AI for Individual Rights Fund

About

The AI for Individual Rights Fund supports projects that advance open-source and privacy-protecting AI tools for activists and civil society living under authoritarian regimes.

Around the world, dictators increasingly weaponize AI to tighten repression and accelerate surveillance, censorship, and control. But in the hands of human rights defenders, AI tools can advance their work and build movements under authoritarian pressure. HRF provides grants that enable activists to safely adapt and deploy AI tools that supercharge their movements.

HRF also funds research into how authoritarian regimes weaponize AI against their people.

Who We Fund

AI developers

Focused on building open and privacy-enhancing AI tools accessible for those living under tyranny

Human rights defenders and activists

Using AI tools and platforms to more efficiently build movements and resist oppression

Educators

Creating content and resources that enable community leaders to use AI safely and effectively

Researchers

Investigating how authoritarian actors weaponize AI and developing solutions that inform policy and tool development

Privacy technologists

Developing tools that increase accessibility and usability of private AI for nonexperts

Vibe coders

Empowering activists with vibe coding to enable rapid development of tools specific to their needs

Explore all programs and individuals who have received grants from the AI for Individual Rights Fund.

Our Application Process

Submit your proposal

Applicants fill out an online application form with a project description and an explanation of the funding request. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Review process

Our team carefully reviews each application and prioritizes projects that align with our goals and organizational mission. The review process typically takes four to six weeks.

Acceptance

Our team will get in touch to inform you that you have been selected for a grant. After filling out identifying and administrative paperwork, the grant will be processed.

Grantee announcement

Our team notifies successful applicants directly and deploys funds to support their projects. We also publish a quarterly press release announcing new grantees. Grantees may opt not to be publicly announced if keeping the grant private is preferred.

Ongoing support

Throughout the project lifecycle, our team will offer guidance and resources to ensure grantees can achieve their goals.

Apply now and join us in creating a world where AI supports individual rights.

FAQs

What types of projects does the AI for Individual Rights Fund support?

We support projects that make AI more secure and accessible for people living under authoritarian rule. This includes open-source and privacy-enhancing tools, education, and research.

What kind of software projects are eligible?

The AI for Individual Rights Fund is interested in open-source and privacy-enhancing software. Closed-sourced tools make it difficult to verify security claims and therefore may pose risks for individuals operating under surveillance or repression.

What tools are not eligible for funding?

We do not fund AI tools that are closed-source or that lack a clear human rights application. We prioritize AI ethics work that is connected to real-world use cases under authoritarian regimes.

How long does the review process take?

We accept applications year-round. The review process takes about four to six weeks after submitting your application.

How much funding can I expect from a grant?

Grant sizes vary based on project scope. Each application is assessed individually with funding awarded on a case-by-case basis. Funding can be as small as a minor travel grant, and will typically not exceed $200,000.

Can I reapply if my project was not selected?

Yes. Applicants are welcome to reapply if their project was not initially selected.