$200K Internet Freedom Fund for Open-Source Tech & Digital Security Projects

As online censorship and digital surveillance continue to rise globally, access to a free and open internet is more critical than ever. The Internet Freedom Fund provides performance-based contracts to support innovative, open-source projects that promote internet freedom and combat authoritarian controls on information access.

What the Fund Supports

The Internet Freedom Fund, managed by the Open Technology Fund (OTF), backs a wide range of technology development and implementation efforts, including:

• New open-source circumvention technologies

• Security and usability improvements to existing internet freedom tools

• Content redistribution tools to bypass government firewalls

• Next-gen digital rights tools and communication platforms

• Infrastructure security upgrades and usability enhancements

• Applied research, digital security efforts, and strategic convenings

Ideal Applicants

OTF prioritizes support for:

• First-time applicants

• Individuals or organizations that are underrepresented in the digital rights and open tech communities

• Projects targeting underfunded areas of the internet freedom ecosystem

Whether you're a solo developer or an established team, if you’re building a tool that protects online privacy, enables access to information, or improves internet resilience, you're encouraged to apply.

Funding Structure

• Award Range: $50,000–$200,000

• Project Duration: 6 to 12 months

• Funding Type: Performance-based contract, with payouts tied to milestones, deliverables, and timelines

Apply Now: Internet Freedom Fund – Open Technology Fund