Program · Grant
AI Grant
AI Grant is AI Grant's fellowship offering $5,000 to $50,000 for open source AI projects, supporting builders without equity requirements.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What AI Grant offers
What AI Grant is
AI Grant is a funding program for open source AI projects. Its current aigrant.org page describes USD 5,000-50,000 grants for open source projects, with no strings attached, delivered as either compute or cash. The program was established in 2017 by Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Grant
- Host organization
- AI Grant
- Last reviewed
- June 12, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Stipend
- $50,000
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Grant
Compensation and economics
Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 per project, available as cash or compute credits. No equity taken. No strings attached. Recipients gain visibility within the AI Grant community and access to the founders' networks.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
AI Grant aims to support the development of open source AI projects by providing funding without the typical strings attached to venture capital. The program focuses on empowering builders in the AI ecosystem to innovate freely and retain ownership of their work.
Eligibility
Open to anyone building open source AI projects. No formal credentials, institutional affiliation, or prior track record required. Projects should be open source and related to artificial intelligence.
Selection approach
Open to anyone building open source AI projects. No formal credentials, institutional affiliation, or prior track record required. Projects should be open source and related to artificial intelligence.
- Stages
- Pre-seed
- Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Regions
- Global
- Audience
- Builders · Founders · Researchers
- Geographic eligibility
- Global
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Engagement
- Async
Delivery model
The program operates remotely, allowing participants from around the globe to apply and receive funding.
Participation expectations
The program requires a part-time commitment from participants, allowing them to work on their projects while receiving funding.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Rolling
- Application materials
- Project Description · Demo · Open Source Repository
Published timeline
Varies (grant-based, no fixed program duration). Cohort cadence is rolling/periodic batches.
Value and support
What participation may provide
Publicly described support is context, not a guarantee of current delivery or future benefit.
What participants may receive
Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 per project, available as cash or compute credits. No equity taken. No strings attached. Recipients gain visibility within the AI Grant community and access to the founders' networks.
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
AI Grant has funded projects across the open source AI ecosystem, including widely-used infrastructure (llama-cpp-python, GGUF format), medical AI applications, and research tools. Many grantees have gone on to build companies or contribute foundational open source tools used across the AI industry.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
AI Grant is published in Upseed as a grant program hosted by AI Grant. Upseed treats the Program and its host Organization as separate records so each can have its own status and sources.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
June 12, 2026
Known limits
Terms, deadlines, and application states can change. Confirm current details at the published destination before acting. Upseed does not yet classify every Program destination as official.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official representative of this program or its host.