Introducing Money Mondays: Continuing Our Momentum in Funding OWASP Projects

[DonnieBLT]

Hello, OWASP community!

As we continuously strive to adapt and enhance our initiatives to better serve our community and its needs, we are excited to announce a significant update to one of our key funding programs. Effective immediately, our "Funding Fridays" sessions are being renamed to "Money Mondays." This change reflects our commitment to keep the momentum going, albeit with a new schedule that we hope will be more accommodating to staff members.

Why Money Mondays?

Money Mondays will replace the Funding Fridays initiative but retain the same successful format—a quick, 15-minute Slack huddle that brings our community together to discuss and dive into funding opportunities that propel our projects forward. Since its inception, this initiative has:

1. Identified Numerous Grant Opportunities: We've uncovered a wealth of funding sources that can directly benefit OWASP projects.

2. Shared Timely Funding News and Opportunities: Our community has benefited from real-time updates that have opened doors to new possibilities.

3. Enhanced Transparency in Project Funding: By openly discussing funding mechanisms, we've built a clearer understanding among our members about where and how projects are supported.

4. Strengthened Our Team: The initiative’s success led to the hiring of a dedicated Grants Manager, further professionalizing our approach.

5. Elevated Our Impact: Notably, we have submitted a proposal to the White House Memory Safe Language Initiative, marking a significant step forward in influencing global security practices.

Getting Involved with Money Mondays

Joining Money Mondays is simple! Here’s how you can get involved:

• Sign Up: Join the #funding channel on our Slack.
• Schedule: Add Money Mondays to your calendar and join us via Slack Huddle at 1PM EST every Monday for a 15-minute session.
• Prepare: Bring details of your projects, any questions you have, or your experiences to share.
• Participate: Engage in discussions, ask questions, offer advice, and collaborate with fellow OWASP members.

Looking Forward

We are enthusiastic about the potential that Money Mondays hold for both continuing and new projects at OWASP. This initiative is not just about securing funding; it's about fostering a supportive, innovative community within OWASP. As always, the success of this program depends on your active participation. We encourage you to get involved, share this initiative within your network, and join us in our mission to make the internet a safer place.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Money Mondays session. Let's kickstart the week with powerful collaboration and continue to drive our projects to new heights!

Warm regards,

Donnie Brown

Volunteer Grant Coordinator at OWASP