GitHub Sponsors

GitHub Sponsors is a program that allows you to financially support the developers and organizations who design, build, and maintain the open source projects you depend on.

What is GitHub Sponsors?

GitHub Sponsors provides a way for the community to support open source maintainers and projects through monthly or one-time payments. It helps create sustainable funding for open source development.

How GitHub Sponsors Works

For Sponsors

• Discover developers: Find maintainers of projects you use
• Choose sponsorship levels: Select from preset tiers or custom amounts
• Monthly or one-time: Flexible payment options
• Show support publicly: Optional public sponsorship display

For Sponsored Developers

• Set up sponsorship tiers: Create different levels with benefits
• Receive funding: Get financial support for your work
• Connect with sponsors: Build relationships with supporters
• Focus on development: Spend more time on open source projects

Setting Up GitHub Sponsors

1. Apply for the program: Submit an application to join GitHub Sponsors
2. Wait for approval: GitHub reviews applications
3. Set up your profile: Create a compelling sponsor profile
4. Create tiers: Define sponsorship levels and benefits
5. Promote your sponsorship: Share with your community

Sponsorship Tiers

Common Tier Examples

• $1/month: Coffee supporter - Show appreciation
• $5/month: Lunch supporter - Help with small expenses
• $25/month: Dinner supporter - Contribute to significant costs
• $100/month: Business supporter - Priority support
• $500/month: Enterprise supporter - Custom benefits

Benefits to Offer

• Access to private Discord/Slack channels
• Priority issue responses
• Monthly video calls
• Logo placement in README
• Early access to features
• Custom consulting time

Best Practices

For Sponsors

• Support projects you use: Sponsor maintainers of tools you rely on
• Be consistent: Regular monthly support is often more valuable than large one-time payments
• Engage with maintainers: Provide feedback and encouragement
• Share your sponsorship: Help promote the projects you support

For Sponsored Developers

• Be transparent: Share how sponsorship funds are used
• Deliver on promises: Provide the benefits you've committed to
• Communicate regularly: Keep sponsors updated on project progress
• Show appreciation: Thank sponsors publicly (with permission)

GitHub Sponsors Features

Payment Processing

• No fees for sponsors
• GitHub covers payment processing fees
• Direct deposit to bank accounts
• Tax documentation support

Integration

• Sponsor button on repositories
• Sponsor dashboard for managing relationships
• Integration with GitHub profile
• Analytics and insights

Alternatives to GitHub Sponsors

While GitHub Sponsors is popular, there are other platforms:

• Open Collective: Transparent funding for communities
• Patreon: Membership platform for creators
• Ko-fi: Simple donation platform
• Liberapay: Recurrent donations platform

Additional Resources