Please give me a chance to explain

Hello,

I’m about to ask you to make a €10 contribution to Mozilla because $3.55 million USD in U.S. federal funding is currently at risk. But first, I hope you'll give me a chance to explain why your contribution matters so much – especially right now.

Mozilla was founded on the principles of the open-source movement, grounded in the belief that technology should belong to everyone — free to use, modify, and share. That’s why we take pride in Firefox being the only major browser not controlled by a billionaire or corporate giant. It’s also why we’re committed to fighting every day to preserve the internet as a public resource, rather than letting it become a walled garden controlled by a few.

But open technology is most effective when it’s accessible to all. That’s the driving force behind two of Mozilla’s most critical programs: the Responsible Computing Challenge and Mozilla Common Voice.1

But now, due to political interference, we expect $3.55 million USD in U.S. federal funding for these two programs to be cancelled.2

Now, here’s where I get to the ask that I mentioned before. Despite this significant funding challenge, we refuse to back down. We will rebuild our roadmap to ensure these critical initiatives continue, and we need the support of the Mozilla community to make that possible. That is why I’m asking you directly:

Will you donate €10 to Mozilla today to help continue building crucial programs that train the next generation of technologists, ensure voice-enabled technology understands people from all backgrounds – and create an internet that puts people first?

At Mozilla, our dedication to open-source values isn’t based on political convenience. That’s why, even as we face this significant funding challenge, we continue to stand by the programs that bring our mission to life.

At this pivotal moment in global history, your donation to Mozilla is more than just financial support — it’s a bold declaration of your commitment to a future where the internet remains open and accessible to all.

We know that €10 might not seem like much in the face of a $3.55 million USD funding gap, but here’s the truth: as you read this, hundreds of Mozilla supporters worldwide are making donations. In fact, 8,869 people have already chipped in to help fill this funding gap. And when each one of us contributes what we can, all those donations add up fast.

That’s why today, we’re asking people like you – the champions of open source, and an open and accessible internet – to ask if you can add a donation. At this critical moment, what sets Mozilla apart is that we’re not relying on billionaire backers, we’re counting on supporters like you.

So once again, I’m asking you directly:

Please make an urgent contribution of €10 to Mozilla today to help support critical programs like the Responsible Computing Challenge and Common Voice that make the internet open and accessible to all. We can collectively defend these programs against U.S. government interference – as long as we’re in this together.

Thank you for all that you do for the internet.

Michael Whitney
Director, Digital Engagement
Mozilla

More Information:

1. Read more about Mozilla’s Responsible Computing Challenge and Common Voice initiatives.

2. New York Times: Trump’s Attempt to Freeze Grant Funding Leaves Nonprofits Reeling 4 February 2025.