should be at least 8 characters long and should contain a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Note that you must have your email address to reset your password. If you’ve forgotten this email address, you’ll need to recover it before you reset your password.
{% endhint %} # Appendix I: IFF Concept Note Guide Relevant information around submitting a concept note to the Internet Freedom Fund. ## Project Title This project name can be changed if a full proposal is requested. ## Describe your project in 1-3 sentences. *This will help us review your application. Briefly mention the problem being addressed and the expected outcome.* This will help us to review your application. Briefly mention the problem being addressed and the expected outcome. You could use a sentence like “Our project idea is to do \[x...] in order to address the challenge \[y...]. The main beneficiaries of this project are \[z…]” or any other format that best captures the project. ## What problem will your project address? *Describe the problem that exists. What change is needed? How will your project contribute to solving this problem?* For this question, we are trying to understand what problem or situation your project is addressing. We are looking for answers that are concise, well-informed, and fall within OTF’s mission and areas of focus. This means they should focus on people and communities who are facing repressive surveillance, censorship or other forms of digital repression. A good way of breaking this down would be to start with a current overview of the overall environment in the region or community that would benefit from the work. What specific problems exist there, what is the cause of these problems or who is behind them? What are the consequences of the problem on the beneficiaries of your project? You should describe the current situation as if you are explaining it to someone not familiar with the context at all. You should also point to news reporting, research and other forms of documentation when relevant. If documentation is not available, feel free to describe how you came across this knowledge of the problem in your own words. Additional information you can provide here is how addressing the problem will further the field’s understanding of the topic, what will happen if the problem goes unaddressed, and the wider relevance of the problem, for example, does the problem exist in other contexts? ## If this project is funded, what form will it take? *Choosing the one that fits the best. Will the output be a research report? An app? Digital security support? A community gathering?* Please choose the category that best fits your project idea. If your project contains elements from multiple categories, choose the one you think represents the main purpose of the project. Under “**Technical Development**” we support the development of innovative, viable and open Internet freedom technology prototypes, as well as improvements, tool development, and core infrastructure that serve the Internet freedom and human rights communities. Under “**Applied Research**” we support efforts that may track how, why, or where censorship is happening, study specific Internet freedom tools and ways to improve them, advance understanding around what types of content censors target, or concentrate on assessing threats to Internet freedom in a specific geographic context. Under “**Digital Security**” we support efforts that provide new or deeper insights into the challenges of front-line communities or enhance the resilience of targeted communities against digital attacks through digital security training and capacity building initiatives. Under “**Community Convenings**” we support targeted research and development gatherings or Community organized events to identify needs, share resources, and strategize solutions to censorship, surveillance and digital security issues. Each category has an associated proposal form with additional category-specific questions designed to help us to better evaluate your project. Upon review by the OTF team, we may elect to move your project to a different category if we think it’s a better fit. This will not be considered against your concept note during our evaluation. You can learn more about the different types of applications on our [website](https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/). {% hint style="info" %} OTF does not support projects working on Internet connectivity, Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), legal analysis or policy advocacy. Read more about our [common ineligible areas of focus](/otf-application-guidebook/more-about-the-program/common-ineligible-areas-of-focus). {% endhint %} ## Give a brief overview of the activities in this project. *Briefly list key milestones and activities you will carry out.*\ \ Please provide a list of project activities that you plan to conduct during the funding period, grouped under your project’s objectives. Project objectives describe what you plan to achieve by the end of the project. Well-written project objectives are specific, attainable, and time-bound. You also might be asked in the proposal stage on how you measure and evaluate progress towards those objectives, so while you don’t need to include that information here, it’s an important consideration to have. Project activities are the individual tasks that your project will undertake to achieve each objective. These activities may be paired with certain outcomes, or deliverables. It’s important for us to understand as well who will be carrying out each task. You can also include a narrative description in your own words of each activity. We welcome diverse forms of storytelling to help us understand your work. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you can choose how much you want to break those activities down, as long as the description provides a good overview of what types of activities will be carried out. You may be asked to provide further detail at the proposal stage. You may optionally include a timeline of when the activities will occur relative to the start date of your project, or if there are important time considerations (such as upcoming elections, events, etc.) associated with those activities. Here are two examples that you can use to respond to this question. Please note that this is intended to be a suggestion from us, we don’t expect you to use this format and we understand that there are different ways to plan and explain a project’s activities. \---\ Objective 1: Prototype Development - in this objective we plan to create the first running prototype that is ready for testing. Activity 1.1: Update and rewrite existing code base\ Activity 1.2: Further developments to create a first prototype. Deliverable 1: Prototype is ready for testing\ Estimated Time: 20 days\ \--- Or it could look like this: Objective 1: We are planning to create the first working prototype of the application that can be used for testing. For that, we need to revisit the code and implement a number of feature requests from our forum. Objective 2: In the second objective, we plan on testing the prototype to gather feedback from selected users. ## Are there similar projects that exist already? How is your project different or complementary to those projects? *What gaps does your project address? Does your project build on these projects? If so, how? Is there opportunity for collaboration? Provide web links if available.* We want to learn how this project is situated in the larger context. Please explain how this project is complementary to existing work, or how it fills a gap. We also want to learn whether your project leverages existing resources. Is there an opportunity for collaboration with other actors in the field? You can provide links to websites, repositories and articles to support your response. ## **How long do you estimate activities will take?