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

July 31, 2025 (Opens) | October 1, 2025 (Deadline, 12:00 Brussels time)

€15,000,000 total available; typical project duration 1–12 months; cascade funding model.

Supports open-source projects to create and scale digital commons for a resilient, trustworthy, and open internet.

All outputs must be open access and/or released under recognized free/open source licenses.

--- ## Description The NGI Zero Commons Fund, under the European Commission's Horizon Europe program, aims to create, mature, and grow the digital commons that underpin a resilient, open, and trustworthy internet. The fund supports projects across the entire technology stack—including software, hardware, standards, data, AI, science, and educational resources—with a strong emphasis on open-source and open-access outputs. The initiative seeks to address critical gaps in digital infrastructure, promote collective action, and foster disruptive innovations as well as the evolution of existing technologies. Projects are expected to contribute to digital sovereignty, interoperability, and societal benefit, aligning with the Next Generation Internet (NGI) vision. --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: July 31, 2025 - Submission deadline: October 1, 2025, 12:00 (Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: €15,000,000 - Project duration: 1–12 months (flexible) - Cascade funding model (multiple projects funded; typical individual award size is not specified but projects are expected to be cost-effective and of limited duration) --- ## Eligibility - Open to private individuals and organizations of any type (including academia, SMEs, non-profits, and public sector). - Projects must align with the NGI vision and prioritize research and development. - Proposals must have a clear European dimension. - All scientific outcomes must be published open access; all software and hardware must use recognized free/open source licenses. - Activities eligible for support include: - Scientific research - Open source software/hardware development - Validation or inquiry into technical solutions - Software engineering (adaptation, quality improvement) - Security audits and testing - Documentation and educational materials - Standardization activities - Usability and inclusive design - Deployment support and packaging - Participation in technical/developer events - Project management and essential infrastructure costs --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted through [NLnet's proposal portal](https://nlnet.nl/propose). - Review the [guide for applicants](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/guideforapplicants) before starting your application. - Main application should not exceed two pages. - Projects are evaluated on: - Technical merit - Strategic relevance to the Next Generation Internet - Overall value for money - Scoring is on a 7-point scale; a weighted score above 5.0 is required for selection. - Proposals must demonstrate a clear link to digital commons and NGI0 Commons Fund objectives. --- ## Additional Information - All funded outputs must be open access or under recognized open source licenses. - Projects must have a European dimension but are open to applicants worldwide. - Results are to be made publicly available to maximize reuse and societal benefit. - See [NLnet’s Commons Fund page](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund) for detailed call text and examples of previously funded projects. --- ## External Links - [NGI Zero Commons Fund – EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11089?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [NLnet Commons Fund official site](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund) - [Guide for Applicants](https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/guideforapplicants) - [NGI Vision](https://nlnet.nl/NGI/vision) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | European Commission | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | General Inquiries | +32 2 299 11 11 | | NLnet (Fund Manager) | [NLnet Contact Page](https://nlnet.nl/contact/) |

NGI Zero Commons Fund (2025-10Z)

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