Open Knowledge Foundation Deutschland e.V. supports projects that make knowledge accessible and strengthen civil society, democracy, and participation in the digital age. Its giving is centered on open-source software, open hardware, and civic tech that serves the public interest—especially tools for transparency, data access, digital rights, and secure software infrastructure. The funder appears to favor early-stage, prototype-oriented teams in Germany or the EU that can build practical solutions with coaching and network support.
Competitive annual program grants for prototype-stage projects, with funding tied to a defined development period and added coaching/network support; grants can be sizable (up to €95,000 for six months or €158,000 for ten months) and are primarily awarded through an annual application window.
Apply through the Prototype Fund annual window (typically October 1 to November 30). Strong candidates are teams building an open-source or open-hardware prototype with clear public-interest value; applicants should be prepared to show technical feasibility, relevance to civil society, and how the project will advance openness, transparency, or digital participation.
Current and upcoming funding from Open Knowledge Foundation Deutschland e.V. that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Teams with a residence in the EU may apply; if funded, the registered GbR must be based in Germany. The program is designed to support socially relevant software projects and is adapted for funding-remote target groups.
Deadline: Applications open annually from October 1 to November 30.
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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.