** *This estimate may be revised if a full proposal is requested.* We are looking for a rough estimate of the funding period. If you are invited to make a full funding proposal, the length will be reviewed and might be revised. ## How much funding do you estimate you will need? (In US Dollars) *This estimate may be revised if a full proposal is requested.* We are looking for a rough estimate of the funding amount. If you are invited to make a full funding proposal, the total amount will be reviewed and might be revised. ## Who would benefit from this project? *Tell us about the people who will use this project? How is it relevant to them? Who will attend the event?* Our goal is to support efforts that aim to advance Internet Freedom in the world’s most repressive environments. Ideally, we would support projects that are directly benefiting people living in these environments. We also want to support organizations or individuals that are themselves affected by or have direct experience with repressive censorship and surveillance. Please explain how this project helps people in repressive environments, by describing the intended users or audiences. Please be specific! Ideally, you can demonstrate clearly how you know about the needs of your intended audience/users, e.g. by having done user research or by having direct connections to them. Saying your project “benefits everyone” is not an accepted answer. For events, please specify who are the people you are seeking support to bring to the events/gatherings, and how they would contribute to the conversation and the goal. Please also highlight how the event includes people who are underrepresented in the internet freedom community. ## **Where are your intended users, or audiences located?** We want to understand where our efforts are focused and whether there are significant gaps. If we use this for external facing reports, we will make sure to disassociate this with you, your project or your organization. Since OTF began requesting information around the geographic focus of an application, a custom set of regions was relied on. The application form is transitioning away from this custom implementation in favor of a regional breakdown that is more widely established. We selected the regions relied on by the United Nations Statistics Division in its publications and databases. This [page](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/#geo-regions) provides a breakdown of countries in each region. Some regions did not allow for a direct conversion. In these instances, such as converting one category (Middle East & North Africa) into three (Northern Africa, Western Asia and Southern Asia), an assessment of each application was performed manually and adjusted accordingly. ## What is your name? We use this name when we communicate with you about your proposal. You can use your name, a pseudonym, a nickname, or the name of the project or effort you’re applying for funding for. \ \ This field will be autopopulated with your existing name if you are logged into the platform. You could change your name if you use the edit button directly on the application. ## What email address should we use to contact you? This email will be used to communicate with you about your application. Please make sure the email is valid, for both the application and potentially for the funding period. ## Why are you, and your team members, the right people to work on this project? *Describe your relevant expertise, knowledge, your past work.* Use this space to show us that you know how to do this work. We know that experience comes in many forms, it can be formal or informal. You can describe your previous work, link to relevant past projects, or explain other forms of knowledge of the subject matter. We are also interested in learning about your experience in working with users described. Have you worked with them before, how are you connected? Do you consider yourself part of the target audience? Ideally, you can also describe your connections to partners and other relevant actors in the field. ## What is your proposed start date for this project? *This question is only applicable to community convenings or gatherings. The start date for this event must be at least 90 days after the application has been submitted.* # Appendix II: IFF Proposal Guide Suggested information to include in a full proposal. ## Common Questions This guide starts with the "common questions" - those are the questions we ask on every proposal. Further below you can find the project specific questions. Depending on what kind of project you submitted (*Applied Research, Technology Development, Digital Security* or *Community Convening*), you will receive questions specifically for your category of project. ### Please include a full description of your project, including the problem statement, your approach, any challenges you might face, and the main beneficiaries. (800 words recommended, 3000 words max) In this section, we would like to understand clearly, what problem you are trying to address, what you are intending to do and what impact your work will have. You can copy and paste text from your concept note, but we would like to see more details provided, also relating to the questions and feedback we might have had at the concept note stage. In addition to a general description of your project, we are also looking for the following: * The political and regional or technical context of your work and how it relates to freedom of expression. * What are the needs or problems that exist and how will your project make an impact as it addresses those challenges? How is this done today? * A more detailed description of the approach you chose and why you think this is the right approach. * We also want to understand better what potential challenges might exist and how you intend to address those. * Who will care and what will the positive effect be if you are successful? ### **Please describe your project's objectives and related activities, and resulting deliverables if applicable. (500 words recommended, 2000 word max)** Similarly to the Concept Note, we would like to understand what you intend to do, but if necessary, you can provide more details or respond to the questions and feedback we had at the concept note stage. You can provide a narrative and/or a list of project activities that you plan to conduct during the funding period, grouped under your project’s objectives. Project **objectives** describe what you plan to achieve by the end of the project. Well-written project objectives are specific, attainable, and time-bound. Please note that we also ask you how you measure and evaluate progress toward these objectives later in the proposal, and the responses should be aligned with each other. Project **activities** are the individual tasks that your project will undertake to achieve each objective. These activities may be paired with certain outcomes, or deliverables. It’s important for us to understand as well who will be carrying out each task. You can also include a narrative description in your own words of each activity. We welcome diverse forms of storytelling to help us understand your work. As the contracts that OTF provides are deliverable based, the deliverables listed here will also form the basis for the budget and invoices you can send our way. