Cloudflare Opens Startup Credits to Non-Profits

Cloudflare has extended its startup support program to non-profit, civil society, and public interest organizations. Eligible groups can now apply to receive up to $250,000 in Cloudflare credits, which can be put toward developer services and core products, including databases, storage, compute, AI, media, and performance and security tools.

The move reflects a recognition that non-profits face many of the same constraints as startups: tight budgets, small teams, and the need to make every dollar count. According to a 2025 survey of non-profit leaders, reduced government funding and increased demand for services have made operations harder, while the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) reports that nearly half of surveyed organizations believe they spend too little on technology, with 77% citing budget limitations as the main barrier and only 14% receiving tech-specific grants.

Cloudflare notes that many non-profits it works with are diversifying funding and investing in new technologies, and that new non-profit startups are emerging to address gaps. The program is designed to help these groups build full-stack applications on Cloudflare's global network, removing the burden of infrastructure management and scaling.

Designed for Small Teams with Big Goals

Since the launch of its startup program during 2024's Birthday Week, Cloudflare has provided free credits to more than 4,000 startups. An additional 175 startups across 23 countries have joined the Workers Launchpad Program, which offers engineering support, training, introductions to venture capital partners, and Demo Day presentation opportunities.

Cloudflare argues that its developer platform is well-suited for mission-driven organizations that rely on small teams to make an outsized impact. By building directly on the network, developers can deploy globally without managing their own infrastructure, allowing them to focus on the product rather than operations.

One existing example is Kendraio, an independent non-profit that has built an open-source integration platform. Kendraio's tools feature customizable interfaces and no-code logic, enabling users to create workflows across applications. Its pilot projects include a knowledge graph for diplomats working on nuclear disarmament, a shared wholesale database for independent bookstores, and a dashboard that simplifies news subscriptions for readers and publishers.

Applying for the Program

The application window is open now through December 1, 2025. Cloudflare's Impact and Startup teams will review submissions based on the project description, requirements, and potential impact, and will select the first cohort of non-profit organizations to participate.

Organizations can qualify if they meet these criteria:

  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or equivalent
  • Provide a description of the tool they plan to build or scale with Cloudflare

The credits apply to usage-based services, including databases, storage, compute, AI, media, and security and performance products. Full application details are available at cloudflare.com/forstartups; applicants should select the non-profit checkbox when applying.