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

August 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026

€5,000–€50,000 per first proposal; up to €150,000 per project; max €500,000 per entity over program; total fund €21.6M (2024–2027)

Supports open source and open access digital commons projects to advance a resilient, trustworthy, and open internet.

All project outputs must be open access or open source; open to individuals and organizations worldwide.

--- ## Description The NGI Zero Commons Fund, co-funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, provides grants to deliver, mature, and scale new internet commons. The fund targets projects in free and open source software and hardware, open standards, open data and AI, open science, creative commons, and educational resources. Its mission is to address gaps in the digital commons, promote collective action, and foster a resilient, trustworthy, and sustainably open internet. All funded projects must release their outcomes under open access or open source licenses, ensuring transparency, interoperability, and broad societal benefit. --- ## Due Dates - August 1, 2025: Full application deadline (12:00 Brussels time) - February 1, 2026: Next full application deadline (12:00 CET) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant for a first proposal: €5,000–€50,000 - Maximum per project: €150,000 (larger proposals must be preceded by successful smaller projects) - Maximum per entity (individual or organization) over program lifetime: €500,000 - Total fund: €21.6 million (2024–2027) - Project duration: 1–12 months (flexible) --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals, companies, NGOs, academic institutions, and other legal entities worldwide. - Proposals must align with the [NGI vision](https://nlnet.nl/NGI/vision) and have research and development as their primary objective. - All project outputs must be released under a recognized open source or open access license. - Projects must have a clear European dimension (see [FAQ](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/faq/)). - No restrictions on nationality or location, but projects should contribute to the objectives of the Next Generation Internet initiative. - Staff and entities directly involved in NGI0 Commons Fund management are excluded from applying. --- ## Application Process - Prepare and submit your proposal using the [online form](https://nlnet.nl/propose). - Review the [guide for applicants](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/guideforapplicants) before applying. - Proposals should be concise (main application up to two pages) and written in English. - Clearly describe the research/development objectives, expected outcomes, budget, and relevance to digital commons. - All proposals are evaluated in a two-stage process: - Stage 1: Eligibility and initial scoring (technical excellence, impact, value for money; must score above 5.0/7). - Stage 2: Strategic assessment and possible clarifications, with final selection by an independent review committee. - Successful applicants will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with NLnet. - Previous successful grantees can apply for additional funding for larger follow-up projects. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible activities include scientific research, open source software/hardware development, security audits, documentation, standardization, usability improvements, event participation, and more. - All outcomes must be published open access or under a recognized open/free license. - Projects may be subject to security audits, especially those over €50,000. - Grants are considered charitable gifts and may benefit from favorable tax conditions. - See the [FAQ](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/faq/) for more details. --- ## External Links - [NGI Zero Commons Fund main page](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/) - [Guide for Applicants](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/guideforapplicants) - [Eligibility information](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/eligibility/) - [FAQ](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/faq/) - [Apply for a Grant](https://nlnet.nl/propose) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity listing](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) - [NGI Vision](https://nlnet.nl/NGI/vision) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Method | Details | | -------------- | ------- | | Funder website | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | Program info | [NGI Zero Commons Fund](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/) | | Application form | [NLnet Proposal Submission](https://nlnet.nl/propose) | | General inquiries | [NLnet contact page](https://nlnet.nl/contact) | | Phone (EC) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

NGI Zero Commons Fund (2025-08Z)

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