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you can choose how much you want to break those activities down, as long as the description provides a good overview of what types of activities will be carried out. You may optionally include a timeline of when the activities will occur relative to the start date of your project, or if there are important time considerations (such as upcoming elections, events, etc.) associated with those activities. Here are two examples that you can use to respond to this question. Please note that this is intended to be a suggestion from us, we don’t expect you to use this format and we understand that there are different ways to plan and explain a project’s activities. \--- Objective 1: Prototype Development - in this objective we plan to create the first running prototype that is ready for testing. Activity 1.1: Update and rewrite existing codebase\ Activity 1.2: Further developments to create a first prototype. Deliverable 1: Prototype is ready for testing\ Estimated Time: 20 days \--- Or it could look like this: Objective 1: We are planning to create the first working prototype of the application that can be used for testing. For that, we need to revisit the code and implement a number of feature requests from our forum. Objective 2: In the second objective, we plan on testing the prototype to gather feedback from selected users. ### **Are there other efforts similar to what you are proposing? Does your work build on their work? What makes your approach different? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** List other similar efforts to this proposed project. OTF expects this to include a review of any available technologies or programs and events that are similar to the project described. We want to understand how your project relates to others or how it can be distinguished from those that already exist. We are also looking for proof of the applicant's understanding of the current landscape in the domain this project is situated. In addition, we are interested in understanding how your project leverages existing resources or technologies.
### **Please describe your approach to monitoring and evaluating and sharing the learnings of the outcomes and impact of this effort. (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** OTF is interested in learning more about how you measure the progress of your project and the impact it has on your local community and the Internet freedom ecosystem. In the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning section, please describe how major milestones and activities will be documented as this project progresses. We are looking for a clear set of evaluation criteria and milestone metrics against activities, objectives and deliverables. We want to understand how the project's success will be evaluated and any metrics that will be collected related to the project's outcomes and impact. We understand that every project is different, not every project can name quantitative metrics, some are more outcome focused. Some guiding questions: * By what metrics will you define the successful completion of the project? * By what means will you determine that the project was successful in reaching its goals? * How are you planning to collect that information? And how will you document it? * How will you collect and share learnings from this project? * Do you expect any major milestones during this project? What is your plan for achieving these milestones? * How will the project document any changes caused by this project’s activities? What instrument or process will you use to document the impact of this project on your local community, beneficiaries, or Internet freedom ecosystem? * How will you share the results, lessons, stories after the completion of this project? ### **What's your long term strategy for this project beyond OTF support? (300 words recommended, 1000 word max)** In this section we would like to understand how this effort will achieve sustainability over the funding period and beyond. This can include funding received from other funders or other revenue models. We are also interested in collaborations with other organizations and your role and relation to communities around your project. We would also like to understand how this project provides resources to others or how others can reuse the resources you develop. ### **Why are you and your team members, the right people to work on this project? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** In this section, we would like to learn more about your experience and qualification to do this work. Responses could include a track record of your organization in implementing similar projects, or - if you are applying for a community convening - your expertise in organizing this convening, and your connection with the participants and beneficiaries. We would also like to learn more about the capacities of your team, who will be working on this project? What is their work experience and what will they be doing? For those projects that are directly affecting at-risk communities, we would like to learn more about your experience in working with those. ### Please provide a budget narrative explaining the budget required to execute your proposed project. Please include in your narrative the budget associated with individual objectives, activities and their associated deliverables. Please also include and describe major budget categories associated with this project. In addition to hourly or daily rates for labor, please include estimates of any expenses that would be supported by the requested funds, e.g.consultants, supplies, travel, etc. ## Applied Research Suggested information to include in an Applied Research proposal. ### **Describe your research methodology (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Please explain how your research methodology is most appropriate for your research question and anticipated outputs. How will your work build on the existing research in your area of focus? In what ways will this effort advance understanding in the relevant field? ### **How will the results of your research be actionable and accessible? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** How will the results of your research be accessible to a non-technical audience? How will your research inform further technology development efforts? ### **Describe any risks/ethical considerations associated with the research (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Please also include information on how these risks will be addressed or mitigated. How will the applicant protect their safety and security and that of any others involved in the project? Applicants have the option to include a more comprehensive risk assessment by completing and attaching the spreadsheet linked to below. ## Technology Development Suggested information to include in a Technology Development proposal. ### **Please elaborate on the technical feasibility of this effort. (300 words recommended, 1000 word max)** In this section, we want to understand what the technical objectives of your efforts are, what technology design decisions you’ve made, and why you made those decisions. We also want to see that you are aware of known challenges you might face implementing those technical objectives, and that you have a plan to address those challenges, and how they may affect the output of the effort. For OTF, we understand that it is not realistic for technology development projects to not encounter any known challenges, in fact, the most competitive applications will almost always have some associated technical challenge. Demonstrating that your technology solution is feasible despite those challenges, and that you have a plan to address them is what’s most important in this section. Feel free to point to any research or other documentation that has contributed to your technical understanding and design of this effort. ### **Please describe the scope of this project’s alternative analysis. If the project has been audited before, please briefly describe the scope and outcome of those assessments, providing links to reports if available. (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** In