The cloud native ecosystem runs on the contributions from many sources– including vendors, developers, academics, and importantly, end users. The real-world production experience of end-user organizations is essential for project evolution and growth.
If your organization is a CNCF End User and is contributing insights, code, case studies, demos, or feedback to the CNCF ecosystem, then this announcement is for you.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the CNCF End User Contributor Program; a zero-fees pathway for End Users to connect with our community, influence its technical direction, and earn public recognition.
Program Transition: Retiring the End User Supporter Program
With this launch, we’re retiring the End User Support Program – and we want to thank every organization that participated for their valuable support.
- For Existing End User Supporters: To ensure a smooth transition, existing End User Supporters can renew for one more year under the existing program as long as their renewal term commences on or before January 1, 2026. But we won’t be accepting any new Supporters going forward.
Your Two Pathways to End User Engagement
Going forward, End User organizations have two distinct, value-driven options for engagement. Both grant access to our End User community, but they differ in benefits:
| Pathway | Cost | Key Benefits |
| CNCF End User Contributor | $0 | Access and Recognition: 1. Access to End User-only events, programs, and discussion forums. 2. Eligibility to run for and serve on the End User Technical Advisory Board 3. Recognition as an End User Contributor Learn more at the End User Contributor page |
| CNCF End User Member | Fees based on membership tier | Premium Full-Spectrum Benefits: Everything End User Contributors receive, plus: 1. KubeCon tickets 2. Cloud Native training & certification coupons 3. Recruiting booth discounts 4. Voting rights, and more Learn more at the CNCF End User Community page |
The Future is Bright for Contributors
The End User Contributor Program is the free pathway to ensure your company remains connected to the heart of the CNCF End User community and its programs.
As a qualified End User Contributor, your organization gains access to specialized events, programs, and privileges, including:
- Exclusive access to End User programs: Participate in initiatives and programs tailored specifically for cloud native end users.
- Attend End User-only events at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon: Connect with peers, project leaders, and CNCF leadership in dedicated sessions and networking events
- Participate in End User groups: Engage in focused discussions, share challenges, and collaborate on solutions with other End Users.
- Eligibility for the End User Technical Advisory Board (TAB): Run for and participate in the End User TAB, directly influencing CNCF’s technical vision and project oversight from an end-user perspective.
- Access End User-only discussion forums: Join private forums for candid conversations and knowledge sharing.
- Influence project roadmaps: Provide direct feedback to CNCF projects based on your production experiences.
- Showcase your leadership: Gain recognition for your organization’s commitment and contributions to the cloud native ecosystem.
Who can join?
To qualify as an End User Contributor, your organization must be an End User and have made at least one significant contribution to the CNCF ecosystem within the last 18 months.
Qualifying contributions include:
- Publishing a Reference Architecture, Case Study or Journey Report through CNCF
- Contributing code, documentation, or feedback to CNCF projects
- Employing a maintainer of a CNCF project, a CNCF Ambassador, or active participant in any CNCF committee or community group
- Other significant contributions such as speaking at KubeCon or presenting via CNCF webinars
We’re not looking for participation, not perfection. If you’re actively helping build the cloud native ecosystem, you likely qualify.
How to apply
Are you ready to be recognized as a CNCF End User Contributor?
Learn more and apply at our End User Contributor Program page.
We look forward to welcoming your organization to the End User Contributor Program and continuing to build the future of cloud native technology together.