Open Technology Fund

The next Internet Freedom Fund deadline is May 1. Apply now

2016-04-06

WhatsApp Integrates Open Whisper Systems-Developed Encryption Protocol

OTF-supported Open Whisper Systems has completed

Think you have a good idea?

We love crazy new ideas that really change the Internet freedom landscape. That said, we support all kinds of projects at different stages of their life, new or established. Ideal projects fit within one or more of our main areas of focus below. If you have a project that you think OTF should support, please let us know and apply today!

Access to the Internet

Access to the Internet, including tools to circumvent website blocks, connection blackouts, and widespread censorship

Awareness of privacy and security threats

Awareness of privacy and security threats and protective measures, including how-to guides and trainings for circumvention tools

Privacy enhancement

Privacy enhancement, including the ability to be free from repressive observation and the option to be anonymous when accessing the Internet

Security from danger or threat online

Security from danger or threat when accessing the Internet, including encryption tools

Get money, help or both

Direct funding

Through direct funding, OTF provides projects or individuals with monetary support to accomplish specific goals in agreed upon timeframe. OTF is unique in that we can support any Internet freedom project (or individual work) deemed valuable regardless of size, location, or organizational type. Direct Funding Apply

Services

Through trusted vendors, we provide projects with the opportunity to take advantage of various services designed to help them receive customized, continuous support. Accelerator Apply

Requests for the work we currently support

Next deadline:

2016-05-01

Internet Freedom Fund

The Internet Freedom Fund is OTF's primary way to support projects and people working on open and accessible technology-centric projects that promote human rights, internet freedom, open societies, and help advance inclusive and safe access to global communications networks. Successful applicants are awarded monetary support up to $900,000 and no less than $10,000, with preference given to those projects and people who are new to the internet freedom community, helping those living within repressive environments, and are requesting less than $300,000 for a duration of less than 12 months.

Next deadline:

Ongoing

Rapid Response Fund

The Rapid Response Fund is part of a broader OTF initiative which aims to facilitate the development of a strong digital emergency response community that can work together to resolve threats in a timely and comprehensive manner. OTF offers both direct financial support as well as technical services from trusted partners to resolve digital emergencies experienced by high-risk Internet users and organizations, such as bloggers, cyber activists, journalists. and human rights defenders.

Next deadline:

Closed

Information Controls Fellowship

The Information Controls Fellowship Program (ICFP) cultivates research, outputs, and creative collaboration at different levels and across institutions on the topic of information controls -- specifically repressive Internet censorship and surveillance.

All requests

Meet the awesome people behind the Open Technology Fund

Our Team, Advisory Council, and Fellows are a 40+ person community who speak 10+ languages, are from all over the world, know a lot about Internet Freedom, are supporting 100+ projects, and know how to make your’s succeed.

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Open Technology Fund

Think you have a good idea?

Get money, help or both

Requests for the work we currently support

Meet the awesome people behind the Open Technology Fund