The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is soliciting Statements of Interest (SOIs) for the Internet Freedom Annual Program, aiming to support initiatives that promote an open and secure internet while defending human rights and the free flow of information online. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects under one or more of the following themes: circumventing internet censorship, preventing and remedying online attacks, advocating against repressive internet laws, and researching threats to internet freedom. These themes target various internet freedom challenges, including combating censorship, addressing digital security threats, and supporting policy advocacy against repressive regulations.

SOIs are the initial step of a two-part process, meant to communicate project concepts in a concise three-page format. DRL will evaluate these concept notes, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, which will undergo a second round of review. The application deadline for SOIs is January 9, 2025, and program activities for funded proposals are expected to begin in August or September 2025, subject to funding availability.

Eligible applicants include U.S. or foreign-based non-profits, higher education institutions, for-profit organizations, and public international organizations, all of which must demonstrate the capacity to implement relevant programs. Applicants can form consortia, with one designated lead organization. SOIs should propose budgets ranging from $500,000 to $3,000,000 and meet several formatting requirements, including adherence to a specific page layout and font. Projects must clearly demonstrate their ability to achieve specific objectives that align with DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and democracy, ensuring a measurable impact on the targeted issue areas.

Proposals must address how the program activities contribute to the specific objectives of the chosen funding theme and how they fit within the broader context of advancing human rights online. DRL emphasizes the importance of locally-led initiatives and collaborations, particularly those that directly involve or support vulnerable and marginalized populations. DRL prefers projects that are innovative or expand on previous successful efforts in a complementary manner, aiming to avoid duplication. Projects are also expected to consider ethical and safety implications, particularly when working in repressive or high-risk environments.

The review process for SOIs includes an evaluation of program quality, the ability to address barriers to equal participation, program planning, and institutional capacity. Once approved, DRL may provide recommendations for enhancing the proposed program. All proposals must comply with U.S. laws, including anti-terrorism and anti-discrimination regulations.