I also wonder: if roles were reversed and (say for example) the US government was blocking parts of the internet to stop rampant CCP propaganda during a war with China - would "NetFreedom Pioneers" be advocating for ways for Americans to get around the block so they could continue to consume CCP propaganda because "muh freedom".

I expect not to be honest.

Not saying the cause is wrong necessarily but let's just call a spade a spade - this is aimed to help one side and one side only, "freedom" has nothing to do with it

It appears they do receive funds from US government so while I cannot directly answer your hypothetical question, I imagine they would lose at least some of their fundings. The author of the IEEE article is receiving compensation as Executive Director.

https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/455...

That said, I'm sure CCP is spending more than enough to make sure Americans get its propaganda, so I wouldn't be too worried if I were in your shoes.

"Freedom" as used by American politicians has always been a euphemism for "the interests of the American ruling class".