GitHub has announced the opening of applications for its Secure Open Source Fund, an initiative aimed at improving the security and sustainability of open source projects. With an initial investment of $1.25 million to support 125 projects, this initiative is designed to provide financial, educational, and technical support to the developers maintaining the most significant open source projects in today’s ecosystem.
An investment in open source security
The Secure Open Source Fund is backed by major organizations such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, American Express, Microsoft, Shopify, and Stripe, among others. The program not only offers direct funding but also security training, specialized tools like GitHub Copilot, mentorship, and access to a community focused on software security.
According to Martin Woodward, GitHub’s Vice President of Developer Relations, this initiative aims to address the security challenges faced by open source projects, especially those that lack the necessary resources to prioritize cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in today’s era….
“We know security is critical, but for many open source project maintainers, it’s difficult to dedicate time and resources to this task while managing other responsibilities. This fund seeks to change that dynamic,” said Woodward.
Program details and benefits for participants
The program is open to all open source project maintainers with a valid license and located in regions compatible with GitHub Sponsors. Selected participants will receive:
- Funding: Up to $10,000 per project, depending on agreed-upon milestones.
- Education: An intensive three-week program with workshops, group sessions, and personalized mentorship.
- Technical support: Consultations with the GitHub Security Lab team to establish effective security policies.
- Access to tools: Training on products like GitHub Copilot, secret scanning, and other advanced solutions.
- Project health reports: Biannual reviews to assess progress and security of the projects.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with other developers, interact with security experts, and receive ongoing support as part of the program’s alumni community.
The importance of security in open source
Open source is an essential part of the global tech ecosystem, but it often lacks the necessary resources to implement robust security practices. According to a recent study by GitHub in collaboration with the Linux Foundation and Harvard University, organizations invest an annual $7.7 billion in open source, but only a small fraction is allocated for security audits.
The lack of resources has led many projects to face significant security risks. With the Secure Open Source Fund, GitHub aims to address this gap, providing maintainers not only funding but also the tools and knowledge needed to strengthen the security of their projects.
A step towards the future of open source
Hilary Carter, Senior Vice President of Research at the Linux Foundation, emphasized that this initiative is a natural extension of efforts made by communities like OpenSSF to enhance the sustainability and security of open source.
“Open source is driven by the people who maintain it. This fund represents a significant step toward creating a more secure and resilient ecosystem,” Carter stated.
GitHub plans to continue monitoring the impact of these investments and share lessons learned. With initiatives like the Secure Open Source Fund, the company hopes to inspire a culture of proactive security, enabling developers and organizations to work together in building a stronger and more sustainable open source ecosystem.
Applications are open until January 7, 2025, and GitHub invites all interested parties to join this mission to secure the future of open source.
Source: GitHub