NLnet Open Internet Grant 2026
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Quick Answer
NLnet offers financial support for technical development projects that use open licenses and standards, with a focus on open internet technologies, with grants up to €50,000.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- NLnet Foundation
- Application deadline
- 8d — 3 Nov 2026
- Location
- International
About this grant
The NLnet Foundation provides financial grants to support projects focused on technical development, particularly those contributing to an open internet stack. Projects must ensure that software, hardware, and content are released under open licenses and adhere to open standards. NLnet manages several theme funds, each with specific requirements, but a general open call is also available. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals that demonstrate a strong European dimension for its EU-supported funds, usually requiring applicants to be primarily from Horizon Europe-eligible countries. They explicitly discourage AI-generated projects or proposals. The application process emphasizes brevity and clarity, focusing on the core ideas, technical challenges, ecosystem engagement, and the applicant's relevant experience. NLnet aims to foster digital autonomy and support the growth of free and open-source software and technology, encouraging innovative solutions for a more open and secure internet.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- The NLnet Foundation offers financial grants ranging from €5,000 (approx. ₹4.75 lakh) to €50,000 (approx. ₹47.5 lakh) for a first grant.
- This funding is primarily aimed at supporting technical development projects that contribute to an open internet and use open licenses and standards.
- Selected projects receive direct financial support to execute their proposals, enabling them to bring their innovative ideas to fruition and foster digital autonomy.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are rigorously evaluated based on the project's focus on technical development, strict adherence to open licenses and standards, and the clarity and originality of the proposal. The evaluation also considers the anticipated technical challenges, the project's ecosystem engagement, and the applicant's relevant experience and background. For EU-supported funds, a strong European dimension is a critical selection criterion. The selection committee, comprised of NLnet representatives and experts, reviews proposals, prioritizing those that align with NLnet's mission to boost digital autonomy and support the open internet. Proposals are expected to be self-contained, with any supplementary material being truly additional rather than essential for understanding the core proposal.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Proposal
Complete the online application form with project details, budget breakdown, technical challenges, and background information.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of projects does NLnet fund?
NLnet primarily funds projects focused on technical development. This includes software, hardware, and content that must be released under open licenses and apply open standards, contributing to an open internet stack.
What are the funding amounts?
For a first grant, you can request between €5,000 (approximately ₹4.75 lakh) and €50,000 (approximately ₹47.5 lakh).
Is there a geographical restriction for applicants?
For EU-supported funds, a strong European dimension is required, usually meaning applicants should be mostly from Horizon Europe-eligible countries. Otherwise, there isn't a strict geographical restriction for other funds, as it is an international program based in the Netherlands.
What are the requirements regarding licenses and standards?
All software, hardware, and content developed must be released under open licenses and apply open (preferably open) standards.
Can I use AI to write my proposal?
NLnet states they are not interested in AI-generated projects or proposals. If AI assistance is truly needed for writing, applicants must disclose the model used, what it was used for, and paste prompts/interactions/AI output in the application.
What types of entities can apply?
Applications are open to individuals, collectives (without legal entity), associations, foundations, NGOs, universities, institutes, public sector entities, cooperatively-owned companies, SMEs, and corporations.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
