Are you looking to scale your tech project, spearhead responsible artificial intelligence (AI) research, or build open-source tools for public benefit? The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Program 2027 in USA provides an extraordinary platform for tech innovators, ethical researchers, and digital activists across the globe. Supported by the Mozilla Foundation—the non-profit organization behind the Firefox web browser—this fully funded program awards up to $125,000 USD in total funding to support visionaries who are building a healthier, safer, and more trustworthy internet.
Since 2011, Mozilla Foundation has backed a network of more than 200 mission-led Fellows across 37 countries. Many have gone on to found and lead organizations. What they share is a conviction that technology should serve the people who use it, and the discipline to prove it with something that ships. Mozilla Foundation will award 10 Fellowships for the 2027–2028 period
Basic Information About the Scholarship
The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Program is a 12-month, high-impact initiative designed to empower emerging and established technology leaders. Unlike standard academic grants, this program focuses on real-world technology deployment, open infrastructure, and digital policy advocacy.
| Program Feature | Key Details |
| Host Organization | Mozilla Foundation (USA) |
| Program Duration | 12 Months (June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028) |
| Total Funding | Up to $125,000 USD (Stipend + Project Budget) |
| Target Audience | Technologists, AI Researchers, Open Source Developers, Artists, and Changemakers |
| Work Format | Remote-Friendly / Global with funded international travel events |
| Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline | December 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC-8) |
Institution & Host Organization Details
The Mozilla Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the United States. While traditional university scholarships tie candidates to campus lecture halls, Mozilla operates a global, decentralized model.
Fellows collaborate remotely from their home countries or join leading civil society host organizations globally. During the 12-month tenure, fellows gain direct access to Mozilla’s executive network, policy experts, open-source engineers, and global advocacy campaigns.
Host Organizations for Embedded Fellows
The following organizations will host fellows in 2027–2028:
- BASAibu – Indonesia.
- Fundación Kamanau – Chile.
- LAS Art Foundation – Germany.
- Quantum Village – United States.
- Slum & Rural Health Initiative – Nigeria.
Applicants should consult the official fellowship announcement to understand each organization’s project requirements.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
Projects must serve the public interest. Eligible charitable activities include:
- Educating the public.
- Advancing scientific research.
- Protecting human rights.
- Protecting the environment.
- Fighting discrimination and prejudice.
- Promoting arts and culture.
- Supporting underserved communities.
Projects must benefit the wider public, not just the applicant or business owners.
Study Areas & Available Program Tracks
The 2027–2028 Fellowship cohort features two primary operational tracks and dedicated thematic focus areas:
Fellowship Tracks
- Embedded Fellows Track: Designed for mid-career technology practitioners who partner with a civil society host organization to solve pressing public-interest tech challenges.
- Independent Fellows Track: Designed for senior technology leaders and visionary innovators pursuing self-directed open projects.
Mozilla is particularly interested in the following seven areas:
1. Neurotechnology, Biotechnology and Physical AI
- Developing responsible technologies that affect human bodies, brains, and the environment.
- Protecting communities’ rights to control and govern these technologies.
2. Technology Infrastructure
- Projects involving computing, energy, quantum technology, data centres, and advanced infrastructure.
- Making technology more accessible and transparent.
3. Positive Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Developing AI systems that improve people’s lives.
- Making AI more accessible and reducing barriers to participation.
4. Business Models for the Future Internet
- Creating fair and sustainable business models for the internet.
- Protecting creators and online communities.
5. Cybersecurity for Small Organizations
- Developing affordable security tools.
- Helping small organizations test and protect their digital systems.
6. Sovereign AI and Public Infrastructure
- Building AI systems and digital infrastructure that communities can own, manage, and maintain independently.
7. Creative Advocacy
- Supporting artists, activists, and creative individuals who use innovative campaigns to challenge how technology affects society.
Wildcard applications: Applicants can also submit innovative ideas that do not fit these seven categories.
Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Program Benefits
1. Track I: Embedded Fellows
Total funding: $100,000 USD
- Personal stipend: $75,000.
- Project budget: $25,000.
- Collaboration with an international civil society organization.
- Mentorship and professional support.
- Duration: 12 months.
2. Track II: Independent Fellows
Total funding: $125,000 USD
- Personal stipend: $100,000.
- Project budget: $25,000.
- Freedom to develop and lead an independent project.
- Professional and technical development opportunities.
