Deadline: January 30, 2026
The Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 is a prestigious global fellowship designed to support technologists, researchers, advocates, and creators who are working to build a more just, open, and equitable internet. The programme empowers individuals whose work addresses the social, political, and ethical challenges shaping today’s digital world.
Through financial support, professional development, and access to a powerful global network, the fellowship enables fellows to scale impactful projects that reimagine the future of technology for the public good.
About the Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026
The Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 brings together a diverse cohort of changemakers working at the intersection of technology and society. Fellows are supported to advance bold ideas that protect people’s rights, strengthen digital infrastructure, and challenge harmful uses of technology.
Mozilla seeks individuals who are not only technically skilled but also deeply committed to public interest technology and systemic change.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Applicants should be working on projects aligned with one or more of the following areas:
- Protecting user privacy and data rights
- Auditing and challenging harmful or biased AI systems
- Advancing climate justice through technology
- Protecting creators and their digital rights
- Democratising access to data and AI development
- Building and sustaining open internet infrastructure
Applicants whose work aligns broadly with Mozilla’s mission of ethical, people-centred technology are encouraged to apply, even if their project does not fit neatly into one category.
Fellowship Tracks and Financial Support
The fellowship offers two distinct tracks, each designed to support different working models.
Track I – Embedded Fellows
- Total support: USD 100,000
- USD 75,000 stipend
- USD 25,000 project budget
- Fellows work closely with a host organisation on a defined, community-focused project.
Track II – Independent Fellows
- Total support: USD 125,000
- USD 100,000 stipend
- USD 25,000 project budget
- Designed for fellows leading ambitious projects independently.
In addition to financial support, fellows receive:
- Professional development and leadership coaching
- Opportunities to showcase work at global platforms such as Mozilla Festival
- Access to a global community of fellows, mentors, and collaborators
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to applicants worldwide, where Mozilla can legally make grants
- Strong emphasis on applicants from the Global Majority
- Applicants must be able to receive US-originated payments via wire or ACH
- Fellows must be able to enter into a grant agreement with a US-based 501(c)(3) organisation
Additional requirement for Embedded Fellows (Track I):
Applicants must be based in or able to work within specific regions, including:
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Brazil
- MENA region
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- United States
- European Union
Key Dates and Application Timeline
- Nominations close: 30 January 2026
- Letter of Intent deadline: 13 February 2026
- Full application deadline: 20 March 2026
- Fellowship start date: 18 May 2026
Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted.
Fellow Commitments and Expectations
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Lead a concrete, high-impact project aligned with Mozilla’s mission
- Actively participate in cohort activities and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Contribute to public discourse through writing, speaking, and collaboration
- Engage meaningfully with Mozilla’s global community throughout the fellowship period
How to Apply
Applications begin with a nomination, followed by a structured application process for shortlisted candidates.
👉 Nominate for the Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026
👉 Read more about the Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help strengthen your application and improve competitiveness.
Contact us to get expert assistance with your fellowship proposal.
