FAQ
Do I need to be developing the specification or code to apply?
While we anticipate most applications will be for new technical development and documentation, we also encourage applications for community-building activities. Examples include community gardening and neutral advocacy for GraphQL adoption.
What work is expected?
Applications should describe work that can be completed in two to three months. Additionally, we'll ask you to write a blog post report after three months describing your work and its impact on the GraphQL community.
What amount of money is available per grant?
The grant amount offered will depend on our available funding and the number of approved grants per cycle. Individual grants are expected to be between $1,000 and $10,000 USD. When you apply you can select what size of grant you feel would be appropriate, but if approved you may be offered a different amount and it will be your choice whether to proceed.
When can I expect to receive a response about my application?
We will review applications at least twice per year; however, we endeavor to review applications as they come in and you will receive a response within 2 months of review.
How often can I apply?
You may only have one grant application open at a time, but otherwise as frequently as you like.
Who is eligible?
Any individual working in the GraphQL developer community who can legally receive a payment from a US-based organization, including meeting any local tax or legal requirements. Please note that this program is not work-for-hire, and this is not an employment arrangement.
Only individuals are eligible to receive funding.
Are there any restrictions on what I produce?
Yes. All outcomes from the grant must be for the benefit of the GraphQL community, meaning that code must be contributed to public repositories under an appropriate open source license (generally MIT). Published materials and documentation should be available to the public and not behind a paywall. We also expect every recipient to write a blog post summarizing the work they've done and how it benefits the community at large.
In summary, the GraphQL Community Grant Program is for the benefit of the GraphQL community. We want everything that is produced under this program to be usable by our community. Currently, we're primarily interested in work that directly improves the GraphQL Foundation projects.
Do I have to sign anything?
Yes, if your proposal is selected you will need to sign the GraphQL Grantee Agreement ([preview][agreement-preview]) in order to receive the funding. It is your responsibility to read and understand the contents of the agreement.
What currencies are grants awarded in?
All grants are awarded in United States Dollars (USD), so they should be requested in USD. The amount specified in the grant agreement is fixed in USD and will not be adjusted for currency changes, conversion rates, or any other exchange-related considerations. Recipients are responsible for any associated currency conversion or banking fees.
When are grant funds disbursed?
Grants are typically paid in full upon successful completion of the agreed work. However, in select cases, individuals with a proven history of substantial contributions to GraphQL Foundation projects may be eligible to receive a small portion of the grant amount as an advance. Any such advance is entirely at the discretion of the GraphQL Foundation and must be agreed upon in writing before the grant work starts. The remainder will be paid only upon successful completion of the agreed work.
How does the review process work?
After submission, the GraphQL TSC's appointed grants representative is notified and typically reviews the application within two working weeks. If the grant is clearly out of scope, it will be declined with an explanation. If more information is needed, it will be requested. Otherwise, the application proceeds to the full TSC for review, discussion, and voting.
The TSC aims to provide feedback within a further 2–3 working weeks, though this may take longer depending on schedules or difficulty. If it takes longer than 3 weeks, the applicant will be informed.
At the end of the review process, one of three outcomes is likely:
- The application is accepted, and next steps (contract, invoicing, etc.) are initiated.
- Changes are requested (e.g. revised scope or funding).
- The application is declined, typically with guidance for applying again.
Note: Timelines are best-effort and may shift due to holidays, travel, or other factors.