Apply for funding before January 3rd 2027
Deadline for submission: January 3rd 2027, 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 open information society and serves as a building block for an open internet stack? 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.
We put any money we can get our hands on where our minds are: that is to increase the utility and benefit of open technologies for society. Have a look at our portfolio to see what we mean. What is important for us is that the technology you develop is not just technology for technology's sake, but benefits people. This means by definition that the fruits of your project become available under a free and open source license.
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)
- Strenghtening the open geospatial commons (GeoCommons)
- 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.
Information about applying for funding
On our Apply for funding page, we provide a general overview of what we offer and how to apply. Each fund has its own Guide for Applicants, eligibility, and FAQ pages, which you can find from the funds' main pages linked above. There is also a cross-programme general FAQ page, where we're addressing the questions raised during our monthly Office Hour. If you have questions about the European Dimension criterium, you can look at the dedicated European Dimension page, and the European Dimension section in the Office Hour FAQ. And lastly, do take a look at our recently updated Generative AI polcy, which describes the do's and dont's for the use of genAI in both the application process and project development.
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.
