The Open Technology Fund (OTF) funds technology, research, and community efforts that expand secure, uncensored internet access for populations living under heavy information controls. It prioritizes development, maintenance, and large-scale operations of circumvention and privacy-enhancing tools, crisis digital-security response, and sustainability of key free and open-source projects. OTF typically funds global projects with emphasis on China, Iran, Russia, Myanmar and other highly censored environments, and works with both small rapid-response actors and major FOSS projects.
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Multiple program streams: rolling rapid-response grants ($1–$50k), open solicitation windows for FOSS sustainability and larger internet-freedom projects ($10k–$900k), and recurring per-user/month payments for Surge & Sustain partners. Mix of emergency microgrants, multi‑year/large grants for established projects, and program-specific operational payments; decisions often via concept-note then full proposal or invite stages.
Use the right program channel: submit emergencies to the Rapid Response Fund (rolling) and FOSS projects to designated sustainability windows. Prepare a concise concept note first (many programs use two-stage review), document active user metrics if seeking Surge & Sustain support, and emphasize security, localization, and measurable reach in repressive contexts. Check program pages for specific solicitation windows and expect technical monitoring/reporting requirements for awards.
Current and upcoming funding from Open Technology Fund that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: For large-scale, open source VPN or anti-censorship tool projects operating in repressive information contexts.
Deadline: No fixed deadline stated on the provided pages.
Who can apply: Open to individuals and organizations with technology-focused project ideas that help people facing repressive censorship and/or surveillance.
Deadline: Rolling or open application intake is implied, but no deadline is stated on the provided pages.
Who can apply: For cases with a clear, time-sensitive, state-sponsored digital emergency needing short-term, urgent digital security support.
Deadline: No fixed deadline stated; appears to accept requests on an urgent basis.
Who can apply: For project ideas that support the long-term maintainability, interoperability, reproducibility, security, and resilience of the internet freedom technology ecosystem.
Deadline: No fixed deadline stated on the provided pages.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.