Mozilla Builders
Mozilla's open source incubator and funding program for builders creating trustworthy AI and internet health tools that align with Mozilla's mission of an open web.
Overview
Mozilla Builders is Mozilla's program for supporting open source builders, founders, and researchers creating products that advance Mozilla's mission of internet health, trustworthy AI, and an open, accessible web. The program has taken different forms over the years - from fixed-up grants and mini-grants to structured incubation cohorts - and reflects Mozilla's investment in an open source ecosystem that challenges closed, monopolistic, and untrustworthy technology. Current Mozilla Builders programs focus particularly on responsible and open source AI alternatives, privacy-preserving tools, and products that put users in control of their online experience.
What You Can Find Here
- Grant funding for open source builders working on trustworthy AI and internet health tools
- Structured incubation cohorts with Mozilla mentors and resources
- Mozilla network access including developers, researchers, and advocates
- Opportunities for projects aligned with open source AI, privacy, decentralization, and digital rights
- Mozilla Common Voice and other dataset collaboration opportunities for AI and voice projects
- Community visibility and promotion through Mozilla channels
Who Should Use This
- Open source developers and founders building privacy-first, open, or responsible AI tools
- Teams working on alternatives to monopolistic or closed internet platforms
- Researchers and builders advancing trustworthy AI, AI accountability, or AI safety tools
- Builders whose work aligns with Mozilla's values of openness, privacy, and user empowerment
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit builders.mozilla.community to see currently active programs and application windows
- Step 2: Review the program focus areas to ensure your project aligns with Mozilla's mission
- Step 3: Apply during open call periods with a clear description of your project, its open source commitment, and alignment with internet health
- Step 4: Applications are reviewed by Mozilla staff for mission alignment, open source commitment, and technical viability
- Step 5: Selected builders join cohorts or receive individual grants depending on the program structure
Things to Check Before Applying
- Mozilla Builders programs evolve in structure and focus - check builders.mozilla.community for the current active program
- Projects must be open source or strongly aligned with open source values
- For-profit companies seeking scale funding are better suited to VC channels - Mozilla focuses on mission-aligned open work
- Mozilla also offers separate fellowship programs for researchers (Mozilla Fellowship) - check mozilla.org/en-US/moss for MOSS grants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mozilla MOSS and how is it different from Mozilla Builders?
Mozilla MOSS (Mozilla Open Source Support) is a separate grant program providing cash awards to open source projects that Mozilla depends on. Mozilla Builders is more of an incubator for new products. Both support open source but target different stages.
How much funding does Mozilla Builders provide?
Funding amounts vary by program cycle. Previous programs have offered grants in the range of $5,000-$75,000 for individual builders to larger cohort investments.
What types of projects does Mozilla Builders fund?
Mozilla Builders funds open source tools for internet health, privacy, decentralized systems, trustworthy AI, and user empowerment. Consumer-facing products with clear public benefit are typical.
Can international applicants apply for Mozilla Builders?
Yes. Mozilla Builders is open to builders from around the world.
Is Mozilla Builders the same as the Mozilla Fellowship?
No. Mozilla Fellowships are academic-style research fellowships for technologists, activists, and researchers. Mozilla Builders is for product builders and startup-stage teams.
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