The Calyx Institute

The Calyx Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York, dedicated to enhancing digital privacy and security by making these concepts more accessible to everyone.

Mission

The mission of the Calyx Institute is to educate the public about the importance of privacy in digital communications and to develop tools that enable individuals to build "privacy by design" into their internet access. This goal is achieved through the development of encryption and anonymity tools that help users maintain their privacy, making online security easier and more accessible for everyone[1][2][3].

History

The Calyx Institute was founded in May 2010 by Nicholas Merrill, Micah Anderson, and Kobi Snitz. Its creation was motivated by Nicholas Merrill's experience with a National Security Letter (NSL) he received from the FBI while operating a small ISP, leading to a constitutional challenge against the USA Patriot Act. This background has influenced the organization's focus on advancing privacy and security through technological innovation and legal advocacy[1][3].

In December 2014, the Institute received its 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS, allowing donations to be tax deductible. By 2017, it had relocated from Manhattan to Brooklyn[1]. Over the years, the Calyx Institute has expanded its activities to include research, tool development, and educational initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing privacy[2][3].

Products and Services

CalyxOS

CalyxOS is a flagship Android mobile operating system designed with privacy and security features, specifically targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and activists. It minimizes tracking by manufacturers and service providers, providing a secure platform for users concerned about surveillance[2][3].

CalyxVPN

The Calyx Institute offers a free VPN service, part of its mission to provide accessible privacy tools. This service is built on open-source projects and is available to members[3].

Mobile Hotspots

The Institute provides unlimited broadband access through wireless hotspots, offering free internet services to members who contribute annual dues and voluntary donations. This initiative helps bridge connectivity gaps, especially in underserved communities[2].

Other Initiatives

Calyx also supports infrastructure for the Tor network, offers an experimental public chat service using XMPP, and hosts videoconferencing software. It conducts privacy research and participates in public forums to promote digital security awareness[2][3].

Funding and Grants

The majority of funding for the Calyx Institute comes from its membership program. Additional financial support has been received from organizations like Internews, the Wau Holland Foundation, and DuckDuckGo. In 2022, the Institute received a $1 million grant from Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall philanthropy to further its mission[1][2].

Calyx has a grantmaking program that supports organizations and projects focused on digital security, privacy, and internet freedom. This includes initiatives like CryptoHarlem and the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project. The Sepal Fund, launched in 2025, provides multi-year grants to small organizations working on privacy and security research[4][5].

Impact

The Calyx Institute has supported thousands of users with its mobile hotspot program, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also contributed to the development of other privacy-focused Android operating systems, benefiting millions of users worldwide[2]. The Institute's Jabber/XMPP service has attracted hundreds of thousands of registered users, and it operates multiple Tor exit nodes to facilitate internet freedom[3].