[color=#42a6c6][size=3]RAPID RESPONSE FUND[/size][/color] [size=2][color=#42a6c6]Opportunity Description[/color] [color=#000000]The Open Technology Fund offers the opportunity to obtain a financial grant as well as the opportunity to benefit from several technical services, aimed at facilitating the response of the digital emergency response community to solve threats in a timely and comprehensive manner to individuals, communities and organizations whose freedom of expression has been suppressed in recent times. It provides support anywhere from $1 up to $50,000 for six months or less to individuals or groups on efforts such as:[/color][/size] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Create new Internet connections (such as VPNs) when existing connections are severed or restricted.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Provide personal digital protection for online journalists, human rights defenders, NGOs, activists and bloggers.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Rapid development of tools or translations needed to respond appropriately to emergencies.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Develop decentralized and mobile Internet applications that can connect computers as an independent network.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Provide the appropriate response to any other digital emergencies.[/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#000000][size=2]The Rapid Response Fund aims to resolve threats in a timely and comprehensive manner for individuals, communities, and organizations whose free expression has recently been repressed. To resolve digital emergencies, OTF offers both direct financial support as well as technical services from trusted partners to high-risk people and organizations, such as bloggers, cyber activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.[/size][/color] [size=2] [color=#42a6c6]Benefits: [/color][color=#000000]The OTF offers two types of support to organizations, activists, journalists and other human rights defenders:[/color][/size] [ol] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Numerous technology services from trusted service partners.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Average sums of money ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 US dollars and not exceeding 50,000 US dollars.[/size][/color][/li] [/ol] [size=2][color=#42a6c6]Application Criteria[/color][/size] [color=#000000][size=2]You must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for funding:[/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Individuals of all ages, regardless of nationality, creed or gender.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]You must possess the skill and ability to conduct rapid response work.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Individuals with intimate knowledge of the communities they work with and the digital threats they face.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]You are not located in countries subject to US trade restrictions or export sanctions as determined by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]All payments will be made in United States Dollars (USD) and comply with local laws and regulations.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]You are responsible for all tax charges for any support you receive, as determined by the laws of your country.[/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [size=2][color=#42a6c6]Selection Criteria:[/color][/size] [color=#000000][size=2]The selection process will be based on the following criteria:[/size][/color] [ol] [li][color=#000000][size=2]The quality of the project idea.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Multiplier effect/sustainability.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]The applicant's record and ability.[/size][/color][/li] [/ol] [color=#000000][size=2]Note: The decision will be made within 5 days.[/size][/color]