- Executive Board discontinues the Community Projects Fund after review.
- Nearly 50 projects received EUR 1.6 million; 2024 grants unaffected.
What happened: CPF discontinued after review
On 10 April 2025, the RIPE NCC Executive Board decided to discontinue the Community Projects Fund at its 183rd meeting on 20–21 March. The Board paused the 2024 funding cycle to review the Fund’s processes and overall effectiveness. It found that continuing the Fund would require significant resources while the direct benefit to members remained unclear. The Board considered options, including a smaller‑scale restructuring, and shared cost estimates. After deliberation, it agreed to end the Fund entirely. The Fund was launched in 2016 to support projects for the Good of the Internet by boosting resilience and sustainability. Nearly 50 projects received funding totalling EUR 1.6 million over nine years. Grants awarded in 2024 will proceed as planned and will not be affected. Volunteers from the RIPE community served on the Fund’s Selection Committee and reviewed applications. RIPE NCC will now focus on other community support programmes and resource allocation. The Board will consult with the community on any future funding formats. Stakeholders can view the full announcement on the RIPE NCC website.
Why it’s important
Discontinuing the Community Projects Fund affects community‑driven projects and resource allocation. The Fund supported nearly 50 initiatives that improved Internet operations, resilience and sustainability. It distributed EUR 1.6 million since 2016 to community‑led efforts. Ending the Fund may redirect resources to core RIPE NCC services and member support. Community members will need new funding channels for Internet improvement projects. The decision sets a precedent for transparent reviews of community programmes. It may prompt other regional Internet registries to assess their own funding schemes. Clear communication of the discontinuation and future plans can maintain community trust. RIPE NCC’s shift reflects a strategic focus on efficiency and impact measurement. Stakeholders will watch for new initiatives and funding models from the RIPE NCC. The announcement underscores the importance of aligning community funds with member needs and ongoing evaluation of programme effectiveness.
