The Mozilla Foundation has opened nominations for the 2026 Mozilla Fellowship, a one-year program supporting individuals working to advance technology in the public interest. The Fellowship will support up to 10 Fellows globally for a 12-month period beginning in May 2026.

The program is open to technologists, researchers, creators, and advocates whose work addresses issues such as user privacy, auditing and accountability of AI systems, climate justice, protection of creators’ rights, democratization of data, and the development of open and interoperable internet infrastructure. Mozilla also notes that nominations are welcome for projects that do not fit neatly into these categories but align with its broader vision of people-centered technology.

Mozilla Fellowship 2026 symbolic image of global fellows collaborating on ethical tech solutions

Image source: Envato

Two Fellowship Tracks

The 2026 Fellowship is structured around two tracks.

Track I: Embedded Fellows is designed for rising leaders who will work in collaboration with a host civil society organization on a defined project addressing that organization’s identified challenge. Mozilla will provide $100,000 in total support, including a $75,000 stipend and a $25,000 project budget. Embedded Fellows must be located in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, the MENA region, Mexico, the UK, the US, or the EU.

Track II: Independent Fellows targets established innovators with proven leadership experience who will pursue self-directed, field-defining projects. Mozilla will provide $125,000 in total support, including a $100,000 stipend and a $25,000 project budget.

Both tracks include access to professional development, peer learning, and Mozilla’s global network, as well as opportunities to share work through Mozilla platforms such as Mozilla Festival and Mozilla Education.

AI Usage Notice: In preparing this article, AI tools were used with careful human oversight and editing. We believe in transparency regarding the use of AI in our work.
AI Usage Notice: In preparing this article, AI tools were used with careful human oversight and editing. We believe in transparency regarding the use of AI in our work.

Review Criteria and Timeline

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Fit with the selected track
  • Project clarity and feasibility within 12 months
  • Alignment with Mozilla’s values
  • Expected impact
  • Leadership capacity

Key dates include:

  • Nominations open: November 9, 2025
  • Nominations close: January 30, 2026
  • Letter of Intent deadline: February 13, 2026
  • Full application deadline: March 20, 2026
  • Fellowship start date: May 18, 2026
More information about the nomination process is available on the Mozilla Foundation website: 2026 Mozilla Fellows Request for Nominations | Mozilla Foundation – Mozilla Foundation

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