[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

August 1, 2025 (12:00 Brussels time)

€19,400,000 total available | Project duration: 1–12 months (flexible)

Supports R&D and scaling of open digital commons—software, hardware, data, and standards—to build a resilient, trustworthy, and open internet.

All outcomes must be open access; software/hardware must use recognized open source licenses.

--- ## Description The NGI Zero Commons Fund, co-funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, aims to foster the creation, maturation, and growth of digital commons across the technology spectrum. The fund supports projects that contribute to a resilient, trustworthy, and sustainably open internet, including open source software and hardware, open data, standards, AI, and educational resources. The initiative seeks to address critical gaps in the digital ecosystem through collective action and public investment, promoting interoperability, security, and sustainability. Projects should align with the Next Generation Internet (NGI) vision and deliver breakthrough contributions that empower individuals, foster fair and innovative economies, and enable permissionless innovation. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: August 1, 2025 (12:00 Brussels time) - Opening date for submissions: May 31, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: €19,400,000 - Project duration: 1–12 months (flexible) - Cascade funding model (grants distributed to third parties) --- ## Eligibility - Open to private individuals and organizations of any type worldwide. - Proposals must have research and development as their primary objective and a clear European dimension. - All scientific outcomes must be published as open access. - All software and hardware outputs must be released under a recognized free and open source license. --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via [NLnet proposal portal](https://nlnet.nl/propose). - Review the [guide for applicants](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/guideforapplicants) before preparing your submission. - Main application should not exceed two pages. - Evaluation criteria: - Technical merit - Strategic relevance to the Next Generation Internet - Overall value for money - Projects are scored on a 7-point scale; a total weighted score above 5.0 is required for selection. ### Eligible Activities - Scientific research - Design and development of open source software/hardware - Validation and constructive inquiry into technical solutions - Software engineering and quality improvements - Security audits and formal proofs - Documentation and educational materials - Standardization activities (including membership fees) - Usability and inclusive design - Packaging and deployment support - Participation in technical/community events (travel, fees) - Project management and essential infrastructure costs --- ## Additional Information - Project results must always be available under a free or open source license. - The fund emphasizes a holistic, full-stack approach to digital commons. - Proposals should demonstrate a clear link to digital commons and the NGI0 Commons Fund objectives. - For examples of previously funded efforts, see [other NGI Zero programmes](https://nlnet.nl/thema/NGIZeroCore.html). --- ## External Links - [Official call and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/10462?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Guide for applicants](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/guideforapplicants) - [Submission form](https://nlnet.nl/propose) - [NGI vision](https://nlnet.nl/NGI/vision) - [NGI0 Commons Fund website](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder home page | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

NGI Zero Commons Fund (2025-08Z)

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