Cesium Ecosystem Grants 2026

Cesium Ecosystem Grants are unrestricted financial gifts for work that advances the open 3D geospatial ecosystem. The current cycle opened on August 28, 2026 and closes on October 9, 2026. Awards are $5,000 to $50,000. Individuals cannot receive more than $15,000. Cesium describes the grants as non dilutive gifts. Payment is 50 percent at the start and 50 percent when agreed deliverables are met.

The program is open to early stage startups, educators, innovators, and students. Applicants should show that the project is open source, increases interoperability, or expands geospatial teaching. Topics include open source contributions to Cesium or related 3D geospatial projects, open standards and integrations, classroom curriculum, and public interest uses such as climate or impact reporting. Projects that are not built on Cesium can still apply if they help the wider 3D geospatial field.

Hard limits: applicants must be 18 or older, and United States sanctioned entities are not eligible. University grants are treated as gifts, not research grants with overhead. You keep the IP. If you already have an open Cesium grant, wait until it is finished before applying again. Do not send more than one application at a time.

Applications go through the Cesium Ecosystem Grant Application form. Cesium asks applicants to read the FAQs first and to include a timeline with deliverables. Review is by an internal committee. Selection looks at impact beyond the grantee, originality, a realistic plan, and a commitment to an open ecosystem.