We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Diversity Scholarship for IndiaFOSS 2025! Building on the success of past two years, we aim to continue fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for students, women, and underrepresented communities to participate in IndiaFOSS, who would otherwise not have the means to attend the event.
About the Diversity Scholarship:
The Diversity Scholarship is designed to promote inclusivity at IndiaFOSS by offering sponsorship for tickets, travel, and accommodation to those who might not otherwise have the means to attend. This initiative is open to both organizations and individuals who wish to support diversity within the FOSS community.
- Diversity Scholarships - IndiaFOSS
- Diversity Scholarships Report - IndiaFOSS 2024
- Diversity Scholarships Report - IndiaFOSS 3.0
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Instead of fixed monetary tiers for sponsors, we offer a single diversity tier where sponsors can decide the number of participants they can support based on their budget in multiples of 5000 INR. This allows for a more tailored and impactful contribution.
- We recognize that travel costs vary, especially for those coming from distant regions. Applicants can specify the amount they need to attend comfortably, and scholarships will be granted based on the funds raised. This ensures we support as many people as possible without geographic limitations.
- We will continue to reach out to organizations working with underrepresented communities. Open applications will also allow nominations of deserving individuals and organizations.
- We are committed to making the conference accessible to everyone. This includes providing necessary accommodations such as interpreters for attendees with hearing impairments, wheelchair access, and materials in multiple formats for those with visual or cognitive disabilities.
- We are committed to making the conference inclusive and safe by providing support for childcare, quiet zones, thus improving the experience of scholarship recipients as well.
- Volunteers will connect with scholarship recipients before the conference to guide them through the event, ensuring they feel welcomed and informed. Participation in this guidance program will be with the recipient’s consent.
Plans:
Last year, with the generous support of our community, we were able to support around 57 participants through this scholarship. This year, we hope to take that number even higher and enable more people to be part of the IndiaFOSS experience.
We are aiming to raise ₹ 7 L, which covers conference ticket, stay, and travel. With a buffer of ₹1L, we have a target total of ₹8L in case we want to extend support by providing conference tickets to additional people. This target amount is based on the previous year’s expenses for providing diversity scholarships.
Benefits for Donors:
- The Donors’ names and website link will be displayed on the IndiaFOSS website, showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to support:
Your support can make a significant impact. To sponsor participants for IndiaFOSS 2025 and help us promote diversity in the tech and free and open-source community, please visit our donation page.
Join us in making IndiaFOSS 2025 a more inclusive and diverse event. Your contribution can change lives by supporting the underrepresented communities and inspire future leaders in the tech community.
Applications for the Diversity Scholarship will open soon.