Programs Intern - Grants and Maintainer Programs

Bharat Digital; India; On-site; INR 253,890 - 304,110; Full time

Job summary

Bharat Digital is seeking an intern to assist in operationalising a new program aimed at supporting FOSS maintainers in India. The role involves managing grant processes, conducting ecosystem research, and building a community. Candidates should have a passion for open source and documentation. Compensation is INR 25,000 monthly, with remote work allowed. This opportunity is valid through 5/30/2026.

Qualifications

• Broader understanding of the (digital) commons ecosystem.
• Organised and capable of following up effectively.
• Enjoy writing and can handle various documentation tasks.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and new programs.
• Know how to have fun with the tasks at hand.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end grants cycle, including acknowledgements and follow-ups.
• Research maintainers and organisations contributing to the Maintainer Programs.
• Help build a Maintainer Community and engage with its members.
• Coordinate logistics for community activities and events.

Skills

Grants Management

Ecosystem Research

Community Building

Professional Writing

Logistics Coordination

Stakeholder Communication

Application Triaging

Relationship Management

Resource Curation

Database Maintenance

Representational Skills

Open Source Experience

Research Background

Grantmaking Experience

Non-profit Operations

Job description

FOSS United Foundation is launching a new program to support Indian FOSS maintainers and creators on their journey from discovery to sustainability. We’re looking for an intern to help us operationalise this brand-new initiative. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll be working to support the people behind India’s digital commons ecosystem.

Responsibilities

1. Support FOSS United’s grants program:
   • Manage the end‑to‑end grants cycle – acknowledgements, disbursals, follow‑ups and check‑ins
   • Maintain trackers and draft relevant communication
   • Support the upcoming grants working group
   • Help process and triage inbound applications
   • Contribute to Maintainer Programs
2. Ecosystem Research:
   • Help discover maintainers and creators doing quality FOSS work in India
   • Research organisations that can contribute to the Maintainer Programs
   • Help build a Maintainer Pack – a collection of resources and perks for the Indian maintainer community
3. Community Building:
   • Help build and engage a Maintainer Community
   • Coordinate logistics for community calls and other activities
   • Identify maintainers who’d benefit from introductions, and make those connections
   • Represent the foundation and engage with maintainers at events

Requirements

1. You have a broader understanding of the (digital) commons ecosystem
2. You are organised and can follow up – maintainers can be very busy
3. You enjoy writing – there’ll be lots of it
4. You’re comfortable with ambiguity – this is a new program, and we’re still figuring things out
5. And most importantly, you know how to have fun with the tasks at hand
6. Bonus – Prior experience with open source, research, grantmaking and non‑profit operations

Skills & Technology

• Grants Management
• Ecosystem Research
• Community Building
• Professional Writing
• Logistics Coordination
• Stakeholder Communication
• Application Triaging
• Relationship Management
• Resource Curation
• Database Maintenance
• Representational Skills
• Open Source Experience
• Research Background
• Grantmaking Experience
• Non-profit Operations

Compensation & Dates

INR - 25,000 monthly

Valid through 5/30/2026

Location

Remote allowed