this section, we’re looking to understand how you’ve thought about the security of your proposed technology solution, whether it’s by going through an independent audit, and/or by conducting an alternative analysis from the point of view of a capable adversary. An adversary in this context is a malicious entity that is trying to prevent you from achieving your effort’s goal. Alternative analysis in this context is analysing your proposed effort from the viewpoint of the adversary, and thinking about what vulnerabilities exist or what the best approach would be to undermine your effort. You may have heard it being described as “red teaming” in other contexts. Please make sure to include the perspectives of your target communities and use cases for this, and explain if it may put your users under any additional risk based on their contexts, and how you plan to communicate any risks to your users. Furthermore, we would like to understand from you in your own words on how your project minimizes any potential illicit uses. ### **Please describe your usability and accessibility practice for developing this tool. (300 words recommended, 1000 word max)** In this section, we want to understand how your technology incorporates usability and accessibility practices. The most competitive applications have robust and inclusive usability and accessibility practices where input from affected users and practitioners is sought and incorporated throughout the technology development process. Please highlight what experience you have on the team in incorporating usability and accessibility input, and point to any documentation or research that you are relying on to inform your design processes. If you have undergone a usability and accessibility audit, or plan to do so as part of your plan, please elaborate on the goals of the audit and how you plan to incorporate recommendations. ## **Digital Security** Suggested information to include in a Digital Security proposal. ### **How are you planning to safeguard this work? Please provide a specific security risk and mitigation plan, as this project could draw some attention. (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Please elaborate on the risks for the implementers and the participants in digital security activities and how you plan to mitigate them. What are the risks associated with your organization applying new security procedures and adopting new tools?
### **Please provide a proposed plan for training workshops activities if applicable and how these training and interventions implemented would give feedback to tool developers. (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Provide detailed information on the proposed training (participants, number of training days, topics to be covered, etc.). Please elaborate on how you would factor in technical limitations (bandwidth, usability) and legal restrictions when designing interventions and training? Kindly upload a copy of the training schedule.
### **How would this effort advance the field of digital security technology, or our understanding of digital security threats to people living in repressive environments? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** How would the proposed activities, including the training, give tool developers or digital security researchers feedback, and how would that ultimately advance these tools and research? ## **Community Convening** Suggested information to include in a Community Convening proposal.
### **What collaborations with other organizations, communities, or networks exist around this event? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Identify related current and/or future involvement and interactions with the Internet freedom community. This includes Internet freedom, human rights, ICT, information security, or cyber security research efforts, products, reports, tools, organizations etc. that have contributed to shaping the agenda, providing related expertiese and support to ensure that the convening will ahieve its desired impact. Provide brief descriptions of each organization/community/network and their roles.\
### **How will the event ensure new and diverse voices are being represented? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Identify the underrepresented communities this event plans to include, how they would contribute to the discussion, and the efforts to reach out to these communities. Please provide information around who the underrepresented voices are in the community, and why it is important for you to reach out to them. How would they contribute to the event, and how would they benefit from this event? How do they plan to reach out to them? \
### **What are the potential risks of organizing this convening, or the risks associated with bringing participants to the event? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Please describe the threat model for organizing this convening, including potential threats associated with convening location, participants, organizers, as well as the promotion of the convening and results. Identify a security plan to minimize the attack surfaces and potential risks.
### **How will the learnings of the event be actionable and accessible? (400 words recommended, 1000 word max)** Please demonstrate how the learnings would be captured and shared with the larger community, particularly non-technical audiences, who are not able to participate in the conversation directly. Does the convening identify new challenges and needs in the internet freedom community? If so, how would the learnings feed into the development of internet freedom technology?
### **Please provide the event's Code of Conduct.** \ A Code of Conduct would ensure that the convening would provide an inclusive, safe, and collaborative environment for all participants. Here is an example of a [Code of Conduct](https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Code_of_Conduct). Please also include mechanisms to enforce the Code of Conduct, including violation reporting mechanism and how violations would be handled. ##
###
# Appendix III: Evaluation Worksheet The evaluation worksheet OTF staff and our Advisory Council use to evaluate proposals. The below worksheet is used by both OTF staff and our Advisory Council to evaluate proposals. ### Quality of Program Idea * Does the proposal have a clear and well-justified problem statement? * Does the proposal identify a specific group of people that are affected by that problem, and do they fall under OTF's congressional remit? * Does the proposal cite a compelling case study or user problem? * Does the proposal describe an approach that is realistic, and achievable, and responsive to the problem statement? * Does the proposal describe how this approach was chosen and why it will succeed? * Does the proposal identify and acknowledge what the challenges will be? * Are there liabilities and risks to OTF from taking on this project? * Does the proposal include what is currently being done in this field and the known limitations? * Does the project show familiarity with the field and other people working in this space? * Does the project build upon or complement other projects? * Is the project duplicative of other projects? Do they provide a strong justification for that? #### Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives * Does the proposal break down the approach outlined above into a set of aligned objectives? * Are the objectives provided specific, measurable and achievable? * Are the objectives broken down into activities and deliverables with sufficient detail? * Does the proposal clearly state what deliverables are expected at each stage of the project? * Does the proposal include a clear distribution and promotion plan? **Cost Effectiveness** * Is the budget realistic and