NGI Zero Commons Fund (2026-04Z)

Projects can be submitted through https://NLnet.nl/propose, please check this page as well as the guide for applicants before you start writing a proposal - this might save you a lot of work.

Anyone can apply, including private individuals and organisations of any type. Project proposals should be in line with the NGI vision and should have research and development as their primary objective. Proposals should be complete and concise (no longer than the equivalent of two pages for the main application, see the submission form). Proposals should have a clear European dimension.

Projects are scored on a 7 point scale on three criteria: technical merit, strategic relevance to the Next Generation Internet and overall value for money. The key objective is to deliver potential break-through contributions to the open internet. Projects will need a total weighted score above 5.0 (out of 7) in order to be selected.

The following types of activities qualify for financial support, provided they are cost effective and have a clear link to the topics directly relevant to digital commons and the objectives set out in the NGI0 Commons Fund call:

1. scientific research
2. design and development of open source software and open hardware
3. validation or constructive inquiry into existing or novel technical solutions
4. software engineering aimed at adapting to new usage areas or improving software quality
5. formal security proofs, security audits, setup and design of software testing and continuous integration
6. documentation for researchers, developers and end users, including educational materials
7. standardisation activities, including membership fees of standards bodies
8. understanding user requirements and improving usability/inclusive design
9. necessary measures in support of (broad)er deployability, e.g. packaging
10. participation in technical, developer and community events like hackathons, IETF, W3C, RIPE meetings, FOSDEM, etc. (admission fee, travel and subsistence costs)
11. other activities that are relevant to adhering to robust software development and deployment practices
12. project management
13. out-of-pocket costs for infrastructure essential to achieving the above

All scientific outcomes must be published as open access, and any software and hardware must be published under a recognised free and open source license in its entirety.

A more complete overview of the call text and proposal guidelines can be found on the official project web site: https://NLnet.nl/commonsfund