This is a collection of verified resources & programs that offer grants + funding towards ideas, side projects, startups, etc. It contains application information along with deadlines.
Pull requests are accepted and must follow the format below. Will try to keep this updated regularly sorted by earliest deadline.
- Info: A micro-grant for your side project.
- Award: Up to €500 towards software/services to get your project online.
- Application Process/Info: Apply by filling out the form on the site. You should hear back some time towards the end of April. If they like what they see, they'll approach you for an interview and everything will be sorted out from there. See website for further details.
- Application Link: https://tyk.io/fund/
Deadline: March 31st, 2020
- Info: The Internet Freedom Fund is OTF's primary way to support projects and people working on open and accessible technology-centric projects that promote human rights, Internet freedom, open societies, and help advance inclusive and safe access to global communications networks for at-risk users including journalists, human rights defenders, civil society activists, and every-day people living within repressive environments who wish to speak freely online.
- Award: Anywhere from $10,000 to $900,000.
- Application Process/Info: https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/
- Application Link: https://apply.opentech.fund/internet-freedom-fund/
Deadline: May 1st, 2020
- Info The Awesome Foundation is an organization that awards $1,000 grants every month. They don't want any compensation (equity, ownership, ROI, etc.) they simply want to help you build your product!
- Award: $1000
- Application Process: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/faq
- Application Link: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/submissions/new
No deadline! Grants are typically awarded monthly.
- Info Non-profit working to create a quantum technology ecosystem that benefits the most people. They fund explorers across the world to work on quantum technologies.
- Award: $4000
- Application Process: The program is designed to be as simple as possible. No committees to convince. No organizational affiliation required. Just a short form and a two minute video. More details here: https://unitary.fund/
- Application Link: https://willzeng.typeform.com/to/j0kAOd
No deadline!
- Info Through the Mozilla Open Source Support (MOSS) awards program, they recognize, celebrate, and support open source projects that contribute to Mozilla’s work and to the health of the Internet. MOSS broadens access, increases security, and empowers users by providing catalytic funding to open source technologists.
- Award: Varies
- Application Process: Fill out form: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/moss/
- Application Link: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/moss/ (Select award track)
No deadline! Grants are typically awarded monthly.
- Info Gitcoin is a bazaar where you can find funding for your code, or code if you're a funder.
- Award: Varies
- Process: https://gitcoin.co/how/funder
No deadline
- Info The Python Software Foundation is the organization behind Python. Become a member of the PSF and help advance the software.
- Award: Varies
- Application Requirements https://www.python.org/psf/grants/#grant-proposal-requirements
Temporarily Paused as of March 13, 2020 due to Coronavirus
Winning a grant is much easier said than done which is why I wanted to include another section linking you to platforms where you can crowdfund instead. In many cases, a grant might not cover all of your costs which is why crowdfunding might also be a good option for you to look into.
- Kickstarter: Helps bring creative projects to life.
- Indiegogo: Indiegogo is where early adopters and innovation seekers find lively, imaginative tech before it hits the mainstream.
- Patreon: Patreon is a membership platform based in the United States that provides business tools for creators to run a subscription content service. It allows creators and artists to earn a monthly income by providing exclusive rewards and perks to their subscribers
- CodeFund: CodeFund focuses on providing an ethical alternative to digital advertising that drives results and respect from our technical audience
- CrowdFunder: Crowdfunder is the leader in equity crowdfunding and has helped raise capital for thousands of companies from a network of 12,000 VCs and angel investors
- Experiment: Experiment is a crowdfunding platform for scientific research projects, including academic research, teaching and public outreach, and independent science projects.
Various platforms offer free server credit to help you and your project get off the ground without worrying about start-up costs.
If you're a student, I strongly recommend applying for the Github Student Developer Pack.