Is this actionable now?

rolling. Concept notes accepted continuously; projects can run up to 24 months.

Individuals and organizations worldwide proposing internet-freedom technology, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvements or targeted convenings, excluding applicants barred by US trade restrictions or sanctions.

What burden and restrictions apply?

Performance-based contract; payments follow completed objectives, activities and deliverables, with monitoring and evaluation by an OTF program manager. Technology development, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvement and qualifying convenings; excludes basic connectivity, general ICT4D, broad policy advocacy and one-off training as primary outcomes.

Open Technology Fund Internet Freedom Fund

USD 10,000–900,000; ideal requests are USD 50,000–200,000 for 6–12 months and target ceiling is USD 300,000 · Open Technology Fund · rolling applications

Open Technology Fund Internet Freedom Fund is a grant programme from Open Technology Fund for Individuals and organisations worldwide outside U.S. sanctions restrictions building technology that advances Internet freedom for at-risk users Current lifecycle: rolling. Real economics: USD 10,000–900,000; ideal requests are USD 50,000–200,000 for 6–12 months and target ceiling is USD 300,000.

Tier 3foundationglobalinternet-freedomopen-source

Apply Official site Open in the live directory

Key facts

Funder	Open Technology Fund
Amount	USD 10,000–900,000; ideal requests are USD 50,000–200,000 for 6–12 months and target ceiling is USD 300,000
Deadline	Rolling — apply anytime
Decision time	Concept-note applicants can expect an initial response in approximately six to eight weeks.
Eligibility	Individuals and organizations worldwide proposing internet-freedom technology, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvements or targeted convenings, excluding applicants barred by US trade restrictions or sanctions.
Restrictions	Performance-based contract; payments follow completed objectives, activities and deliverables, with monitoring and evaluation by an OTF program manager. Technology development, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvement and qualifying convenings; excludes basic connectivity, general ICT4D, broad policy advocacy and one-off training as primary outcomes.
Status	rolling

Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.

Application process

Submit a short concept note
Program fit review in about six to eight weeks
Competitive applicants submit a full proposal
Advisory Council final review
Sign a performance-based contract and deliver milestones

Background

Open Technology Fund operates Open Technology Fund Internet Freedom Fund. This pass separates direct cash, repayable finance, credits, incentives and umbrella programs so later ranking does not compare unlike instruments. Official page names OONI, VPNalyzer, Tor Project, FIFAfrica and Mobile Surveillance Monitor as sample projects.

How the application really works

Submit a short concept note → Program fit review in about six to eight weeks → Competitive applicants submit a full proposal → Advisory Council final review → Sign a performance-based contract and deliver milestones

Tips

Show direct fit with internet freedom.
Show direct fit with anti-censorship technology.
Show direct fit with digital security.
Show direct fit with applied research.
Show direct fit with community convenings.

Watch out for

Current lifecycle is rolling.
Performance-based contract; payments follow completed objectives, activities and deliverables, with monitoring and evaluation by an OTF program manager.
Technology development, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvement and qualifying convenings; excludes basic connectivity, general ICT4D, broad policy advocacy and one-off training as primary outcomes.

Track record

Official page names OONI, VPNalyzer, Tor Project, FIFAfrica and Mobile Surveillance Monitor as sample projects.

No application or award rate is published.

Frequently asked questions

Is this actionable now?: rolling. Concept notes accepted continuously; projects can run up to 24 months.
What is the real economic value?: USD 10,000–900,000; ideal requests are USD 50,000–200,000 for 6–12 months and target ceiling is USD 300,000
Who is eligible?: Individuals and organizations worldwide proposing internet-freedom technology, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvements or targeted convenings, excluding applicants barred by US trade restrictions or sanctions.
How does selection work?: Submit a short concept note; Program fit review in about six to eight weeks; Competitive applicants submit a full proposal; Advisory Council final review; Sign a performance-based contract and deliver milestones. Concept-note applicants can expect an initial response in approximately six to eight weeks.
What burden and restrictions apply?: Performance-based contract; payments follow completed objectives, activities and deliverables, with monitoring and evaluation by an OTF program manager. Technology development, applied research, digital-security ecosystem improvement and qualifying convenings; excludes basic connectivity, general ICT4D, broad policy advocacy and one-off training as primary outcomes.
What evidence exists?: Official page names OONI, VPNalyzer, Tor Project, FIFAfrica and Mobile Surveillance Monitor as sample projects. No application or award rate is published.

Sources

www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund — Official rolling status, amounts, eligibility, exclusions, process, timeline and contract model (checked 2026-08-10)
docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/faq — Official target ceiling and typical award range (checked 2026-08-10)
apply.opentech.fund — Official application portal and public contact (checked 2026-08-10)