Eligibility
Who Can Apply to Be Hosted by Open Source Europe?
Open Source Europe (OSE) welcomes initiatives from around the world that align with our mission and values. OSE supports open source projects and communities. Your application should explain how your activities contribute to open source. OSE can accept an initiative before it publishes its first code or other open resources. OSE first reviews the initiative and its commitments to openness.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for fiscal hosting by OSE, your initiative must:
- Align with OSE's mission and impact areas. Your activities should be charitable and aim to benefit the public.
- Be non-profit. Profits must not be distributed to members. For the types of contributions accepted through OSE, including the rules on membership benefits and other counterparty benefits, see Contributions FAQ.
- Have no separate legal entity, for ordinary fiscal hosting. Initiatives with their own legal status, such as registered NGOs, are not eligible for ordinary fiscal hosting. They can set up a Fund with OSE for a specific programme. OSE must first review and agree to the programme and how the Fund will operate. Contact OSE to discuss the arrangement. OSE does not accept it automatically.
- Have 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.
- Keep to appropriate content standards. Content that promotes violence, hate speech, pornography, or any other material considered inappropriate or offensive is not permitted.
Global Reach
OSE welcomes applications from around the world. The team assesses which hosting and payment arrangements are available for each application. A project's location alone does not guarantee that hosting or payments will be possible.
Not Required
OSE aims to lower barriers for initiatives with impact, so we do not require:
- Application fees
- A minimum budget balance
- A minimum annual fundraising amount
- A fixed duration of commitment
- Complex reporting requirements as a general condition of hosting. OSE recommends an annual update on your Collective page. Reporting requirements in a specific funding arrangement or agreement still apply.
Important Considerations
- OSE administers funds on behalf of your initiative under the hosting agreement. If you move to another host or close, contact OSE to agree how outstanding expenses and the remaining balance are handled under the applicable agreement and funding restrictions.
- OSE assesses possible compliance risks of initiatives. It checks that initiatives align with legal frameworks and avoid activities that could be linked to terrorism or extremism financing.
Ready to Apply?
If your initiative meets the criteria above, follow our How to Apply guide to start your application.
If you have questions, contact us.
Affiliation with another organisation
OSE does not accept fiscal hosting at the same time as another host. OSE may accept a technical or community affiliation with another organisation after review. Affiliation alone does not mean fiscal hosting.