The Mozilla Foundation has opened nominations for its 2026 Fellows Program, supporting up to 10 visionary leaders working at the intersection of technology and society. The 12-month program offers two investment tracks: Track I provides a $100,000 total investment ($75k stipend + $25k budget), while Track II offers $125,000 ($100k stipend + $25k budget). Fellows focus on critical areas such as AI accountability, climate justice, and data democratization. The program is open to global candidates with a specific emphasis on the Global Majority. Successful applicants must release their work under open licenses and participate in Mozilla’s global network. The application deadline is January 30, 2026.
Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Mozilla Foundation |
| Fellow Intake | Up to 10 Leaders |
| Total Investment | $100,000 (Track I) or $125,000 (Track II) |
| Project Budget | $25,000 (Included in Total) |
| Program Duration | 12 Months |
| Key Focus Areas | AI Auditing, Privacy, Climate Justice, Data |
| Application Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 Details
The Mozilla Fellows Program is a premier global initiative designed to support technologists, researchers, and advocates who are building alternatives to the current corporate-dominated tech landscape. For over a decade, Mozilla has empowered “defiant optimists” to turn visionary ideas into concrete actions that protect the open internet and serve the public good.
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The 2026 cohort will focus on creating scalable models for better technology futures. Whether embedded within civil society organizations or pursuing independent research, Fellows are expected to work in the open, documenting their progress and sharing expertise through Mozilla’s extensive platforms like Mozilla Festival and Mozilla Education. This program is not merely a research grant but a call to leadership for those who prove technology can be a force for systemic change.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026
Mozilla provides significant financial backing and professional resources to ensure Fellows can focus entirely on high-impact work.
Tier 1: Financial Investment Tracks
- Track I (Embedded/Independent): A $100,000 total investment consisting of a $75,000 personal stipend and a $25,000 project budget.
- Track II (Senior/Strategic): A $125,000 total investment consisting of a $100,000 personal stipend and a $25,000 project budget.
- Open Assets: All copyright and proprietary interests remain with the Fellow, provided they are released under open-source licenses for public benefit.
Tier 2: Network & Professional Development
- Global Access: Connection to a cohort of technology leaders, policymakers, and advocates worldwide.
- Specialized Coaching: Access to professional workshops and peer learning opportunities tailored for tech advocates.
- Alumni Community: Ongoing access to Mozilla’s broader community of alumni and global partners after the fellowship concludes.
Tier 3: Impact Amplification
- Mozilla Platforms: Use of high-visibility channels like Nothing Personal and Mozilla Festival to showcase projects to international audiences.
- Resource Development: Support in creating content for Mozilla Education to inspire the next generation of tech innovators.
Eligibility Requirements for the Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to tech leaders, creators, and advocates who demonstrate a compelling project that advances a better tech future.
- Nationality: Open to candidates from all countries where Mozilla can legally make grants, with a priority focus on the Global Majority.
- Track I Specifics: Embedded Fellows must be located in specific regions: Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, MENA region, Mexico, UK, US, or the EU.
- Legal/Financial: Applicants must be able to receive wire transfers from the US and legally enter into a grant agreement with a US-based 501c3.
How to Apply for the Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Choose between Track I (Embedded) or Track II (Independent) based on your experience and location.
- Project Proposal: Outline a compelling project that can be realistically executed within 12 months, addressing one of the focus areas.
- Values Assessment: Ensure your approach embodies technology that is “built with care, powered by people, and fueled by imagination.”
- Notification of Award: Up to 10 visionary leaders will be selected and notified following the review of the January 30 deadline submissions.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the two funding tracks for Mozilla Fellows?
Track I provides a total of $100,000 ($75k stipend), while Track II provides $125,000 ($100k stipend). Both include a $25k project budget.
2. What are the key focus areas for 2026?
The focus areas are: Protecting User Privacy, Auditing AI Systems, Advancing Climate Justice, Protecting Creators, Democratizing Data, and Building Open Infrastructure.
3. Is this program open to non-technical advocates?
Yes, Mozilla seeks researchers, creators, and advocates in addition to technologists.
4. Do I have to live in the US to apply?
No, it is a global program, though Track I Embedded Fellows have specific regional location requirements.
5. Who owns the work I create during the fellowship?
The Fellow owns all proprietary interests, but must agree to release the work under open licenses to ensure public accessibility.
6. What is the “Global Majority” focus?
Mozilla actively recruits leaders from communities that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in the global tech discourse.
7. How long is the fellowship commitment?
Selected Fellows must commit to a 12-month program of work, cohort participation, and knowledge sharing.
8. What can the $25,000 project budget be used for?
It is used for concrete demonstrations of your project, such as platform building, tool development, or creative innovation costs.
9. Can I apply if I work for a civil society organization?
Yes, Track I is specifically designed for Fellows embedded within civil society organizations.
10. When is the deadline for the 2026 cohort?
The application deadline is January 30, 2026.
