Global Digital Threat Lab

About this funding opportunity

Freedom of expression online faces threats globally from authoritarian governments employing sophisticated technology to restrict speech, control the flow of information, and chill dissenting voices. These challenges infringe on privacy; access to information; and the exercise of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion or belief online. The misuse of commercial spyware is increasingly deployed by authoritarian governments and other digital threat actors to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression and privacy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now facilitating cyberattacks, lowering the barrier of entry for threat actors and improving their efficiency and effectiveness.

Topic areas: Security and Defense, Digital Society and E-Inclusion, Public Policy and Governance.

Funding amount

This grant provides $3.0M-$3.0M in funding, up to $3.0M per award.

Deadline

Applications are due Aug 13, 2026. Confirm the exact closing time on the official program page before applying.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Other
• NGOs
• University
• Large Company
• SME
• Startups

Eligibility

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

- U.S.-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)

- Foreign-based non-profit organizations/NGOs

- Private or public institutions of higher education

- For-profit organizations or businesses

Agency

Global Digital Threat Lab is administered by Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor (DRL), listed via Grants.gov.