> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/rapid-response-fund.md). # 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: