Git & GitHub - GitHub Sponsors

How to use GitHub Sponsors

GitHub Sponsors is a program that allows you to financially support open source developers and projects. This guide covers how to use GitHub Sponsors to support others and how to become a sponsored developer or project maintainer.

Becoming a Sponsor

Step 1: Find a Developer or Project

To become a sponsor, first find a developer or project you want to support. You can browse sponsored developers and projects on the GitHub Sponsors page.

Step 2: Choose a Sponsorship Tier

Click on the developer or project to view available sponsorship tiers. Each tier offers different benefits and has a different monthly cost. Select the tier that best matches your level of support.

Step 3: Set Up Payment

Once you have selected a sponsorship tier, set up your payment method. You can choose to pay with a credit card or PayPal. Follow the prompts to complete the payment setup.

Step 4: Confirm Sponsorship

Review your sponsorship details and confirm your sponsorship. You will be charged monthly based on the tier you selected. You can manage or cancel your sponsorship at any time from your GitHub Sponsors dashboard.

Becoming a Sponsored Developer or Project

Step 1: Apply for GitHub Sponsors

To become a sponsored developer or project, apply for GitHub Sponsors by following these steps:

• Go to the GitHub Sponsors page.
• Click "Get started" and follow the prompts to complete the application process.
• Provide information about your work, how you use the funds, and your sponsorship tiers.

Step 2: Set Up Sponsorship Tiers

After your application is approved, set up your sponsorship tiers. Offer different benefits at different levels to attract sponsors. Examples of benefits include early access to releases, exclusive content, and one-on-one sessions.

Step 3: Promote Your Sponsorship

Promote your GitHub Sponsors page to attract sponsors. Share the link on your social media, blog, and project READMEs. Engage with your community to let them know how their support helps your work.

Step 4: Manage Your Sponsors

Use the GitHub Sponsors dashboard to manage your sponsors. You can view your sponsorships, send updates to your sponsors, and manage sponsorship tiers.

Best Practices for Using GitHub Sponsors

To make the most of GitHub Sponsors, follow these best practices:

• Communicate Regularly: Keep your sponsors informed about your work and how their support is helping.
• Offer Value: Provide valuable benefits to your sponsors to encourage ongoing support.
• Engage with Your Community: Actively engage with your community to build a strong supporter base.
• Be Transparent: Be transparent about how you use the funds and the impact they have on your projects.

Summary

This guide covered how to use GitHub Sponsors to support open source developers and projects, including how to become a sponsor, apply for sponsorship, set up sponsorship tiers, and promote your sponsorship. GitHub Sponsors is a valuable program that helps sustain open source development by providing financial support to developers and maintainers.