How to apply

Use this guide to prepare and submit a hosting application, and to learn how OSE reviews it.

Start here

1. Read the eligibility criteria, hosting fees and application questions.
2. Prepare your project details and at least one administrator. We recommend two.
3. Follow the application process below, then complete the supplementary form that OSE provides.

Next, OSE aims to give a first response within seven business days after it receives the completed supplementary form. This is a target for the response, not a deadline for acceptance. After acceptance, continue with your first steps.

Join Open Source Europe in just a few steps

Applying to be hosted by Open Source Europe (OSE) is simple and usually takes a few minutes. After OSE accepts you, you can receive contributions and manage your initiative in the open on the Open Collective platform.

---

Before You Apply

Check that your initiative meets these criteria:

• It aligns with OSE's mission and impact areas. Your activities should be charitable and aim to benefit the public.
• It has at least one administrator. One is enough, and two are recommended for shared management and continuity. OSE must know the administrators' real identities. A public pseudonym is allowed.
• For ordinary fiscal hosting, it has no legal entity of its own. An existing legal entity can instead discuss a Fund for a specific programme with OSE. This depends on OSE's review and agreement on the programme and on how the Fund will operate.
• It can be based anywhere in the world, not only in Europe.

Also read our Terms of Cooperation and Community Guidelines.

---

Application Process

1. Go to the Open Source Europe profile and click "Apply".
2. Choose your collective type:
   • If you are new to the Open Collective platform, select "Create New Collective".
   • If you already have a collective, choose it from the list.
3. Complete the application form. Give information about your initiative, including:
   • Location
   • Name and email address
   • Collective name
   • Website and/or social media links
   • Brief description of your collective's activities
   • Explanation of how your collective furthers OSE's mission impact areas
4. Add at least one administrator. Two are recommended for shared management and continuity.
5. Review your information, accept the terms of service and submit your application.

You can edit all this information later, so it does not need to be perfect.

---

After Submission

To complete the review, the team gives you a supplementary application form. Do not wait for an automatic email.

We aim to give a first response within seven business days of receiving your completed supplementary form. The review may take longer if we need more information. This does not guarantee acceptance, or that the review ends within seven days.

After acceptance, you can start to receive contributions. Welcome calls happen only occasionally and are not a standard onboarding step. Contributions can start without waiting for a call.

---

Transitioning from Another Fiscal Host

If you are moving from another fiscal host:

• If you use the Open Collective platform, the move is fairly simple.
• If you do not use the Open Collective platform, the process depends on what your current organization requires. Usually, they can transfer your funds to OSE, and you can start quickly.

Tell both OSE and your current fiscal host about your plans before you apply, so that the move goes smoothly.

---

Need Assistance?

If you have questions or need help with the application process, contact us.