We take care of the admin. You take care of the code
Open Source Europe (OSE) is a European nonprofit that offers open source projects a simple fiscal home : receive donations, manage expenses, and grow — without the burden of creating a legal entity.
// Our mission
We make open source sustainable without paperwork
Our mission is simple: provide open source projects with the legal and financial framework they need to operate like an organization — without becoming one. At OSE, we keep admin invisible and impact visible, so contributors focus on their tools, not their tax status.
The digital infrastructure that powers government services demands the same investment commitment as the roads and bridges that connect our communities.
Dries Buytaert
Founder of Drupal
// How to join us
Getting started with OSE is quick and simple
Create your collective
Create your collective on Open Collective with a ready legal and financial framework
Start receiving funds
Start receiving donations and grants from people, companies, or foundations.
Manage your funds
Manage expenses openly on our platform, with full compliance and trust
// Key benefits
What makes this possible
Radical transparency : every budget is public
Simple admin processes
A nonprofit structure compliant with EU law
Eligibility for both European and US-based funding.
// Supported project
Trusted by hundreds of open source projects across Europe
Hundreds of projects already trust OSE to manage their finances transparently. We support everything from small, single-maintainer libraries to large collaborative ecosystems — always without bureaucracy.
FM
"For open source projects, finances can be traumatic. Open Source Europe removes that pain, making expenses, fundraising, and transparency as easy as it could possibly be." - Dee, Fedi Monster
view project
Semantic MediaWiki
"For open source projects, finances can be traumatic. Open Source Europe removes that pain, making expenses, fundraising, and transparency as easy as it could possibly be." - Dee, Fedi Monster
view project
Project EdgeTX
ASince 2021, the RC model transmitter firmware project EdgeTX, has chosen OpenCollective to manage its funds. We appreciate the openness of public financial records and the ease of management that Open Collective offers to our open-source project.
view project
// apply project
Open to every open source project
OSE works with funders, companies, and individual donors who believe that open source deserves lasting support. Their contributions strengthen the ecosystem and help projects of all sizes thrive.
// become a funder
For funders
OSE offers a trusted, compliant channel for donations and grants in both the EU and the US. Thanks to ED certification, US foundations can give tax-deductible grants.
// Partners & sponsors
No ecosystem grows alone
OSE works with funders, companies, and individual donors who believe that open source deserves lasting support. Their contributions strengthen the ecosystem and help projects of all sizes thrive.
// faq
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to create a legal entity?
No. OSE provides the fiscal structure so you don’t have to.
Do you control my project?
No. Your project remains fully autonomous: your project, your rules.
How long does it take to get started?
Most projects are live within a week.
Who can apply?
Any open source project, regardless of size or maturity.
Do we lose independence?
No. Your project remains fully yours: your project, your rules.
Ready to host your project?
Apply on Open Collective in minutes. After you apply, OSE emails you a short form for the rest of your project details.