Free Software Foundation Inc logo

Award for Projects of Social Benefit

Free Software Foundation Inc

Foundation Annual

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Award for Projects of Social Benefit

Status: Active annual award program

Overview: The FSF presents this award annually to a free software project or team responsible for applying free software, or the ideas of the free software movement, to intentionally and significantly benefit society. This award stresses the use of free software in service to humanity.

Geographic Scope: International

Focus Areas:

  • Projects applying free software to benefit society

  • Projects implementing free software movement principles for social good

  • Community-driven free software projects with measurable social impact
  • Eligibility:

  • Only projects are eligible (not individuals)

  • Previous winners are not eligible for renomination

  • Projects must demonstrate intentional and significant societal benefit
  • Previous Winners:

  • 2008: Creative Commons

  • 2007: Groklaw

  • 2006: Sahana

  • 2005: Wikipedia

  • 2024: Winners announced (specific names available on fsf.org)
  • Award Presentation: Winners are recognized at an awards ceremony, typically held during the annual LibrePlanet conference in March.

    Contact: award-nominations@gnu.org

    How to Apply

    Nomination Process

    1. Submission Format:
    - Send nominations via email to award-nominations@gnu.org
    - Subject line: Name of the project

    2. Required Content:
    - Explanation of the work done (40 lines or less)
    - Description of why it is especially important to the advancement of software freedom or how it benefits society
    - Information about where to find the materials (software, manuals, writing, etc.) on which the nomination is based

    3. Eligibility Requirements:
    - Previous winners are not eligible
    - Only projects can be nominated (not individuals)
    - Renomination of previous nominees (who did not win) is encouraged

    4. Nomination Deadline:
    - Typically in October (e.g., October 31 for 2008 awards)
    - Check fsf.org/awards for current year deadline

    Ready to apply for Award for Projects of Social Benefit?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.