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Project Fundraising Guidelines

This page provides baseline guidance for CNCF projects that want to raise funds using Linux Foundation infrastructure.

Purpose​

Use this page to document the approved process for project fundraising, sponsorship outreach, and related communications.

CNCF Also Funds Core Project Support

CNCF already funds key project support in addition to project-specific fundraising efforts, including:

  • Security audits and code analysis support.
  • Three LFX Mentorship terms per year (Spring, Summer, Fall).

See Code Analysis & Audits and the Contributor FAQ for current mentoring cadence details.

Guidelines​

Maintainers that would like to raise funds for their projects should use LFX Crowdfunding. Maintainers should jointly decide how the money raised by their initiatives is spent and record those decisions in public project channels.

1. Choose the right fund type​

LFX Crowdfunding supports multiple fund types. Select the one that best matches your objective:

  • Project funding
  • General funds
  • Events

2. Define scope before launching​

Before creating an initiative, document:

  • The specific outcome you are funding.
  • A target amount and success criteria.
  • How funds will be allocated (for example: infrastructure, travel, and event costs).
  • Who will approve spending and who will publish updates.

3. Keep sponsor communications neutral and transparent​

  • Use project channels to announce and update initiatives.
  • Acknowledge sponsors consistently and transparently.
  • Follow CNCF vendor-neutrality expectations in all fundraising and sponsor messaging.

4. Publish updates during and after fundraising​

At minimum, share:

  • Progress against goal.
  • Material scope changes.
  • Spending summaries tied to the original outcomes.

LFX Crowdfunding emphasizes public visibility of donations and expenses; project updates should match that level of transparency.

According to Linux Foundation guidance, LFX Crowdfunding operates through the LF 501(c)(6) structure and provides fiscal hosting. Also note the LF statement that contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Always link prospective sponsors to official LF policy and platform terms.

Suggested Launch Checklist​

  • Confirm project maintainer agreement on campaign scope and spending priorities.
  • Create initiative page with clear goals and sponsor tiers.
  • Prepare announcement copy for project channels.
  • Identify who will post periodic updates.
  • Add links to initiative progress and final summary in your project docs.

References​