- Duration: 12 months.
3. Additional Benefits
- Membership in a global network of more than 200 former Mozilla Fellows.
- Networking opportunities with international experts, researchers, and technology leaders.
- Access to potential collaborators, partners, and future funders.
- Coaching and leadership development.
- Technical guidance and expert advice.
- Opportunities to present and promote projects internationally.
- Support to develop projects into sustainable organizations, products, or public initiatives.
- Additional Opportunities
- Applicants can apply directly without being nominated.
- Anyone can nominate a potential fellow.
- Self-nomination is also allowed.
- Selected fellows become part of a global network of more than 200 previous fellows.
- The programme offers opportunities for professional development, networking, and leadership.
Important Financial Information
- The fellowship runs for 12 months, starting June 1, 2027.
- The stipend is personal financial support for the fellow.
- The $25,000 project budget is exclusively for project-related expenses, not personal income.
- All funding is provided in US dollars (USD).
Career Outcomes of Previous Fellows
Mozilla Fellowship has supported people who have gone on to establish organizations and develop influential projects.
- Nearly 30% of Mozilla Foundation Fellows have founded an organization.
- Around 20% currently lead or manage an organization.
Benefits Not Included
To maintain clear financial expectations, applicants should note the following exclusions:
- Direct university tuition or academic degree enrollment fees.
- Long-term family or dependent relocation allowances.
- Institutional overhead or university administrative fees.
- Banking and foreign currency exchange fees incurred when receiving USD wire transfers.
Eligibility Criteria for Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Program
To qualify for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027, candidates must meet the following general requirements:
Who can apply?
Mozilla accepts applications from three main categories:
- Individuals: People developing charitable projects aligned with Mozilla’s mission.
- Nonprofit organizations: US-based 501(c)(3) organizations, eligible foreign nonprofits, and accredited academic institutions.
- For-profit companies and other organizations: Companies, corporations, informal groups, and foreign nonprofits without equivalent status can apply if their projects serve a genuine charitable purpose.
General requirements for all applicants:
- Must be legally eligible to receive funding from a US-based organization.
- Must be able to sign a grant agreement with Mozilla Foundation.
- Must have a bank account that can receive payments in USD.
- Must meet any additional requirements specified in the particular fellowship opportunity.
Project requirements:
- The project must provide a clear benefit to the public.
- It should contribute to areas such as education, scientific research, human rights, environmental protection, reducing discrimination, arts, or supporting underserved communities.
- The project must not primarily aim to generate commercial profit or shareholder value.
Who Cannot Apply or Receive Funding?
Mozilla does not fund:
- Applicants located in countries on the US OFAC sanctions list.
- Individuals or organizations included on applicable sanctions lists.
- Projects involving terrorism, violence, or illegal activities.
- Political campaigns supporting or opposing candidates.
- Lobbying or attempts to influence specific legislation.
- Projects primarily designed to generate commercial profit or shareholder value.
- Applicants with certain conflicts of interest involving Mozilla employees or contractors.
For-profit organizations also face restrictions on how grant money can be spent. For example, funds cannot be used for certain expensive capital equipment or unrestricted general operating support.
Selection Criteria:
Mozilla prefers applications that include evidence of actual work, such as:
- A project website or live demonstration.
- A GitHub repository or other source-code repository.
- A research paper or publication.
- A dataset.
- A developed product or working system.
- A completed project or initiative.
What Mozilla Looks for in Applicants
1. Trailblazing (Innovative Thinking)
- Work in new or emerging fields where rules and standards are still developing.
- Introduce new ideas and approaches.
- Take initiative instead of waiting for others to create opportunities.
2. Rigorous (Practical Experience and Results)
- Have already developed or launched a project, product, or initiative.
- Show evidence that people are actually using or benefiting from the work.
- Demonstrate the ability to turn ideas into real results.
- Be committed to completing projects, even when they become difficult.
3. Community-Driven (Community Engagement)
- Work together with communities rather than simply designing solutions for them.
- Listen to people’s needs and learn from their experiences.
- Share knowledge and help others.
- Contribute positively to the fellowship community.
Required Documents for the Application
Gathering application documents early ensures a seamless submission before the deadline:
- Online Letter of Intent (LOI): Concise initial application outlining the proposed project, target audience, and thematic alignment.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Professional Resume: Focused on tech projects, open-source contributions, research publications, or community leadership.
