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GitHub Sponsors vs Tidelift
GitHub Sponsors and Tidelift are both open source funding platforms. Fees — GitHub Sponsors: No platform fee on personal sponsorships. Tidelift: Pays maintainers per package by usage.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- Fees — GitHub Sponsors: No platform fee on personal sponsorships. Tidelift: Pays maintainers per package by usage.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer.
- Tidelift screens providers before they can join, while GitHub Sponsors is open to anyone.
- Tidelift is the older platform — founded in 2017, 2 years before GitHub Sponsors (2019).
Which should you choose?
Choose GitHub Sponsors if…
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
Choose Tidelift if…
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
Side by side
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GitHub Sponsors
Sponsorship directly inside GitHub - developers and organizations fund your open source work monthly or one-ti…
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Tidelift
Pays open source maintainers (as lifters) for keeping packages secure and well-maintained, funded by enterpris…
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Open source funding like GitHub Sponsors | Open source funding like GitHub Sponsors |
| Category | Development & IT | Development & IT |
| Vetted | No | Yes |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | No platform fee on personal sponsorships | Pays maintainers per package by usage |
| Withdraw via | Bank transfer (Stripe) | Bank transfer |
| Availability | 100+ countries | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2019 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, United States | Boston, United States |
| Popularity | 54 views · 0 likes | 45 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, GitHub Sponsors or Tidelift?
GitHub Sponsors: No platform fee on personal sponsorships. Tidelift: Pays maintainers per package by usage.
Where are GitHub Sponsors and Tidelift available?
GitHub Sponsors: 100+ countries. Tidelift: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, GitHub Sponsors or Tidelift?
GitHub Sponsors — anyone can sign up, while Tidelift screens providers before accepting them.