OpenStreetMap US Microgrants

The OpenStreetMap US Microgrants program is designed to strengthen the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community within the United States by providing small, targeted reimbursements to OSM US members who are actively contributing to the map’s development and outreach. Administered by OpenStreetMap US, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the OSM ecosystem in the United States, this initiative seeks to empower individuals and groups to organize educational, travel, and event-based activities that raise awareness of and engagement with the OSM platform. The microgrants are structured into three categories: Event, Travel, and Education. Event Grants support meetups, mapathons, and other community-focused gatherings, with funding up to $200 for single events or up to $500 for recurring events over a 12-month period. Travel Grants reimburse up to $500 in expenses for members who attend conferences or networking events to promote and educate others about OSM. Education Grants provide up to $500 for collaborative projects between educational institutions that use OSM in a teaching context and involve collaboration with TeachOSM. Eligibility is open to active members of OpenStreetMap US. Applicants for Travel Grants must be individual members. For Event Grants, at least one member of the organizing group must hold an individual membership. For Education Grants, eligibility can be met by either an individual member (such as an educator or organizer) or through an institutional membership held by one of the participating organizations. Activities must occur in the United States, although virtual events with a U.S. focus may include international participants. Applications are reviewed in three annual cycles: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each cycle has a clearly defined opening and closing window: Spring (April 2 – May 5), Summer (July 7 – August 4), and Fall (October 6 – November 3), with grantee notifications occurring approximately one month after the deadline. Applications must be submitted during these windows and must clearly articulate the purpose and scope of the proposed activity. All applicants are encouraged to review the specific requirements and guidance listed under each grant category before submitting an application. While no matching funds are required, applicants must ensure they meet the membership criteria and adhere to the geographic and programmatic constraints of the grant. Questions may be directed to the program’s email contact at [email protected]. This grant program is recurring annually with three distinct cycles per year, and the next expected application cycle opens in Spring 2026.