Hacker Initiative’s 2026 grant cycle is open. Applications close Monday, November 9, 2026.
This year’s theme is Signal/Noise. Generated text and synthetic video are cheap now, and the systems that decide what you see are tuned for engagement.
“Hackers have always been the people who learn to listen carefully, who find the meaningful pattern in a stream of static.”
William Pollock, Chair of the Board, Hacker Initiative
What we’re looking for
Hardware, software, and educational projects. Some examples:
- Tools that detect or label AI-generated content
- Open source work on verifying sources and provenance
- Hardware and software for sensing, measurement, and signal processing
- Privacy- and security-respecting alternatives to ad-driven platforms
- STEM projects that teach media literacy and hands-on technical skills
Your project has to strengthen the worldwide hacking community. We give preference to lean, well-managed budgets, and to work that’s unlikely to get corporate, institutional, or government funding.
The details
- Grants range from USD $5,000 to $25,000. Awarded grants may be for less than the amount requested.
- Applications close Monday, November 9, 2026.
- Every proposal goes through the application form. We don’t take proposals by email.
How to apply
Apply here: 2026 Hacker Initiative Grant Application. Guidelines and FAQs are at hackerinitiative.org. Questions go to grant-requests@hackerinitiative.org.
Hacker Initiative is a U.S. public charity that gives back to the global hacking community through small grants, mentorship, and community support. 100% of public donations go to grant recipients.
