Incident Emergency Fund
Our rapid response mechanism for human rights defenders, journalists, activists and organisations facing digital threats and attacks.
- OPEN
Announcement
Due to the heavy workload our response time is being affected. If you have not received a reply after two weeks, please be patient.
The IEF provides up to €10,000 and can be used to cover costs which will directly reduce the risk or impact of a digital attack. The funding covers activities for a maximum of four months, and we aim to respond to requests within two weeks.
What does the IEF cover?
- Replacement of hardware or software which has been taken, lost or stolen.
- Purchase of more secure hard- and/or software and costs related to installation of the new systems.
- Technical or non-technical activities to respond to urgent issues such as internet blockages.
- Measures to improve physical security (related to information management and digital security).
- Measures to address the psychological and psychosocial impacts of digital threats and risks.
Application process
2. Create an account
Activate the applicants’ account on the application system. You can edit the application if it was submitted as a draft.
3. Submit your proposal
You cannot edit a final application submission.
4. Response and screening
A Project Officer (PO) will be appointed to follow up your submission. First response may take up to 14 days (2 weeks). Project Officers will screen if the application meets DDP’s IEF mandate. Applications that do not fall under DDP’s mandate will be rejected and/or referred to our partners and network.
5. Review and due diligence
Project Officers will review the application on quality and due diligence criteria. The applicant may need to provide extra information and edit the application, in case there are questions about the proposed activities or budget.
6. Determination
In case the application does not meet quality or due diligence criteria, it will be rejected. In case the application meets all criteria and all information has been provided, the application will be discussed within the DDP team, after which a final determination follows.
7. Approval
A successful applicant will get a notification of approval.
We are able to process applications submitted in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. If you would like to submit your application in another language, please contact us with your language request, and we can explore a secure solution.
Eligibility test
This test will guide you to know if the Incident Emergency Fund is what you need.
Frequent Asked Questions
What does this fund cover?
Replacement of hardware or software which has been taken, lost or stolen. Purchase of more secure hard- and/or software and costs related to installation of the new systems. Technical or non-technical activities to respond to urgent issues such as internet blockages. Replacement of hardware or software which has been taken, lost or stolen. Purchase of more secure hard- and/or software and costs related to installation of the new systems. Technical or non-technical activities to respond to urgent issues such as internet blockages.
Who can apply?
DDP target groups are women, feminist and LGTBQIA+ organisations; land and environmental rights defenders; and journalists and other actors who make information available to the public. However, each regional team defines the target groups for each call. Check the call for your region.
How long does the evaluation of IEF applications take?
We try to respond within two weeks from the moment the proposal is submitted. However, this period might be longer depending on the amount of proposals received, our internal referencing processes, etc.
Does our organisation need to be legally constituted to apply?
Not necessarily. We conduct our own internal referencing processes for vetting.
Can we get in touch to discuss our proposal?
Yes. If you have any doubts, write us with your questions to team@digitaldefenders.org