Apply now: Advancing Next Generation and Fediversity Technologies

The NLnet Foundation invites proposals for high-impact projects that deliver breakthrough contributions to the open internet under the Next Generation Internet (NGI) framework, with a focus on Fediversity themes.

Funding supports technically excellent, strategically aligned, and cost-effective projects that publish results openly and release all software and hardware under fully open source licenses.

Overview

The NLnet Foundation is currently accepting applications for projects that strengthen the open internet through open access science and fully open source technologies.

This funding opportunity operates within the Next Generation Internet (NGI) framework and aligns with Fediversity themes, prioritising decentralisation, interoperability, resilience, and user empowerment.

The programme supports iterative, high-quality work through recurring funding rounds, enabling sustainable progress rather than one-off, high-risk investments.

Core Objectives

This call aims to support projects that:

• Deliver breakthrough contributions to the open internet

• Demonstrate strong technical merit and feasibility

• Align strategically with Next Generation Internet (NGI) goals and Fediversity themes

• Provide clear value for money

• Publish all scientific outcomes via open access

• Release all software and hardware under recognised open source licenses, in full

• Strengthen openness, transparency, and long-term sustainability of internet infrastructure

Strategic Focus: NGI and Fediversity

What Is NGI?

The Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative promotes an internet that is:

• Open and decentralised

• Secure and privacy-respecting

• Interoperable and resilient

• Designed for users, not platforms

What Is Fediversity?

Fediversity focuses on:

• Federated and decentralised internet architectures

• Interoperable services and protocols

• Reducing single points of control

• Empowering communities and users through open standards

Projects should clearly explain how their work advances these principles.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

• Individual researchers or developers

• Informal teams and open source communities

• Non-profit organisations

• Companies and research institutions

All applicants must commit to full openness, including open access publication and open source licensing of all deliverables.

Funding Amount and Structure

Grant Size

• Maximum request per project: €50,000

• Final funding amount is determined by NLnet based on:

  • Projected costs

  • Estimated value and impact of the work

Grant Adjustment and Agreement

• NLnet may adjust budgets to:

  • Exclude ineligible costs

  • Include additional activities recommended during review

• The final grant amount is formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NLnet and the grantee

Iterative Funding Model

The programme operates through a rapid succession of funding rounds, allowing:

• Progressive development of ideas

• Risk reduction through smaller, focused grants

• Continuous improvement and scaling

Teams that successfully complete a funded project may apply again if:

• The new proposal delivers additional, clearly justified value

• All prior deliverables are publicly available

• The proposal meets the same evaluation criteria as other submissions

Eligible Activities

All supported activities must be cost-effective and directly linked to project objectives.

Supported Work Includes

• Scientific and technical research

• Design and development of free and open source software

• Design and development of open hardware

• Validation and constructive inquiry into technical solutions

• Software engineering to:

  • Expand adoption

  • Improve quality and maintainability

• Security audits and formal security proofs

• Documentation and educational materials

• Standardisation and interoperability activities

• Usability research and inclusive design

• Measures that improve deployability and real-world adoption

• Participation in relevant technical and community events

• Robust project coordination and management

• Essential infrastructure costs required to achieve project goals

How Projects Are Evaluated

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are assessed based on:

• Technical excellence and soundness

• Strategic relevance to NGI and Fediversity

• Expected contribution to the open internet ecosystem

• Value for money and cost transparency

• Commitment to openness, accessibility, and open licensing

Selection Outcome

• Proposals are ranked competitively

• Only projects that meaningfully strengthen the open internet are funded

Why This Funding Matters

This NLnet funding call is important because it:

• Supports public digital infrastructure rather than proprietary platforms

• Enables open, auditable, and reusable technologies

• Encourages decentralisation and interoperability

• Strengthens internet security and resilience

• Empowers communities and independent developers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing partially closed or proprietary solutions

• Weak alignment with NGI or Fediversity principles

• Poor justification of costs or outcomes

• Insufficient attention to security, usability, or deployability

• Failing to commit to full open access and open source release

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this NLnet funding call?

To support open, high-quality projects that deliver meaningful contributions to the open internet under NGI and Fediversity.

2. How much funding can a project request?

Up to €50,000 per project, subject to review and adjustment.

3. Can teams apply more than once?

Yes. Teams may reapply after completing previous projects, provided the new proposal adds clear value.

4. Are commercial organisations allowed to apply?

Yes, as long as all outputs are fully open source and openly published.

5. What licenses are required for deliverables?

All software and hardware must be released under recognised open source licenses, in their entirety.

6. Are security and usability required components?

While not mandatory for all projects, strong attention to security, quality, and usability is highly encouraged.

7. How is the final grant amount decided?

NLnet determines the final amount based on projected costs, value, and reviewer recommendations, formalised in an MoU.

Conclusion

The NLnet Foundation’s open internet funding call offers a flexible, transparent, and impact-driven opportunity for innovators working on decentralised, open, and user-centric technologies.

By combining technical excellence, strategic alignment with NGI and Fediversity, and a commitment to openness, the programme plays a vital role in shaping a resilient and inclusive future for the internet.