- Portfolio of Evidence: Direct links to public GitHub repositories, working prototypes, policy papers, or media coverages demonstrating past work.
- Project Proposal & Budget Breakdown: (Required for shortlisted candidates in Stage 2) Detailing how the $25,000 project budget will be allocated.
- Identification Documents: Valid passport copy for identity verification and travel booking.
- Host Alignment Note: (Embedded Track only) Confirmation of mutual interest from your designated host civil society organization.
Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Program Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
1.Review Guidelines & Select Track:Prerequisite Phase.
Analyze the official Mozilla Request for Proposals (RFP). Decide whether your work fits best as an Independent Fellow driving a self-directed initiative or an Embedded Fellow partnering with a civil society organization.
2.Draft & Submit Letter of Intent (LOI):Deadline: December 17, 2026.
Complete the initial LOI on the official Mozilla application portal. Clearly state the problem your project solves, your methodology, and its open-source public benefit. Submit before 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
3.Invitation to Full Application:Notification: February 16, 2027.
Shortlisted candidates receive an official invitation to submit a comprehensive application, complete project roadmap, and budget details.
4.Submit Full Application & Interview:Deadline: March 12, 2027.
Submit your full project narrative, technical specifications, and supporting evidence. Finalists complete online interviews with the Mozilla selection committee.
5.Final Award Notification & Onboarding:Announcement: April 30, 2027.
Selected fellows receive award notifications, sign grant agreements, and prepare for the program launch on June 1, 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Emphasize Openness: Mozilla prioritizes projects built on open-source frameworks, transparent datasets, and accessible software licenses.
- Focus on Affected Communities: Clearly explain how your work directly empowers vulnerable online populations or protects public rights against tech monopolies.
- Be Specific in Your Budget: Demonstrating a thoughtful plan for the $25,000 project budget shows technical maturity and operational readiness.
- Adhere to the AI Disclosure Rules: You may use AI tools for proofreading or structural guidance, but the core project ideas and responses must be authentically yours.
- Avoid Draft Pitfalls: Mozilla’s submission portal does not allow edits once submitted—double-check all text and links carefully before clicking submit.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in the USA
For fellows attending international cohort meetups or spending time at US host institutions, understanding living costs is essential. Below is an estimated monthly cost break-up in US Dollars:
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation / Apartment Rent | $900 – $1,800 |
| Food & Grocery Needs | $300 – $500 |
| Public Transportation / Rideshare | $100 – $200 |
| Health Insurance & Medical | $150 – $300 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Mobile, Wi-Fi) | $120 – $220 |
| Miscellaneous / Personal Expenses | $200 – $350 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $1,770 – $3,370 USD / Month |
Why Choose the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship?
- Substantial Financial Independence: With stipends up to $100,000 USD plus project funds, fellows can work full-time on public-interest innovation without financial strain.
- Flexible Remote Work Setup: You don’t need to permanently relocate; build world-class technology from your home country while enjoying global recognition.
- Influence Tech Policy & Industry Standards: Mozilla fellows frequently present research at major international conferences, shape global AI policies, and influence open-source standards.
- Access to Mozilla’s Professional Network: Direct mentorship from world leaders in ethical AI, internet policy, and digital rights.
- No Academic Degree Barriers: The selection process values code, real-world utility, and social vision over university prestige or GPA scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can teams apply for the Mozilla Fellowship?
No, the fellowship supports individual practitioners, although individual fellows can lead broader teams or community projects.
Q2: Is a PhD or Master’s degree mandatory to apply?
No. Demonstrable technical capacity, active repositories, or proven community leadership are prioritized over formal academic credentials.
Q3: Can I apply if I reside outside the United States?
Yes! International candidates worldwide are eligible, provided they can legally receive grant funding in USD.
Q4: What is the main difference between Embedded and Independent tracks?
Embedded Fellows work directly with a designated host civil society organization on community challenges. Independent Fellows lead their own self-directed research or technology build.
Q5: When does the 2027 cohort officially begin?
The fellowship starts on June 1, 2027, and runs for 12 calendar months until May 31, 2028.
Application Deadlines
| Application stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline | December 17, 2026 |
| Invitation for full application | February 16, 2027 |
| Full application deadline | March 12, 2027 |
| Final applicants notified | April 30, 2027 |
| Fellowship begins | June 1, 2027 |
Both application deadlines are at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC−8), as stated in the announcement.
