Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Program 2026 is a global opportunity for visionary technologists, researchers, creators, and advocates who are committed to shaping a healthier and more responsible tech future. For more than a decade, Mozilla Fellows have led some of the most important conversations around technology and society, challenging AI myths, exposing disinformation, and defending the public interest online. The program supports changemakers who believe technology should serve people, communities, and democracy, and who are ready to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
Through the 2026 fellowship cycle, the Mozilla Foundation aims to support up to 10 exceptional leaders who are not just imagining better technology futures, but actively building them. Fellows receive strong financial support, expert mentorship, professional development, and access to Mozilla’s global network of technologists, policymakers, and civil society leaders. With opportunities to showcase their work through platforms like Mozilla Festival and other Mozilla initiatives, Fellows amplify their impact while helping define what ethical, inclusive, and people-centered technology can look like worldwide.
Fellowship Summary
- Country: USA
- Host: Mozilla Foundation
- Duration: 12 months
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 30 January 2026
Benefits
The 2026 Mozilla Fellowship offers two tracks, tailored to the career stage and experience of applicants:
- Track I: Embedded Fellows
- Who should apply: Rising technologists with technical excellence and meaningful projects, but without broad field recognition.
- Support provided: $100,000 total investment, including a $75,000 stipend and $25,000 project budget.
- Focus: Collaborating with civil society host organizations to address community-specific challenges.
- Host organizations include:
- Arab Reform Initiative (EU/MENA; Arabic proficiency helpful)
- Baraza Media Lab (Kenya)
- Bellingcat (EU, Kenya, UK, US, South Africa)
- Instituto Fogo Cruzado (Brazil; Spanish/Portuguese proficiency helpful)
- Open Supply Hub (MENA, Kenya, South Africa, UK, EU)
- Social Media Exchange (SMEX) (UK, EU, WANA; Arabic required)
- Unitary Foundation (US, EU, UK, Kenya, South Africa)
- Embedded Fellows design and execute projects that address host organizations’ key challenges, gaining hands-on experience while supporting community impact.
- Track II: Independent Fellows
- Who should apply: Established innovators with proven leadership and exceptional technical ability.
- Support provided: $125,000 total investment, including a $100,000 stipend and $25,000 project budget.
- Focus: Pursuing ambitious, field-defining projects independently to advance broader impact across communities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to candidates from all countries where Mozilla can legally make grants, with emphasis on the Global Majority.
- Fellows must be able to receive stipends via ACH or wire transfer from the United States.
- Must be legally able to enter into a grant agreement with Mozilla Foundation, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization.
- Track I Embedded Fellows must reside in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, MENA region, Mexico, UK, US, or the EU.
- Fellows retain copyright and patent ownership of materials produced, while committing to open licensing to maximize public benefit.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Mozilla Fellows address challenges at the intersection of technology and society. Key focus areas include:
- Protecting User Privacy – Strengthening encryption, creating privacy tools, and promoting community-focused security practices.
- Auditing AI Systems – Ensuring AI systems are transparent, accountable, and ethical through auditing, policy frameworks, and education.
- Advancing Climate Justice – Developing digital tools and advocacy strategies to reduce technology’s environmental impact and support community climate initiatives.
- Protecting Creators – Safeguarding creative ownership, attribution, and compensation through technical systems, advocacy, and creative solutions.
- Democratizing Data – Empowering communities with AI and data tools, small language models, and frameworks that redistribute power from corporations.
- Building Open Infrastructure – Creating interoperable, accessible internet systems, protocols, and educational resources.
Mozilla also welcomes nominations for candidates pursuing impactful work outside these areas, as long as it aligns with the vision of a better, people-centered technology future.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on:
- Fit: Alignment of experience with the chosen track.
- Project: Strength, feasibility, and relevance of proposed project.
- Values: Embodying technology “built with care, powered by people, fueled by imagination.”
- Impact: Potential to serve communities and influence others.
- Leadership: Ability to inspire the next generation of technology leaders.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified should click link to Apply to apply.
NOTE
- Read the fellowship details carefully to understand who can apply and how the nomination process works. This fellowship starts with a nomination, which can be submitted by yourself or by someone who knows your work.
- Prepare your background information in advance, including your experience, current work, and a clear idea of the project or impact you want to create through the fellowship.
- Complete and submit the official nomination form within the announced timeline, making sure all required fields are filled in accurately.
- Wait for confirmation from the Mozilla Foundation. If your nomination is shortlisted, you will be invited to move forward in the selection process.
- Submit a Letter of Intent when requested. This should explain your proposed work, why it matters, and how it aligns with Mozilla’s mission for a better tech future.
- If selected for the next stage, complete the full application with detailed project plans, expected outcomes, and supporting information.
- Final selections are made after a thorough review. Successful candidates will be notified and guided through the onboarding process to begin the fellowship.
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