Monday is tech & innovation day on The Grant Brief.

Three open-source and open-internet funders are taking applications right now, each with a different eligibility gate. What connects them: all three fund the infrastructure layer of internet access and digital tools, not programs that merely use technology. If your org builds or deploys open tech, this is your week to bookmark.

What we know: NLnet runs back-to-back open calls, so there's always a window approaching. Projects must produce open-source software, open hardware, or open-access research. The funder doesn't file a US 990, so we don't have granular award history, but the structure is genuinely lightweight: a short application form, no LOI stage, and grants sized for independent developers or small teams. Realistic fit: small technical teams or individual builders working on privacy, accessibility, localization, or internet resilience tools under a recognized FOSS license.

What we know: Aleo's 990 data tells a clear story. The foundation made just 5 grants in its most recent filing year, totaling $7M. One recipient, Supranational, received $5.6M of that (roughly 80% of lifetime giving). All five grants went to US-based entities in California, Wyoming, Delaware, and Massachusetts. The program advertises globally, but our data shows zero direct foreign grants. Funding is milestone-based, with initial review reportedly within one week. Realistic fit: developer teams already building on the Aleo network or in the zero-knowledge proof space. General-purpose nonprofits without a technical product won't clear the first screen.

What we know: Bailey made 173 grants in its latest year totaling $9.4M, with a median award of $25,000. The trust's giving skews toward higher education (100 grants), arts and culture (32), and youth development (26), with heavy geographic concentration in Florida (38% of all grants) and New York (23%). Top recipients include National Park Foundation, University of Florida Foundation, and Nicklaus Children's Health System. This particular program funds schools and orgs running structured teen tech competitions across robotics, AI, cybersecurity, and app development. Realistic fit: youth-serving nonprofits or schools with the capacity to organize a polished, outcome-driven STEM competition, especially those based in Florida or the Northeast.

If you don't build open-source tools or run youth tech competitions, this batch isn't your fight. NLnet is the broadest door here, but only for orgs producing work under open licenses. Bailey is the most accessible for traditional nonprofits, provided you can deliver a structured competition format.

#OpenSource #NonprofitTech #GrantFunding #STEMeducation #DigitalEquity