OTF Internet Freedom Fund

Open Technology Fund · Internet freedom grant

$900K$10,000–$900,000 for up to 24 months (ideal ask $50,000–$200,000 for 6–12 months)

Open Technology Fund's main fund for internet freedom projects: censorship circumvention and privacy tech, applied research, digital security and convenings.

Key terms

Individuals 18+ or for-profit/nonprofit organisations of any nationality
Not available to applicants in countries under US OFAC trade restrictions or sanctions
Performance-based contracts paid in USD on completion of agreed deliverables
Two stages: concept note, then full proposal by invitation; reply in about 6–8 weeks
Not funded: basic connectivity, ICT4D, legal/policy advocacy, one-off trainings

Eligibility

Where: Worldwide
Stages: idea, pre-seed, seed, series-a, growth
Needs VC/accelerator backing: No
Needs partner referral code: No
Must be incorporated: No
AI focus required: No
Students / researchers: Eligible
Nonprofits: Eligible

Also required

Project must counter censorship or surveillance

How to apply

Submit a concept note through OTF's online application system; competitive concepts are invited to submit a full proposal.

Benefit: cash
Equity-free: Yes
Decision time: About 6–8 weeks for concept notes
Credit validity: —
Deadline: Rolling
Status: Open

Apply on official site → Check if I qualify

Verified 2026-10-30 · source

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