Deadline: Unspecified
FLOSS/fund is a global funding initiative created to support Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS/FOSS) projects that are critical to the global technology ecosystem. Launched in October 2024, the initiative addresses one of the biggest challenges facing open source development today — long-term financial sustainability.
By providing structured, recurring funding, FLOSS/fund enables developers and communities to continue building, maintaining, and improving software that millions rely on every day.
What Is FLOSS/fund?
FLOSS/fund is a dedicated programme established by Zerodha, a leading financial-technology company, with the sole aim of strengthening open source infrastructure globally. The fund supports projects of all sizes, from small but essential libraries to large, widely used platforms.
Unlike traditional grant programmes, FLOSS/fund is designed to be open, transparent, and low-friction, making it easier for maintainers to signal their funding needs.
Funding Scope and Annual Allocation
Each year, FLOSS/fund commits up to $1 million to support impactful open source projects worldwide.
Key Funding Highlights
- Annual funding pool: Up to $1 million
- Typical grant size: Between $10,000 and $100,000 per project
- Coverage: Global, across multiple technology domains
- Focus: Projects with proven impact, widespread adoption, and long-term relevance
In its first year (2025), FLOSS/fund successfully allocated the entire $1 million across a diverse range of open source initiatives.
Who Can Benefit from FLOSS/fund?
FLOSS/fund is open to a broad range of open source contributors and organisations, including:
- Individual maintainers
- Open source communities
- Developer collectives
- Non-profit organisations
- Foundations supporting open source software
Projects are selected based on impact, relevance, sustainability needs, and community value, rather than organisational size or commercial backing.
How the FLOSS/fund Selection Process Works
FLOSS/fund does not rely on a traditional grant application form. Instead, it uses an innovative, discovery-based approach.
The funding.json Model
Eligible projects publish a machine-readable funding.json file that outlines:
- Project details
- Funding needs
- Maintenance priorities
- Sustainability goals
These manifests are publicly accessible and indexed by FLOSS/fund, allowing the fund to periodically review and select projects for support. This approach reduces administrative burden and improves transparency across the open source funding ecosystem.
Types of Projects Supported
FLOSS/fund supports a wide range of open source software categories, including:
- Core internet infrastructure
- Security and cryptography libraries
- Developer tools and frameworks
- Mapping and geospatial software
- Creative and design software
- Multimedia and graphics platforms
Notable Supported Projects
Projects that have received funding include:
- OpenSSL – supporting critical internet security infrastructure
- Krita – improving Android support for digital artists
- Other widely used open source projects across infrastructure, media, and mapping domains
Why FLOSS/fund Matters
Open source software powers modern technology, yet many critical projects struggle with limited or inconsistent funding. FLOSS/fund directly addresses this gap by:
- Providing predictable financial support
- Encouraging long-term project sustainability
- Reducing reliance on ad-hoc donations
- Strengthening global digital infrastructure
By doing so, FLOSS/fund helps ensure that essential open source tools remain secure, maintained, and accessible to everyone.
Need Support With Your Application?
If you are considering seeking support through FLOSS/fund, professional assistance can significantly improve clarity, structure, and impact.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to ensure your project’s funding needs are clearly articulated and aligned with the programme’s expectations.
