The Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 is accepting nominations for technology leaders and changemakers. This 12-month fellowship supports up to 10 visionary professionals working on tech issues like AI transparency, data privacy, and climate justice. Fellows receive funding from $100,000 to $125,000 plus project budgets. Deadline: January 30, 2026.
Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
| Location | Global (some tracks location-specific) |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Funding | $100,000-$125,000 (stipend + project budget) |
| Fellows | Up to 10 fellows selected |
| For | Tech leaders, researchers, creators, advocates |
About the Program
The Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program supports technology leaders who are building better tech futures. For over a decade, Mozilla has supported 200+ Fellows working on critical technology and society issues. Fellows are embedded with civil society organizations or pursue independent innovation projects. The 2026 program focuses on visionary leaders creating alternatives, proving new models, and showing what’s possible when technology serves people.
Fellowship Tracks and Funding
Track I: Embedded Fellows
- $100,000 total investment
- $75,000 stipend
- $25,000 project budget
- Must be located in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, MENA region, Mexico, UK, US, or EU
Track II: Independent Fellows
- $125,000 total investment
- $100,000 stipend
- $25,000 project budget
- Open to all eligible countries
Focus Areas
Mozilla seeks Fellows building better technology in these areas:
- Protecting User Privacy – Strengthening encryption and creating security tools
- Auditing AI Systems – Making AI transparent and accountable
- Advancing Climate Justice – Reducing tech environmental impact
- Protecting Creators – Ensuring creators control their work
- Democratizing Data – Putting data and AI in community hands
- Building Open Infrastructure – Creating open and accessible internet infrastructure
What Fellows Receive
Financial Support:
- Stipend: $75,000 (Track I) or $100,000 (Track II)
- Project budget: $25,000
- Full funding to focus on important work
Network and Community:
- Global cohort of technology leaders
- Access to Mozilla’s alumni and partner network
- Connection to policymakers and advocates
Professional Development:
- Specialized coaching and workshops
- Peer learning opportunities
- Leadership development programs
Platform and Visibility:
- Access to Mozilla Festival
- Mozilla Education platform
- Speaking and content opportunities
- Global audience reach
Who Can Apply
General Eligibility:
- Open to candidates from countries where Mozilla can make grants
- Able to receive ACH or wire transfer from the United States
- Can enter grant agreement with US-based 501c3 organization
- Particular focus on Global Majority candidates
Location Requirements:
- Track I: Must be in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, MENA, Mexico, UK, US, or EU
- Track II: Global
Work Ownership:
- Fellows own copyright and proprietary interests in their work
- Must release code and content under open licenses
- Expected to work openly and share regularly
Fellow Commitments
Selected Fellows commit to:
Lead an Impactful Project
- Create concrete demonstrations of better tech futures
- Develop tools, platforms, or innovations others can build on
- Complete project within 12 months
Join the Cohort
- Actively participate in fellowship workshops
- Engage with Mozilla community
- Collaborate with other Fellows
Share Knowledge
- Speak, write, and collaborate publicly
- Develop content through Mozilla platforms
- Inspire next generation of tech leaders
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed on five key areas:
- Fit – Does your experience match the track? Are you ready?
- Project – Is your project compelling and achievable in 12 months?
- Values – Does your approach show technology built with care?
- Impact – Will your work serve communities and help others?
- Leadership – Can you influence the field and inspire others?
How to Nominate
Nomination Process:
- Visit the nomination form link below
- Complete all required information
- Describe your work and project proposal
- Explain your approach and expected impact
- Submit before January 30, 2026
Nominate Here: Click to access nomination form
Official Page: Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program
Important Dates
- Nomination Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months
- Number of Fellows: Up to 10
Program Focus
Mozilla Fellows are not just responding to tech crises – they are creating alternatives. Whether developing privacy tools, auditing AI systems, advancing climate justice, protecting creator rights, democratizing data, or building open infrastructure, Fellows demonstrate what’s possible when technology serves people instead of corporations.
Fellowship Benefits Summary
- Stipend of $75,000 to $100,000 based on track
- Project budget of $25,000
- Professional development and coaching
- Global network of technology leaders
- Platform access for amplifying work
- 12 months of focused project time
- Alumni network and ongoing support
Tips for Strong Nominations
Be Clear About Your Project
- Describe a specific, achievable 12-month project
- Show how it addresses one of the focus areas
- Explain the concrete outcomes
Show Your Impact
- Give examples of your previous work
- Demonstrate how your work serves communities
- Explain who benefits from your project
Demonstrate Leadership
- Share your experience influencing the field
- Show how you inspire others
- Explain your vision for better tech futures
Match Your Track
- Choose Track I if you fit location requirements
- Choose Track II for independent projects
- Ensure your experience matches the track
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply from any country? A: Track II is open globally. Track I requires specific locations (Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, MENA, Mexico, UK, US, EU).
Q: Do I own the work I create? A: Yes, Fellows own copyright. However, you must release code and content under open licenses.
Q: How many Fellows are selected? A: Up to 10 Fellows for 2026.
Q: What is the time commitment? A: 12-month fellowship with active participation in cohort activities.
Q: Can I work with an organization? A: Yes, Track I Fellows are embedded with civil society organizations. Track II supports independent projects.
Conclusion
The Mozilla Foundation Fellows Program 2026 offers substantial funding and support for technology leaders building better futures. With stipends up to $100,000, project budgets of $25,000, and access to a global network, this fellowship empowers visionaries to create real alternatives in technology. Nominations close January 30, 2026. If you’re working on privacy, AI transparency, climate justice, creator rights, data democratization, or open infrastructure, submit your nomination today.
Submit Nomination – Click Here
Keywords: Mozilla Foundation Fellows 2026, technology fellowship, AI transparency, data privacy, climate justice, tech leadership, creator rights, open source, internet infrastructure, Mozilla fellowship, tech innovation grant
