GitHub Accelerator
GitHub's open source sustainability program providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help open source maintainers build sustainable careers on GitHub.
Overview
GitHub Accelerator is a 10-week program designed to help open source maintainers build sustainable income streams and long-term careers around their projects. Selected participants receive a $20,000 USD stipend, access to GitHub staff mentors, and connections to enterprise sponsors and open source sustainability resources. The program focuses on helping maintainers understand their options for monetization (GitHub Sponsors, enterprise contracts, foundations, consulting) and creating a personalized sustainability plan. GitHub Accelerator represents GitHub's commitment to investing in the health of the open source ecosystem that powers modern software development.
What You Can Find Here
- $20,000 USD stipend for accepted program participants
- 10-week intensive program with GitHub staff mentorship
- Workshops on open source sustainability, community building, and monetization
- Connections to enterprise sponsors and GitHub Sponsors visibility
- Peer network of fellow open source maintainers in the cohort
- Resources for setting up GitHub Sponsors and recurring funding
Who Should Use This
- Active open source maintainers with a project that has demonstrated user adoption and community
- Developers who want to make open source maintenance their primary or significant secondary income
- Maintainers exploring GitHub Sponsors, enterprise support, or foundation models for sustainability
- Open source project leads at any stage seeking structured guidance on sustainability
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Watch for the annual GitHub Accelerator application window (typically opens in January/February)
- Step 2: Apply at accelerator.github.com with information about your project, community, and sustainability goals
- Step 3: Applications are reviewed on project impact, maintainer commitment, and sustainability potential
- Step 4: Selected participants join the 10-week program remotely
- Step 5: Use the program to develop a concrete sustainability plan and activate GitHub Sponsors and enterprise outreach
Things to Check Before Applying
- GitHub Accelerator cohorts are small (typically 20 participants) - highly selective
- The program runs annually - check accelerator.github.com for the current application status
- Participants must be able to commit meaningful time to the 10-week program
- Projects should already have a user base - early-stage projects with no users are unlikely to be selected
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does GitHub Accelerator provide?
$20,000 USD as a stipend to each accepted participant to support their time working on open source during the 10-week program.
How many people are selected for GitHub Accelerator?
Cohort sizes are small, typically around 20 maintainers per cohort. The program is highly selective.
Is GitHub Accelerator available internationally?
Yes. GitHub Accelerator is open to open source maintainers from any country.
What happens after GitHub Accelerator ends?
Participants graduate with a sustainability plan and a GitHub Sponsors profile. GitHub continues to support alumni and they join the broader GitHub Sponsors ecosystem.
Does GitHub Accelerator take equity in projects?
No. GitHub Accelerator does not take equity. It is a stipend program, not a venture investment.
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