Internet Freedom Fund
17.07.2024 |
About the Internet Freedom Fund
The Internet Freedom Fund is the primary opportunity through which Open Technology Fund supports innovative global internet freedom projects. These projects are focused on technology development and implementation, but can also include applied research, convenings, and digital security projects. See below for more details about each category.
OTF prioritizes projects coming from individuals or organizations who are applying for the first time, identify as under-represented within the field, and address areas that are underfunded.
Application Process and Award Information
Applications to the Fund go through a two-stage application process and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Awards are between $10,000 and $900,000 for up to 24 months. Ideal applicants seek funding between $50,000 and $200,000 for efforts between 6 and 12 months.
Funding awards are performance-based contracts signed directly with the applicant or applicants. Funding is dispersed upon completion of stated objectives, activities, and deliverables per a schedule outlined in the contract. All payments are made in U.S. dollars and will comply with local laws, regulations, and ethics rules.
Successful applicants are paired with an OTF program manager who will oversee all project monitoring and evaluation for the duration of the contract. Monitoring and evaluation assessments are based on predetermined and agreed-upon metrics, deliverables, and goals as laid out by the applicant in the project proposal.
Funding Categories
Technology Development
OTF supports the development of innovative internet freedom technologies from the prototype phase to deployment phase, in addition to supporting core infrastructure projects that serve the internet freedom and human rights communities.
Applications for this category can include, but are not limited to:
- Creating new, open-source circumvention technologies
- Taking an existing open-source internet freedom technology and improving upon its security, usability, and adaptability
- Developing content redistribution methods to aid in content access behind government firewalls
- Next-generation tools
- Improving security standards, quality assurance, and best practices within core infrastructure projects
- Improving accessibility and usability of existing projects
How to Apply:
Applying for the Internet Freedom Fund is a two-stage application process:
Stage 1: Submit a Concept Note through OTF’s online application system in which you tell us about your project idea through a short form.
Stage 2: Applicants whose Concept Notes are deemed to be highly competitive will be invited to submit a Proposal in which they will expand upon their project idea
The Internet Freedom Fund Advisory Council, comprising subject-matter experts who understand various relevant fields and issues related to internet freedom, will conduct a final review of competitive Proposals.
For additional information, check HERE.
Details
Website
Target audience
Digital skills for all
Digital skills for the workforce
Digital skills for ICT professionals
Digital technology
Digital skills
Media literacy
Artificial intelligence
Form of the funding
Country suitable for the funding
Bulgaria
Other
Financial intermediate
Benefitials
Individuals
Organizations (for-profit or nonprofit)
Requirements