Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Digital Rights Fund by SMEX supports projects advancing digital rights, freedom of expression, and civic space across the WANA region. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for initiatives addressing surveillance, algorithmic bias, AI militarization, digital labor, infrastructure, and other issues that intersect with digital rights, prioritizing innovative, community-focused, and rights-based approaches.
The Digital Rights Fund, managed by SMEX, provides financial support to individuals, grassroots initiatives, and organizations working to protect and advance digital rights across the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. This initiative addresses emerging digital threats and promotes an inclusive, secure, and open online environment.
Programme Objectives
The fund aims to:
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Strengthen digital rights and civic space in the WANA region
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Support innovative approaches to combat digital repression
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Protect marginalized communities affected by digital surveillance and censorship
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Promote accountability, transparency, and digital sovereignty
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Encourage arts, culture, and interdisciplinary solutions in digital rights advocacy
Key Focus Areas
Eligible projects should address one or more of the following themes:
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Surveillance and spyware monitoring
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Algorithmic bias and AI accountability
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Digital labor and power dynamics
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Mapping and documenting digital rights violations
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Militarization of artificial intelligence
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Digital sovereignty and infrastructure security
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Creative approaches via arts, culture, or social innovation
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Intersectional issues linking digital rights to economy, labor, health, environment, gender justice, and marginalized communities
Who is Eligible?
The funding opportunity is open to:
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Individual activists and students in digital rights
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Informal groups and grassroots initiatives
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Formal non-profits and civil society organizations, including previous Digital Rights Fund partners
Priority is given to:
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New applicants and first-time applicants
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Young individuals and small organizations
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Local initiatives working directly with affected communities or with limited access to traditional funding
Grant Details
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Maximum funding: $15,000 USD
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Project duration: 6–9 months, depending on feasibility and alignment with proposed activities
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Budgets and timelines must be realistic and clearly justified relative to organizational capacity and expected outcomes
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility and alignment with the Digital Rights Fund focus areas
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Develop a project proposal that demonstrates clear impact and connection to digital rights
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Include a detailed budget and timeline that match the scope and capacity of the applicant
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Submit the application through the Digital Rights Fund portal before the specified deadline
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Ensure proposals prioritize community engagement and rights-based approaches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals with weak or unclear connection to digital rights
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Overestimating budgets or timelines beyond organizational capacity
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Ignoring priority populations, such as youth, small organizations, or local grassroots groups
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Proposing activities outside the fund’s thematic scope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
Individuals, students, informal groups, grassroots initiatives, and non-profit/civil society organizations in the WANA region.
What is the maximum grant?
Up to $15,000 USD per project.
What is the ideal project duration?
6 to 9 months, depending on activity feasibility and alignment with expected outcomes.
Are previous Digital Rights Fund partners eligible?
Yes, but priority is given to new applicants and smaller organizations.
What thematic areas are prioritized?
Surveillance, algorithmic bias, AI militarization, digital labor, digital rights violations, digital sovereignty, arts and culture, and intersectional issues.
Can grassroots initiatives apply?
Yes, local initiatives with limited access to traditional funding are strongly encouraged.
How should the budget and timeline be prepared?
Budgets and timelines must be realistic, clearly justified, and aligned with project objectives and organizational capacity.
Conclusion
The Digital Rights Fund 2026 provides a strategic opportunity for individuals and organizations to address emerging digital threats and protect civic space in the WANA region. By funding innovative, community-focused, and rights-based projects, the fund strengthens the resilience, agency, and digital freedom of vulnerable populations while promoting inclusive and accountable digital ecosystems.
For more information, visit SMEX.