The Digital Defenders Partnership is currently seeking applications for its Sustainable Protection Fund to help human rights organisations or collectives build their long-term digital security capacities.

The Sustainable Protection Fund covers a range of costs that contribute to strengthening an organisation's or collective's ability to respond to digital threats. These can include, for example:

• New computers, servers or data or website hosting.
• Technical support in implementing new systems.
• Training or support processes in digital security or other safety and security aspects.
• Actions to improve physical security, which support information management and digital security.
• Measures to deal with the psychological and psychosocial impacts of digital threats.

Financing information

• This year, the grant provides up to €15,000 and aims to support more organisations in activities lasting up to a year.

What does the Sustainable Protection Fund not cover?

• Main organisational funding, such as the payment of salaries or stipends.
• Support for ongoing project activities.
• Fill a funding gap.
• Advocacy work.
• Research paper.
• Cost of living or subsidies.
• Medical costs (in addition to psychological and/or psychosocial support).
• Maintenance.

Eligibility criteria

• The Sustainable Protection Fund is open regionally and the following groups are specifically encouraged to apply:
  • Women human rights defenders and feminist organisations.
  • LGBTQIA+ organisations.
  • Defenders of land and environmental rights.
  • Journalists and other actors who make information available to the public.

For more information, visit https://www.digitaldefenders.org/sustainable-protection-fund-open-call-for-sub-saharan-africa/