Apply for funding before November 3rd 2026
Deadline for submission: November 3rd 2026, 12.00 (noon) CET.
Do you have a valuable idea in the area of digital commons and networked technology, that will contribute towards achieving a more a more open information society and serves as a building block for an open internet stack? We are interested in further developing open solutions that empower users on all layers of technology.
Could you use financial and practical support to develop your open solution that empowers users on all layers of technology? Then submit your proposal to NLnet foundation before the deadline and see if we can help you.
From NGI to Open Internet Stack
This cycle we move from the Next Generation Internet to its main successor Open Internet Stack. This is a new initiative from the European Commission as part of their Open Source Strategy, and we have the honour to launch the very first open calls supported by this. The offerings and requirements of the funding mechanism have largely stayed the same. However, do read the description and guide for applicants of the funds to learn what type of projects are within scope.
New deadline cycle
NLnet picks up on the rolling open calls it has had for the better part of two decades, with a deadline every two months. However, we have shifted the cadence from the even months to the odds, and from the first day to the third. The first deadline, then, will be November 3rd 2026.
Upcoming new version of the Policy on the use of GenAI
Since December of 2025 we have a policy on Generative AI. Be aware that we currently revising this policy, and will publish a new version soon. Projects are governed by the latest revision of the policy. The current version allows for alternatives and exceptions. In the upcoming policy the transparency and logging requirements will be more clearly formulated, and exceptions will no longer be possible for new projects. Note that the current policy already states that work which is (mostly) generated by LLMs — often colloquially referred to as "vibecoding" — is not eligible for a grant. In the next version of the policy this will be made more clear. If you intend to make use of LLMs, you are advised to wait with submitting until the new policy is published in order to avoid investing time in a proposal that might not be eligible.
We are looking forward to your proposals!
Open themes
Currently we are interested in project proposals for the following theme funds:
- Building a scalable open internet stack (Restack)
- Strengthen software supply chain security with packaging metadata (CodeSupply)
In addition there are a number of smaller theme funds you could have a look at. Uncertain? You can always submit through the open call.
About NLnet Foundation
NLnet Foundation (in Dutch: Stichting NLnet) is a recognised public benefit organisation that invests its own independent funds as well as funds that it manages on behalf of other organisations — such as the European Commission —. The foundation supports strategic initiatives that contribute to an open information society.
