FAQ
OTF supports research, development, and implementation efforts focused on increasing:
Access to the internet, including circumvention tools;
Awareness of access, privacy, or security threats, including research, censorship detection, measurement platforms, and increasing digital security know-how among targeted groups;
Privacy for at-risk users; and
Security against threats to internet access and safety.
OTF does not have any requirements regarding an applicant’s status - whether for-profit, nonprofit, or a single individual, located inside or outside the United States, so long as the proposed effort fits within OTF’s mission, goals, and focus areas, it may be considered.
OTF supports both individuals and projects through several different funding mechanisms:
OTF encourages any potential applicant to first explore OTF’s mission, goals, and primary focus areas. If it sounds like your project might be a good fit, you’ll want to identify which fund or fellowship is most appropriate for you. From there, submitting a concept note is the best next step.
For the Internet Freedom Fund and Core Infrastructure Fund
OTF accepts applications on a rolling basis for the Internet Freedom Fund and Core Infrastructure Fund with a recurring deadline of every other month. The round deadlines are January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, and November 1.
For the Rapid Response Fund
OTF accepts and reviews applications for its Rapid Response Fund on an ongoing basis as they’re received. There is no deadline for Rapid Response so that digital emergencies can be confronted as they arise.
For Fellowships
The Information Controls Fellowship Program (ICFP) accepts applications on an annual basis, accepting applications in the spring - typically from mid-February to mid-March.
The Digital Integrity Fellowship Program (DIFP) accepts applications on an annual basis, with that application window opening in the fall.
For Labs
OTF’s Labs accept applications for services on an ongoing basis.
For the Internet Freedom Fund
Minimum of $10,000 and maximum of $900,000 for a year-long contract. Note, however, that OTF’s target support ceiling is $300,000; most supported efforts receive between $50,000 and $200,000.
For the Core Infrastructure Fund
Minimum of $5,000 and maximum of $300,000.
For the Rapid Response Fund
Minimum of $1 and maximum of $50,000 for a period of no longer than six months.
For Fellowships
Fixed stipend rates for both senior and seasonal fellows.
Immediately after submitting your application, you should receive an email from OTF confirming that we have received your submission. After that, your next contact with OTF will be a determination notice, which you can expect within a month from when that round’s application window closes.
OTF places high priority on funding tools that are open-source and freely available to download and use, ensuring a low barrier to user adoption and use.
OTF generally does not support standalone costs which are not directly associated with the completion of contractually stated objectives or deliverables. In the very limited instances where OTF determines that an overhead cost is permissible, such costs cannot be greater than 10% of the overall project cost. More information can be found here under the "Overhead" section.
Attaching a resume or CV is required for first time applicants. If you’re applying as an organization, include those of staff that will actually be working on the project. Beyond this requirement, if you have something you feel strengthens your application and it can’t be added as a link, including such materials as an attachment is fine.
