Fediverse Multimedia Grants 2026 by the Social Web Foundation
Grants of up to US$20,000 for developer and creator teams that start new audio, video or image publications on the Fediverse. Apply by 4 November 2026.
The Fediverse Multimedia Grants are a new program from the Social Web Foundation, run with money from the Interledger Foundation. The goal is more audio, video and image content on the Fediverse, the network of services that use ActivityPub.
Each grant is up to US$20,000. It goes to a team made of software developers and a publisher or creator. Together they start a new publication on the Fediverse. The foundation expects the team to work closely and give each other support and feedback.
The expected result has two parts: ActivityPub software that fits the needs of creators better, and new publications with a foothold on the Fediverse. The foundation wants developers to focus on what creators need, such as authoring, editing, organizing and publishing rich content.
Applications are only for developer and creator teams. A publisher who does not know Fediverse software, or a developer without a publisher to work with, can contact the foundation, which will try to make a match.
Applications go through the Fediverse Multimedia Grants round on the foundation's grants portal. The form asks about the software project, the new publication, how the team will work together, the schedule, the budget and the expected impact. Applications opened on 7 October 2026 and close on 4 November 2026. Decisions come on 18 November 2026, and projects start on 1 December 2026.
Quick answers
Can a creator apply without a software partner?
Not alone. Applications are only for developer and creator teams, but the foundation offers to help publishers and developers find a partner if they contact it.
Who pays for the grants?
The program is funded by the Interledger Foundation, a partner of the Social Web Foundation.
When do funded projects start?
Decisions are announced on 18 November 2026 and projects start on 1 December 2026.