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Open Technology Fund (OTF) Sustainability Fund

OTF launched the Fost Sustainability Fund to address insufficient maintenance funding for open-source projects crucial to internet freedom.
The fund aims to challenge the myth that open-source technologies are inherently sustainable and emphasizes the importance of valuing maintenance and support.
Private and federal funding sources provide flexibility in funding different aspects of projects and meeting their specific needs.
The fund employs practical mechanisms like deliverables and prioritizes foundational technologies to maximize impact.
OTF collaborates with its learning lab to document and share project outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned to encourage other donors and lower barriers to entry.
The fund currently has $1.5 million annually, supporting a handful of projects on a two-year cycle to establish longer-term sustainability initiatives.
Funding amounts vary based on project needs and can range from $150,000 to $400,000 for a two-year period.
Projects must demonstrate how they advance internet freedom in repressive environments, but the fund recognizes that some projects may be several steps removed from direct end-user impact.
The application process involves a lighter-weight concept note followed by a more detailed proposal for selected projects.
The F Sustainability Fund welcomes global applicants, and applicants can be individuals, organizations, or groups without a formal structure.
OTF provides flexible contracting based on project needs and can assist with finding a fiscal sponsor if needed.
Funding is based on a project roadmap and budget, and projects are paid upon completion of deliverables.
The funding period can vary, and OTF works with projects to define achievable milestones.
OTF does not require specific licenses and does not own the software produced by funded projects.
Applicants can be for-profit companies, non-profits, or individuals.
OTF aims to make the application process accessible, with a two-stage process to minimize the time investment for unsuccessful applicants.
The application deadline for the F Sustainability Fund is May 17th, 2023.
Applicants who are invited to the proposal stage will have a month to submit a full proposal, which will then undergo a review process lasting a couple of months.
Successful applicants can expect funding to start in mid-2023.

Other OTF Support Mechanisms

OTF provides various funding opportunities and resources beyond the False Alarm Sustainability Fund, including the Internet Freedom Fund and in-kind services through resource labs.
OTF supports convening, which is crucial for building trust in the open-source and internet freedom community.
OTF has various support mechanisms to address maintenance and sustainability needs in the community.