Mozilla Foundation is offering up to $125,000 to ten builders, researchers, and technologists working on ambitious technology projects that serve the public good. The 12-month fellowship opens with a Letter of Intent, and the first deadline is 17 December 2026.
About the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship
Since 2011, Mozilla Foundation has backed more than 200 mission-led fellows across 37 countries, and many have gone on to found and lead organizations. The 2027/2028 cohort welcomes technologists, researchers, creators, and advocates who want to turn early or unconventional ideas into working systems. Fellows work through one of two tracks. Embedded Fellows join an existing effort, while Independent Fellows pursue their own project with full freedom over the approach. The fellowship begins on 1 June 2027.
Funding Size
- Embedded Fellows: $100,000 in total, made up of a $75,000 stipend and a $25,000 project budget
- Independent Fellows: $125,000 in total, made up of a $100,000 stipend and a $25,000 project budget
- Number of fellowships: 10
- Duration: 12 months
Who Can Apply
- Individual applicants worldwide
- Builders from any sector, including those outside the nonprofit world
- Projects must serve a charitable purpose and deliver public benefit
- Applicants must be legally able to receive grant funds from Mozilla Foundation
- Work should be ambitious and primarily technical
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Geographic Eligibility
- Open globally
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Technology that is open, inclusive, and accountable
- Public participation and responsible governance of emerging technology
- Platforms and tools that prove alternative models can work
- Systems that help other technologists build better products
Application Process
The process runs in stages. Most of the review happens at the Letter of Intent stage, and only a small number of shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application. The letter should describe the work, who stands to benefit, and the impact the applicant hopes to achieve.
Required Materials
- Letter of Intent describing the project, beneficiaries, and expected impact
- Full application, by invitation only
- Confirmation that the applicant can commit to the 12-month fellowship period
- Confirmation of legal eligibility to receive grant funds
Key Dates
- Letter of Intent deadline: 17 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific
- Full application invitations: 16 February 2027
- Full application deadline: 12 March 2027, 11:59 p.m. Pacific
- Final applicants notified: 30 April 2027
- Fellowship begins: 1 June 2027
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Selection Notes
- Competition is steep, since few applicants pass the Letter of Intent stage
- Projects too early or too ambitious for conventional funders are a stated priority
- Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award