commensurate with both the project objectives and time frame? * Is this project providing a payment schedule that is within their capacity to implement within a payment-on-delivery framework, i.e. no funds up-front? * Does the proposal identify any cost sharing or matching support for the proposed effort? * Does the project currently receive any U.S. government or other public funding? **Project Monitoring and Evaluation** * Does the project articulate a clear set of evaluation criteria and milestone metrics for activities, objectives, and deliverables? * Will the approach yield quantitative and/or qualitative results? * How difficult will an assessment of success or failure be? Does the proposing entity have the capacity to self-evaluate and extract “lessons learned"? * Is the proposed effort able to be openly peer reviewed and/or include a peer review process? * Do you have any feedback for the project? * Do you think the project needs support in coming up with a monitoring and evaluation plan? **Sustainability/Community** * Does the project currently have a diversified funding/support strategy? * Does the proposed effort have access to other sources of direct or indirect support, such as community or other in-kind support that it already receives? * Does the project seek to share resources or enable others to reuse the resources they develop? * Do the objectives of this proposal contribute broadly to other Internet freedom projects and the larger internet freedom support? * Is the project located in a sustainable host institution? * Does the project have community support? **Institution's Record and Capacity** * Is the project team qualified to complete the proposed scope of work? * Does the team have a history of successful work relevant to the proposed effort? * Have team members worked with at-risk communities in the past? * Does the proposing entity have a sufficient core team (leadership, developers, etc.) dedicated to this project? * Are project team member(s) clearly identified, along with work experience, in the proposal including at least one person who will explicitly take on collaboration efforts? ### Category Specific Comments This section is asking you to score and comment on specific proposal topics. **Technology Development** * Did the applicant explain the technical objectives of this effort clearly? * Did the applicant provide any research/documentation of the feasibility of their technical approach? * Did the applicant explain any hurdles or technical challenges they might encounter in implementation and how they will address them? * Does the project identify potential unintended consequences? * Does it identify how an adversary might use the solution to further their own goals? * Are the chosen tactics easily overcome by the adversary? * Does the proposal discuss how the project could be undermined, identify its own deficiencies and limitation, or does it presume there are none? * Does the proposal explore short-, medium-, and long‐term strategies from the adversary’s point of view? * Does the project increase or decrease known attack surfaces? * Does the proposal consider potential illicit uses of the project? * Does the proposal demonstrate clear need/demand for the proposed effort from the target audiences? * Does the applicant consider usability and/or accessibility issues and challenges? * Does the project have prior usability experience or if it's an established effort, does it have a clear usability practice? **Applied Research** * Does the applicant's research methodology seem coherent and well considered? * Does it seem appropriate to the research questions articulated in the proposal? * How will the applicant ensure that audiences are made aware of the research findings? * To the degree that the research involves human participants or subjects, how does the research plan include them and account for their well-being? * What steps does the applicant propose to mitigate any potential risks or harms that may result to participants or subjects? **Digital Security** * Does the applicant elaborate on the risks for the implementers and the participants in digital security activities and how they plan to mitigate them? * Does the applicant have a clear understanding of the risks associated with the organization applying new security procedures and adopting new tools? * Does the applicant provide detailed information on the proposed training (participants, number of training days, topics to be covered, etc.)? * Do they factor in technical limitations (bandwidth, usability) and legal restrictions when designing interventions? * Did the applicant provide a copy of the training schedule? * Do the proposed activities, including the training, give tool developers or digital security researchers feedback, and have a clear plan on how their work would ultimately advance these tools and research? **Community Convening** * Does the proposal articulate efforts to include underrepresented voices in the community? * Does the proposal identify a clear plan to cultivate community support around the proposed effort, including mechanisms to receive feedback and get others involved? * Does the proposal discuss how the project could be undermined, identify potential risks for those involved? * Does the proposal provide a security strategy to mitigate associated risks? * Does the proposal include a code of conduct? #### #### Do you recommend we support this project? (space for recommendations) **Please list any feedback you have to the proposed effort, or concerning elements they need to address** (space for feedback and concerning elements) # Alternative Sources of Support Funding for Internet freedom, journalism, software development, and human rights projects from sources other than OTF. The following table contains alternate funding sources which support efforts relevant to the fields of Internet freedom, software development, journalism, and human rights, broadly speaking. Sources are organized by general subject matter. All funds listed below have annual solicitation periods, we do not include one-time funds. We're always seeking to grow this resource and make it as useful and inclusive as possible, so if you know of a funding source that should be on here, please let us know by contacting us at . *Note: This list is shared for information purposes only. OTF cannot assist with fundraising efforts of individual projects or refer projects to specific funders. Inclusion of a funding entity on this list does not represent an endorsement by OTF.* **This list was last updated in February 2026.** {% hint style="info" %} **You can stay up to date on all OTF submission deadlines and open submissions windows for other alternative funders by joining the OTF-announce mailing list, where we announce upcoming application deadlines.** [**Click here to join the OTF-announce mailing list**](https://groups.google.com/a/opentech.fund/forum/#!forum/otf-announce/join)**.