> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Google Sponsors $1 Million to Fund Secure Open Source Program by The Linux Foundation - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/google-sos-sponsor/ - Published: 2021-10-04T21:27:35.000Z - Updated: 2021-10-04T21:27:38.000Z - Author: Rishabh Moharir - Tags: Enterprise, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 Google’s love for open-source projects is definitely worth applauding. The California-based tech giant has recently announced its $1 sponsorship for the [Secure Open Source (SOS) pilot program](https://sos.dev/?ref=itsfoss.com) managed by the Linux Foundation. Not long ago, Google committed $100 million to support third-party foundations fixing security issues in open-source software. So, this sounds like another step in the right direction. ## Improving the Security of Open-Source Projects The SOS pilot program is a result of an increase in supply chain attacks and security issues in open-source projects that impacts users at large. The program aims to reward developers working on improving the security of such open-source projects. According to the Linux Foundation: > *SOS rewards a very broad range of improvements that proactively harden critical open source projects and supporting infrastructure against application and supply chain attacks*. It is worth noting that only certain open-source projects will be considered for the program. While it is tough to list critical open-source projects, the program will follow the [National Institute of Standards and Technology’s definition](https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2021/06/25/EO%20Critical%20FINAL%5F1.pdf?ref=itsfoss.com) in response to the recent [Executive Order on Cybersecurity](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/05/12/executive-order-on-improving-the-nations-cybersecurity/?ref=itsfoss.com) to decide if a project can be considered eligible. Overall, a developer will have to evaluate the significance and the impact of an open-source project before working on it to expect a reward. Specific types of security improvements have been officially listed to be eligible for the reward. Still, depending on the impact of the project and complexity, an unlisted improvement can qualify. ## Rewards for Minor Improvements to Critical Fixes No matter the complexity of your improvement, there are chances that a developer will get rewarded if it makes a significant difference. Reward amounts start from **$505** to **$10,000** or more “for complicated, high-impact, and lasting improvements”. ## Wrapping Up Google, together with the Linux Foundation, has stated that: > The SOS program is part of a broader effort to address a growing truth: the world relies on open source software, but widespread support and financial contributions are necessary to keep that software safe and secure. This $1 million investment is just the beginning—we envision the SOS pilot program as the starting point for future efforts that will hopefully bring together other large organizations and turn it into a sustainable, long-term initiative under the OpenSSF. If you’re interested, you may want to visit the [SOS program’s official site](https://sos.dev/?ref=itsfoss.com) to get all the details. For additional info, you can also refer to [Google’s official announcement](https://security.googleblog.com/2021/10/introducing-secure-open-source-pilot.html?ref=itsfoss.com). Once you’ve gone through all the specifics, you can fill out the form linked below to get started. [ Apply for SOS](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdm8YFKTKHxcYiAyCH8Q9t5mor6jrucYKTp0J9pI60F4zvaqQ/viewform?ref=itsfoss.com)