Alternatives to Tidelift

Tidelift is a platform that helps maintainers of open source projects get paid for maintaining their software packages. It provides a subscription-based model where organizations pay to get access to supported, secured, and maintained open source software. Tidelift ensures that the open source libraries are kept up to date and secure, helping organizations reduce risk and save time. However, some limitations include the cost of the subscription and the fact that not all open source projects are available on Tidelift.

1. Gitpay: Gitpay is a platform that allows organizations to financially support open source maintainers directly. It enables sponsors to provide monetary rewards to developers for their contributions, thereby incentivizing them to continue maintaining their projects. One key feature of Gitpay is its transparency, as sponsors can see exactly where their money is going. However, a limitation is that it relies on voluntary contributions, which may not always be consistent.
2. Open Collective: Open Collective is a platform that helps communities and projects raise funds and manage their finances transparently. It allows open source projects to receive funding from individuals and organizations, as well as report on how the money is being used. One key feature of Open Collective is its focus on financial transparency, ensuring that donors know how their money is being spent. However, a limitation is that it may require more effort to manage finances compared to Tidelift.
3. BackYourStack: BackYourStack is a tool that helps organizations understand their open source dependencies and provides recommendations for financially supporting the maintainers of those projects. It integrates with existing tools like GitHub and automatically scans code repositories to identify dependencies. One key feature of BackYourStack is its ability to suggest specific projects that organizations can support financially. However, a limitation is that it may not cover all open source dependencies, especially those that are less well-known.
4. BountySource: BountySource is a platform that allows individuals and organizations to place bounties on open issues or feature requests in open source projects. This incentivizes developers to work on those specific tasks in exchange for a monetary reward. One key feature of BountySource is its focus on individual tasks rather than ongoing support, allowing organizations to get specific features implemented. However, a limitation is that it may not provide long-term support for maintaining projects like Tidelift does.
5. Code Sponsor: Code Sponsor is a platform that connects open source projects with sponsors who can financially support them. It allows companies to display ads in the README files of open source projects, with the revenue generated going to the maintainers. One key feature of Code Sponsor is its focus on advertising as a way to fund open source projects, providing an alternative revenue stream. However, a limitation is that some developers may not want to include ads in their projects.
6. IssueHunt: IssueHunt is a platform that allows individuals and organizations to financially support open source projects by placing bounties on specific GitHub issues. Developers can work on those issues and claim the bounty upon completion. One key feature of IssueHunt is its focus on individual issues, making it easy for organizations to support specific features or bug fixes. However, a limitation is that it may not provide ongoing support for maintaining projects like Tidelift does.
7. Liberapay: Liberapay is a platform that enables individuals and organizations to set up recurring financial contributions to open source projects and creators. It allows for regular payments to be made to support the ongoing development of projects. One key feature of Liberapay is its focus on recurring payments, ensuring a consistent income stream for maintainers. However, a limitation is that it relies on voluntary contributions, which may not always be reliable.
8. GitHub Sponsors: GitHub Sponsors is a platform that allows individuals and organizations to financially support open source developers directly through GitHub. It enables sponsors to make monthly donations to developers whose work they appreciate. One key feature of GitHub Sponsors is its integration with GitHub, making it easy for developers and sponsors to connect. However, a limitation is that it requires developers to have a GitHub account and be part of the GitHub Sponsors program.
9. Patreon: Patreon is a platform that allows creators, including open source developers, to receive financial support from their fans or followers. It enables creators to offer exclusive content or rewards to patrons in exchange for their financial contributions. One key feature of Patreon is its focus on building a community around creators, fostering a sense of connection between creators and their supporters. However, a limitation is that it may not be as focused on supporting open source projects specifically.
10. Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee is a platform that enables creators, including open source developers, to receive one-time or recurring payments from their supporters. It allows creators to showcase their projects or work and receive financial contributions from people who appreciate their work. One key feature of Buy Me a Coffee is its simplicity, making it easy for supporters to make quick contributions to developers. However, a limitation is that it may not offer as many features as Tidelift for managing ongoing support and maintenance of projects.