** {% endhint %} ## Categories * [**Corporate Philanthropy**](#corporate-philanthropy) * [**Decentralized Web**](#decentralized-web) * [**Digital Rights**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#digital-rights) * [**ICT4D**](#information-and-communications-technologies-for-development-ict4d-including-deploying-internet-conne) * [**Internet Infrastructure**](#internet-infrastructure) * [**Fellowships and Scholarships**](#fellowships-and-scholarships) * [**Funding Directories**](#funding-directories) * [**Privacy and Security**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#privacy-and-security) * [**Rapid Response**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#rapid-response) * [Global Support](#global-support) * [Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (GBV)](#technology-facilitated-gender-based-violence-gbv) * [Journalist & Scholar Support](#journalist-and-scholar-support) * [In-Kind Digital Infrastructure](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#in-kind-digital-infrastructure) * [**Rapid Response: Region-Specific**](#rapid-response-region-specific) * [Africa](#africa) * [Americas](#americas) * [Asia](#asia) * [Europe](#europe) * [**Startup Incubators and Entrepreneurship**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#startup-incubators-and-entrepreneurship) * [**US Government Internet Freedom and Security**](/otf-application-guidebook/appendix-iv-alternative-sources-of-support#us-government-internet-freedom-and-security) ## Corporate Philanthropy | **Organization** | **Fund** | | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Amazon | [AWS Imagine Grant Program](https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program/) | | Cisco | [Global Impact Cash Grant Program](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/community/nonprofits/global-impact-cash-grants.html) | | | [Research Funding](https://research.cisco.com/research-funding) | | CloudFlare | [Project Galileo](https://www.cloudflare.com/galileo/) | | Comcast | [Innovation Fund](http://innovationfund.comcast.com/) | | Microsoft | [Nonprofit grants and credits](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/nonprofits/eligibility) | | Motorola | [Grants](https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/about/motorola-solutions-foundation/annual-grants.html) | | Google | [Project Shield](https://projectshield.withgoogle.com/public/) | | | [Impact Challenge](https://www.google.org/opportunities/) | | | [Summer of Code](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/) | | Python Software Foundation | [PSF Grants Program](https://www.python.org/psf/grants/) | | Twilio | [Impact Fund](https://www.twilio.org/support-and-resources/impact-fund) | ## Decentralized Web | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Coinbase | [Venture Funds](https://www.coinbase.com/en-ca/ventures) | | DFINITY | [Developer Grants Program](https://dfinity.org/grants) | | Ethereum Foundation | [Ecosystem Support Program](https://esp.ethereum.foundation/applicants) | | Filecoin Foundation | [Filecoin Grants](https://fil.org/grants) | | Quadratic Funding | [Crowd-funding](https://www.wtfisqf.com/) | ## Digital Rights | **Organization** | **Fund** | | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Access Now | [Grants](https://www.accessnow.org/grants/) | | American Council of Learned Societies | [Digital Justice Grants](https://www.acls.org/programs/acls-digital-justice-grants/) | | Data Empowerment Fund | [Initiatives](https://dataempowerment.fund/#initiatives) | | Digital Freedom Fund | [Grants](https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/) | | Digital Defenders Partnership | [Various Programs](https://www.digitaldefenders.org/funds/) | | Disability Rights Fund | [Grants](https://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/for-grantseekers/) | | Ford Foundation | [Grants](https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/our-grants/) | | International Women's Media Foundation | [Grants](https://www.iwmf.org/our-programs/) | | Lacuna Fund | [About](https://lacunafund.org/apply/) | | Mama Cash | [Grants](https://www.mamacash.org/apply-for-a-grant/) | | OAK Foundation | [Grants](https://oakfnd.org/grant-making/) | | Sigrid Rausing Trust | [Grants](https://www.sigrid-rausing-trust.org/what-we-do/) | | Third Wave Fund | [Mobilize Power Fund](https://www.thirdwavefund.org/mobilize-power-fund) | | Youth Power Fund | [Grant](https://www.rtyouthpower.org/aboutthefund) | ## **Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D) including Deploying Internet Connectivity** | **Organization** | F**und** | | ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation | [Global Grand Challenges](https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/) | | Catholic Relief Services | [ICT4D](https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/ict4d) | | CRDF Global | [Grants](https://www.crdfglobal.org/grants/funding-opportunities) | | International Development Research Center (IDRC) | [Funding](https://www.idrc.ca/en/funding) | | Internet Society Foundation | [Research Program](https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/research-grant-programme/?_gl=1*12o2g3d*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI0OTI4MjM4NS4xNzI0NDM4NTI5*_ga_BQY6ZNFJLB*MTcyNDQzODUyOC4xLjAuMTcyNDQzODUyOC4wLjAuMA..) | | | [Resiliency Program](https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/resiliency-grant-program/?_gl=1*12o2g3d*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI0OTI4MjM4NS4xNzI0NDM4NTI5*_ga_BQY6ZNFJLB*MTcyNDQzODUyOC4xLjAuMTcyNDQzODUyOC4wLjAuMA..) | | | [SCILLs Program](https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/scills-grant-programme/?_gl=1*12o2g3d*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI0OTI4MjM4NS4xNzI0NDM4NTI5*_ga_BQY6ZNFJLB*MTcyNDQzODUyOC4xLjAuMTcyNDQzODUyOC4wLjAuMA..) | ## Internet Infrastructure | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Internet Society Foundation | [Connecting the Unconnected Program](https://www.internetsociety.org/funding-areas/connecting-the-unconnected/) | | | [Sustainable Peering and Infrastructure Program](https://www.internetsociety.org/funding-areas/sustainable-peering-ixp/) | | National Telecommunications and Information Administration | [Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program](https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/timeline) | | | [Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program](https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/tribal-broadband-connectivity) | | US Department of Agriculture | [ReConnect Loan and Grant Program](https://www.usda.gov/reconnect) | ## Fellowships and Scholarships | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) | [Science & Technology Policy Fellowships](https://www.aaas.org/programs/science-technology-policy-fellowships) | | American Council of Learned Societies | [Fellowship Program](https://www.acls.org/programs/acls-fellowship-program/) | | Al Jazeera Media Institute | [A](https://institute.aljazeera.net/en/fellowship)[l Jazeera Fellowship](https://institute.aljazeera.net/en/fellowship) | | Alfred P. Sloan Foundation | [Sloan Research Fellowships](https://sloan.org/fellowships/) | | Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society | [Fellowship Program](https://cyber.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships) | | The British Academy | [Researchers at Risk Fellowships](https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/researchers-at-risk-fellowships/) | | Cara | [Academics at Risk Fellowship](https://www.cara.ngo/what-we-do/caras-fellowship-programme) | | Clooney Foundation for Justice | [Waging Justice for Women Fellowship](https://cfj.org/waging-justice-for-women/fellowships/) | | Coding it Forward | [Civic Digital Fellowship](https://www.codingitforward.com/fellowship/) | | CrossCulture Programme | [Strengthening Civil Societies](https://www.ifa.de/en/fundings/ccp-fellowships/) | | Echoing Green | [Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship and Leadership Development Programs](https://www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship) | | Eisenhower Fellowships | [International and USA Fellowships](https://www.efworld.org/fellowship-programs/) | | Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) | [EPIC Law Fellowship](https://epic.org/epic/jobs.html) | | Ethereum Foundation | [Team Next Billion Fellowship](https://nxbn.ethereum.foundation/fellowship) | | Google | [Public Policy Fellowship](https://www.google.com/policyfellowship/) | | The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy | [Grants for current PhD candidates](https://www.horowitz-foundation.org/apply) | | ICANN | [Fellowship Program](https://www.icann.org/fellowshipprogram) | | | [NextGen@ICANN Program](https://www.icann.org/public-responsibility-support/nextgen) | | International Cities of Refuge Network | [The ICORN Programme](https://www.icorn.org/apply) | | Internet Archive | [DWeb Camp Fellowship](https://dwebcamp.org/fellowships/) | | Internet Society Foundation | [African Peering and Interconnection Forum Fellowship](https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/afpif/) | | | [Early Career Fellowship](https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/early-career/) | | | [Mid Career Fellowship](https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/mid-career/) | | | [Pulse Research Fellowship](https://pulse.internetsociety.org/fellowship) | | | [Youth Ambassador Fellowship](https://www.internetsociety.org/policy-programs/youth-ambassadors/#:~:text=Become%20an%20Internet%20Society's%20Youth,innovate%20for%20a%20better%20world.) | | Kairos Fellowship | [F](http://www.kairosfellows.org/)[ellowship](http://www.kairosfellows.org/) | | Mozilla | [Fellowships](https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/what-we-fund/opportunities/) | | National Endowment for Democracy (NED) | [Fe](https://www.ned.org/fellowships/)[llowships](https://www.ned.org/fellowships/) | | National Science Foundation (NSF) | [Graduate Research Fellowship Program](https://www.nsfgrfp.org/) | | Open Society Foundations | [Open Society Fellowships](https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/open-society-fellowship?eligibility=1) | | Outreachy | [Mentorships and internships](https://www.outreachy.org/) | | Princeton University | [Siegel Public Interest Technology Summer Fellowship](https://citp.princeton.edu/programs/siegel-public-interest-technology-summer-fellowship-pit-sf) | | PrivacyCo/Top10VPN.com | [Digital Rights Research Grant](https://www.top10vpn.com/research-grant/) | | Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) | [Fellowships](https://www.rcfp.org/fellowships/) | | Reporters Without Borders Germany | [Berlin Scholarship](https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/stipendien/berliner-stipendienprogramm/ausschreibung-bewerbung) | | | [Deyda Hydara Scholarship](https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/en/scholarships/deyda-hydara-scholarship) | | | [Rest & Resilience](https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/stipendien/auszeit-stipendium) | | Shuttleworth Foundation | [Fellowship](https://www.shuttleworthfoundation.org/fellows/) | | Siegel Family Endowment | [Siegel Research Fellowship](https://www.siegelendowment.org/research/fellows/) | | The Social Science Research Council | [Fellowships](https://www.ssrc.org/how-we-work/fellowships/) | | Stanford PACS Digital Civil Society Lab | [Fellowships](https://pacscenter.stanford.edu/research/digital-civil-society-lab/fellowships/) | | TechCongress | [Congressional Innovation Fellowship](https://www.techcongress.io/congressional-innovation-fellowship) | | | [Senior Congressional Innovation Fellowship](https://www.techcongress.io/senior-congressional-innovation-fellows) | | University of York | [Protective Fellowship Scheme](https://www.york.ac.uk/cahr/defenders/) | | Voqal | [Fellowship](https://voqalpartners.org/fellowship/) | ## Funding Directories | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ---------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) | [Who Can Fund Me? Database](https://www.awid.org/feminist-funding-resources#wcfmdatabase) | | bond | [Funding Opportunities](https://www.bond.org.uk/funding-opportunities/) | | CIVIS | [Donor Finder](https://www.civicus.org/index.php/donor-finder) | | FOSS Maintainer Funding | [Funding Opportunities](https://github.com/mechko/awesome-maintainer-funding) | | Knight Foundation | [Grants database](https://knightfoundation.org/programs/) | | Renewable Freedom Foundation | [Digital Rights Funding Sources](https://renewablefreedom.org/grants/funding-sources/) | | SOLVE MIT | [Open Challenges](https://solve.mit.edu/challenges#open-challenges) | | Team Community | [Funding Opportunities](https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Fundraising_Opportunities) | | The Reva & David Logan Foundation | [Grant Finder](https://loganfdn.org/grants/) | | TripleFunds | [Calls for Proposal](https://triple-funds.com/calls-for-proposals/) | | UK Research and Innovation | [Funding Finder](https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/?filter_council%5B%5D=820) | | University of Illinois | [Fellowship Finder](https://apps.grad.illinois.edu/fellowship-finder/) | ## Privacy and Security | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Mozilla Foundation | [Mozilla Open Source Support (MOSS)](https://wiki.mozilla.org/MOSS) | | | [Mozilla Technology Fund](https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/what-we-fund/programs/mozilla-technology-fund-mtf/) | | Next Generation Internet (NGI) | [NGI Open Calls](https://www.ngi.eu/opencalls/) | | NLNet Foundation | [Open programs](https://nlnet.nl/funding.html) | | Open Source Technology Improvement Fund (OSTIF) | [Grants](https://ostif.org/) | | Prototype Fund | [Open programs](https://prototypefund.de/en/) | ## Rapid Response ### Global Support | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Access Now | [Digital Security Helpline](https://www.accessnow.org/help/) | | Amnesty International | [Security Lab Helpline](https://securitylab.amnesty.org/get-help/) | | Civil Rights Defenders | [Emergency Fund](https://crd.org/emergency-fund/) | | Derechos Digitales - | [Fondo de Respuesta Rápida](https://www.derechosdigitales.org/sobre-el-fondo-de-respuesta-rapida/) | | Digital Defenders Partnership | [Incident Emergency Fund](https://www.digitaldefenders.org/incident-emergency-fund/) | | Dignity For All | [Rapid Response](https://www.dignitylgbti.org/rapid-response-financial-assistance) | | | [Security Training](https://www.dignitylgbti.org/security-trainings) | | Freedom House | [Embattled CSOs (Emergency)](https://www.csolifeline.org/emergency-assistance) | | | [LGBTI Assistance Program](https://freedomhouse.org/program/dignity-all-lgbti-assistance-program) | | Frontline Defenders | [Emergency Contact](https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/emergency-contact) | | | [Protection Grants](https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/programme/protection-grants) | | Global Fund for Women | [Crisis Fund](https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/what-we-do/crisis-fund/) | | International Media Support | [Safety Fund](https://www.mediasupport.org/about/safety-fund/) | | | [Global Safety](https://www.mediasupport.org/what-we-do/safety-for-journalists/#global-safety) | | International Federation for Human Rights | [Grants for HRDs at Risk](https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/financial-support/grant-application-for-human-rights-defenders-at-risk) | | Lifeline | [Emergency Assistance](https://www.csolifeline.org/emergency-assistance-1) | | | [Resiliency Grants](https://www.csolifeline.org/resiliency-grants) | | ProtectDefenders.eu | [Emergency Support](https://protectdefenders.eu/protecting-defenders/#emergency) | | SOS-Torture Network | [ Emergency material support to human rights defenders at risk](https://www.omct.org/en/resources/news/emergency-material-support-to-human-rights-defenders-at-risk) | | Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights | [Opportunity Grant](https://urgentactionfund.org/our-grants/opportunity-grant/) | | | [Security Grant](https://urgentactionfund.org/our-grants/security-grant/) | ### Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) | **Organization** | Helpdesks | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | AwasKGBO |

