Rust Foundation Fellowship

Financial and administrative support and recognition for volunteers actively contributing to the Rust community and those demonstrating the experience and potential to enhance the community.

Award Components

Fellowships span one year and include:

• Monthly Stipend: $1,000 USD per month for 12 months = $12,000 total
• Travel Allowance: Up to $2,000 for travel to relevant Rust-focused events
• Skills Development: Up to $2,000 towards training and skills development
• Total Value: Up to $14,000+ per Fellow

Eligibility

• Active contributors to the Rust community
• Those demonstrating experience and potential to enhance the community
• Volunteers willing to commit to a one-year program

Fellowship Structure

Fellows are not expected to meet specific milestones but will be asked to:

• Provide written updates periodically
• Meet with Rust Foundation staff members for progress updates

Focus Areas (2023)

Applicants could select either mentored or self-directed tracks:

Mentored Fellowships:

• Security Fellowship
• Crates.io Fellowship
• Infrastructure Fellowship
• Compiler Fellowship

Self-Directed Work:

• Self-directed work benefitting the Rust ecosystem

Supported By

• Rust Foundation Platinum Members: AWS, Google, Huawei
• Rust Foundation Silver Members: Tag1, Zama
• Additional supporters: Activision, CarGurus, Replit

Application Process

Application Period: Typically open for 2-3 weeks

Most Recent Round: 2023 Fellowship (Application deadline: June 30, 2023, midnight PDT)

Application Portal: https://rustfoundation.org/grants/fellowships/

What to Include in Application:

• Background and experience in Rust community
• Description of intended work or focus area
• Motivation for pursuing a Fellowship
• Preference for mentored vs. self-directed track (if applicable)
• How Fellowship support will benefit your work

Evaluation Criteria:

• Active contribution to Rust community
• Experience and potential to enhance the community
• Clarity and feasibility of proposed work
• Alignment with Rust Foundation priorities

Notes:

• Applicants can choose mentored or self-directed work
• Mentored tracks provide expert support from active Rust Project contributors
• Self-directed track allows freedom in directing own work on the Project
• Previous Community Grantee Spotlight Series available with grantee stories

For more information: rustfoundation.org/grants/fellowships/