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Open Collective vs Tidelift
Open Collective and Tidelift are both open source funding platforms. Fees — Open Collective: Platform and fiscal host fees vary. Tidelift: Pays maintainers per package by usage.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- Fees — Open Collective: Platform and fiscal host fees vary. Tidelift: Pays maintainers per package by usage.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer. Only Open Collective offers PayPal.
- Tidelift screens providers before they can join, while Open Collective is open to anyone.
- Open Collective is the older platform — founded in 2015, 2 years before Tidelift (2017).
Which should you choose?
Choose Open Collective if…
- You want to withdraw via PayPal.
- 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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Open Collective
Transparent funding for open source projects and communities - collect sponsorships and donations, spend with…
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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 | Platform and fiscal host fees vary | Pays maintainers per package by usage |
| Withdraw via | Bank transfer, PayPal | Bank transfer |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2015 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | New York, United States | Boston, United States |
| Popularity | 44 views · 0 likes | 45 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Open Collective or Tidelift?
Open Collective: Platform and fiscal host fees vary. Tidelift: Pays maintainers per package by usage.
Where are Open Collective and Tidelift available?
Open Collective: Worldwide. Tidelift: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Open Collective or Tidelift?
Open Collective — anyone can sign up, while Tidelift screens providers before accepting them.