Website
Contact:

| | Centro S.O.S Digitial |

Website
Contact:

| | CyberBeaver |

Helpdesk
Contact:

| | Digital Rights Foundation |

Website

Contact:

| | ECHAP |

\Website
Contact:

| | | FemBloc |

Website
Contact: \](https://fembloc.cat/contacte.html">)

| | | Luchadoras MX |

Website
Contact:

| | Maria d'Ajuda |

Website
Contact:

| | Meri Trustline |

Website
Contact:

| | Mujeres Activistas por el Software Libre |

VDBG Dashboard
Contact: \](https://activistasxsl.org/contacto/">)

| | | Navegando Libres por la Red |

Website
Contact:

| | One Love Sisters Ghana |

Website
Contact:

| | PurpleCode Collective |

Website
Contact:

| | TechHer |

Website
Contact:

| | TechSakhi |

\Website
Contact:

| | | Técnicas Rudas |

Website
Contact:
PGP Key Fingerprint:
055B 46F2 8105 5B95 E98E DEEF 728D B5E4 A7C2 E4FE

| | Vita Activa |

Website
Contact:

| ### Journalist & Scholar Support | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) | [Journalists in Distress Fund](https://cjfe.org/journalists-in-distress-fund/) | | Free Press Unlimited | [Reporters Respond](https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/projects/reporters-respond-emergency-funding-for-the-media) | | Institute of International Education | [Scholar Rescue Fund](https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/for-scholars/) | | International Federation of Journalists | [IFJ Safety Fund](https://www.ifj.org/safety-fund.html) | | International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) | [IWMF Emergency Fund](https://www.iwmf.org/programs/emergency-fund/) | | Media Legal Defence Initiative | [Legal Assistance](https://www.mediadefence.org/get-help) | | Reporters Without Borders (RSF) | [Individual Support](https://rsf.org/en/individual-support) | | Rory Peck Trust | [Crisis Fund](https://rorypecktrust.org/how-we-help/crisis-fund/) | | | [Therapy Fund](https://rorypecktrust.org/how-we-help/therapy-fund/) | | Scholars at Risk Network | [Support for Scholars Under Threat](https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/get-help/) | ### In-Kind Digital Infrastructure | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | eQualit.ie | [Deflect](https://equalit.ie/portfolio/deflect/) | ## Rapid Response: Region-Specific ### Africa | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Defend Defenders | [Digital Security Helpdesk](https://defenddefenders.org/get-help/) | | SMEX | [Helpdesk](https://smex.org/helpdesk/) | ### Americas | **Organization** | **Fund** | | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Fondo Accion Urgente | [Rapid Response Grants](https://fondoaccionurgente.org.co/en/what-we-do/rapid-response-grants/) | | Maria d'Ajuda | [Feminist Helpline](https://mariadajuda.org/index-en.html) | | Navegando Libres | [Feminist Helpline](https://navegandolibres.org/linea-de-acompanamiento-feminista/) | | Vita Activa | [Feminist Helpline](https://vita-activa.org/) | ### Asia | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights Asia & Pacific | [Security and Well-Being Grants](https://www.uafanp.org/security-and-well-being-grants) | | | [Resourcing Resilience Grants](https://www.uafanp.org/resourcing-resilience-grants) | | | [Webs of Safety and Care Grants](https://www.uafanp.org/webs-safety-and-care-grants) | ### Europe | **Organization** | **Fund** | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism | [Helpdesk](https://protectdefenders.eu/protecting-defenders/) | | Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF) | [Urgent Grants](http://emhrf.org/urgent-grants/) | ## Startup Incubators and Entrepreneurship | **Organization** | **Fund** | | ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Code for Science and Society | [Digital Infrastructure Incubator](https://incubator.codeforscience.org/) | | Comcast NBCUniversal | [LIFT Labs](https://lift.comcast.com/) | | Global Innovation Fund | [Funds](https://www.globalinnovation.fund/) | | Google | [Google for Startups](https://startup.google.com/) | | HiiL | [Justice Accelerator](https://www.hiil.org/programmes/the-justice-accelerator/) | | iHUB | [ Funding](https://ihub.co.ke/) | | Mach37 | [Funding](https://www.mach37.com/) | | National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) | [Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)](https://www.nist.gov/tpo/small-business-innovation-research-program) | | National Science Foundation (NSF) | [Seed Fund](https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/get-started/) | | New Media Ventures | [Funding Intake](https://www.newmediaventures.org/intake) | | Unicef | [Innovation Fund](https://unicefinnovationfund.org/) | ## US Government Internet Freedom and Security | **Organization** | **Fund** | | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Department of State | [Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)](https://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm) | | National Science Foundation (NSF) | [Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504709) | | | [Computer Systems Research (CSR)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503306\&org=CNS\&from=home) |