Python Software Foundation withdraws $2 million government grant application, blamed on 'DEI'

The Python Software Foundation, which applied for its first government grant as an organization, has announced that although it was recommended for the grant, it has withdrawn its application due to concerns about the conditions for receiving the grant.

Python Software Foundation News: The PSF has withdrawn a $1.5 million proposal to US government grant program

The Python Software Foundation submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation's 'Safety, Security, and Privacy in Open Source Ecosystems' program in January 2025 to address structural vulnerabilities in Python and PyPI .

The Python Software Foundation, which has a staff of 14 and an annual budget of approximately $5 million, received a grant of $1.5 million over two years. This was expected to be the largest grant the foundation has ever received.

'We were convinced that if the proposal were adopted, the benefits to the community would be immeasurable,' said the Python Software Foundation, which appointed resident security developer Seth Larson and deputy executive director Lauren Clary as principal investigators for the process.

Fewer than half (36%) of new grant applicants to the National Science Foundation are accepted on their first try, but the Python Software Foundation was able to get through this narrow gate and be recommended for a grant.

However, upon receiving the grant, the company was required to sign a statement stating that it 'will not, during the period of the grant, implement or continue to implement any DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs that violate federal anti-discrimination laws or that promote or foster unequal equity ideology.'

After careful consideration, the Python Software Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to its mission that 'DEI is core to the Python Software Foundation's values' and disagreed with the statement that 'we will not implement any programs to promote or foster DEI.' The Board of Directors unanimously decided to withdraw the application.

Regarding this decision, the Python Software Foundation stated that by forgoing grant opportunities, they are in a position where they need financial support more than ever. They thank their members and regular donors and ask for their help in spreading awareness of the Python Software Foundation's mission and activities.