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DSF 2026 Fundraising Goals

Posted by Jeff Triplett on June 10, 2026

Django has grown far beyond a web framework. It powers businesses, nonprofits, startups, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure around the world. The Django Software Foundation exists to support that ecosystem, and none of that work is possible without funding. This year, the board set an ambitious new fundraising goal, and I want to be transparent about what we are aiming for and why it matters.

Before talking about where we want to go, it's important to recognize that everything the DSF does today is possible because of the organizations and individuals who already support Django. Their contributions fund the work that keeps Django healthy, secure, and sustainable, and we are deeply grateful for that support.

Our 2026 Goal: $500,000

This year, we are raising our annual fundraising goal from $300,000 to $500,000.

That is a meaningful increase, and it reflects where the foundation needs to be. Our current monthly recurring donations are around $9,000 per month. To reach $500,000 annually, we need to grow that to approximately $15,000 per month.

Reaching this goal will require both new supporters and increased support from existing donors. Doing so will help us maintain the programs the community relies on while creating room for future growth.

What the Money Funds

Before asking for support, it is only fair to explain where the money goes.

The largest line item in our budget is the Django Fellows program. Our three Fellows dedicate their time to triaging tickets, reviewing pull requests, managing releases, handling security issues, and doing the essential work that keeps Django moving forward. Without sustained funding, we cannot maintain this program.

Beyond the Fellows, the DSF:

Manages the Django trademark and legal protections

Funds the infrastructure that keeps djangoproject.com and related services running

Provides grants to DjangoCon events around the world, including DjangoCon US, DjangoCon Europe, and DjangoCon Africa

Funds regional Django Days, sprints, and community events

Supports Django Girls events through grants

Invests in community programs like Djangonaut Space

Taken together, $500,000 in annual funding would allow us to sustain our three Fellows, maintain operational support for the DSF, create a clear path to hiring an Executive Director, and expand our ability to support the Django ecosystem at scale.

Hiring an Executive Director

For most of its history, the DSF has been powered almost entirely by volunteers, with board members handling fundraising, grants, trademarks, and operations on top of their day jobs. That commitment has carried the foundation a long way, but it also limits how much we can take on.

That is why we are working toward hiring an Executive Director this year. An Executive Director would give the foundation dedicated, day-to-day leadership: someone who can build lasting relationships with sponsors, grow our fundraising programs, strengthen support for our volunteers and working groups, and turn the board's long-term plans into steady progress.

We are optimistic about what this role would unlock. With dedicated operational support, the DSF could pursue larger partnerships, launch new programs, and respond more quickly to the community's needs. Reaching our fundraising goal is a key part of making that a reality.

Ways to Support Django

Sponsored Fellow: The Highest-Impact Way to Support Django

This year, the DSF is introducing a Sponsored Fellow corporate membership tier, a new way for organizations to make a direct, visible investment in Django's future.

As a Sponsored Fellow sponsor, your company directly funds one of the Django Fellows who keep the framework running every day. In return, you receive the highest level of recognition the DSF offers. Depending on the partnership, that can include your company's logo and information featured in Django release announcements, recognition through the Fellows' work at conferences and community events, advertising opportunities across DSF communications, and visibility across DSF publications and promotional materials throughout the year.

Django releases reach tens of thousands of developers. The Fellows represent Django at DjangoCon events around the world. If you want your company's name and logo in front of the global Django community, this is the most direct path to...