NLnet is a Netherlands-based public benefit funder that supports projects building an open, resilient, trustworthy, sustainable, and human-centered internet, with a strong bias toward free/open-source software and infrastructure. Its grants tend to back technically credible, public-interest projects that improve open standards, digital commons, privacy, decentralization, and the usability of core internet tools rather than broad service delivery. They are especially active through recurring open calls and targeted NGI programs that help mature specific open technologies into usable, interoperable infrastructure.
Small to mid-sized competitive grants, typically around $5,000-$50,000, awarded through recurring open calls and program-specific tracks; most opportunities are international and application-based rather than invite-only.
Watch the recurring open-call cycle: general NLnet applications are due on the 1st of every even month (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec). Proposals should be highly technical, clearly open-source/open-standards oriented, and show concrete public benefit, interoperability, or infrastructure impact; program-specific calls (e.g., NGI TALER, Fediversity, Open Social Fund) are a strong fit if your project matches their niche.
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Current and upcoming funding from NLnet that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Projects must be aligned with the goals of the TALER pilot and improve, build on, or integrate GNU Taler; specific conditions may apply in the guide for applicants.
Deadline: Current call deadline: June 1, 2026 at 12:00 CEST (noon).
Who can apply: Projects must contribute to the objectives of Fediversity; specific conditions may apply in the guide for applicants.
Deadline: Current call deadline: June 1, 2026 at 12:00 CEST (noon).
Who can apply: In principle anyone can apply, but all projects must be free/libre/open source; scientific outcomes must be open access; software and hardware must be published under a recognised free and open source license in their entirety. Specific conditions may apply in the call-specific guide.
Deadline: Deadline every even month on the 1st at 12:00 CEST (noon). Current call deadline: June 1, 2026.
Who can apply: Projects must be free/libre/open source. Scientific outcomes must be open access; software/hardware must be published under a recognised FOSS license. Specific funds may have additional eligibility conditions—see fund pages.
Deadline: Deadline on the 1st of every even month (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec). Next upcoming: June 1, 2026.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.