OpenStreetMap US Microgrants

OpenStreetMap US Microgrants is a funding initiative administered by OpenStreetMap US, a nonprofit organization that supports the growth, development, and sustainability of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) project within the United States. OpenStreetMap is a global, collaborative mapping platform that relies on volunteers and community contributors to create and maintain free, open geographic data. Through this microgrant program, OpenStreetMap US provides small-scale financial support directly to individuals and groups working to strengthen the mapping ecosystem, expand participation, and increase the visibility and utility of OSM across diverse communities. The primary purpose of the OpenStreetMap US Microgrants program is to empower members of the OSM US community by reducing financial barriers associated with organizing events, participating in professional opportunities, and delivering educational programming. The program is structured into three distinct funding classifications: Event, Travel, and Education. Event grants support local meetups, mapathons, and community gatherings that encourage collaboration and mapping activities. Travel grants assist individuals in attending or presenting at conferences and similar events where they promote and educate others about OpenStreetMap. Education grants focus on introducing new participants to open mapping, often in partnership with TeachOSM, and can support classroom activities, projects, or instructional materials. Funding under this program is provided as reimbursement for eligible expenses rather than upfront disbursement. Event grants offer up to 200 dollars for a single event or up to 500 dollars for a series of recurring events within a twelve-month period. Travel and Education grants each provide up to 500 dollars in reimbursable expenses. Allowable costs generally include event supplies, travel-related expenses, and educational materials, depending on the grant classification. The program does not specify a matching requirement, indicating that applicants are not required to contribute additional funds as a condition of receiving support. Eligibility for the microgrants is centered on membership within OpenStreetMap US. Applicants must be active members at the time of application and during the execution of funded activities. Specific requirements vary by grant type. Travel grants require the applicant to be an individual member, while Event grants submitted on behalf of a group require at least one member to meet individual membership criteria. Education grants allow eligibility through either individual membership or organizational membership by a participating institution. Additionally, all funded activities must take place within the United States, although virtual events may include international participants if they maintain a U.S. focus. The application process is designed to be accessible and flexible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with no fixed deadline. Applicants should plan ahead, as review and decision timelines may take up to three months. While specific application components are not detailed, applicants are expected to review the requirements associated with their selected grant category and submit proposals aligned with program goals. There is no indication of a formal pre-application stage such as a letter of intent. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined, but it can be inferred that applications are assessed based on their potential to strengthen the OpenStreetMap community, promote engagement, and expand mapping knowledge or participation. The program encourages multiple applications across different categories within a calendar year, provided that funding requests do not overlap for the same activity. This flexibility allows applicants to pursue multiple initiatives that contribute to the broader mission of OpenStreetMap US. There is no fixed award cycle due to the rolling nature of the program, and applicants are notified following the review process, which may extend up to three months. Interested applicants can direct questions or inquiries to the program administrators via email. The program continues to operate as an ongoing funding opportunity, supporting grassroots efforts that enhance the accessibility, quality, and reach of open geographic data in the United States.