> 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/surge-and-sustain-fund.md). # 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 \ \ \