Join the CNCF End User Contributor Program

CNCF invites active end users of cloud native technologies to join our End User Contributor Program. This program recognizes End Users of CNCF projects who have actively contributed to our ecosystem.

End User Contributors gain access to specialized CNCF events, programs, and privileges offered exclusively to End User Members & End User Contributors. These programs empower End Users to learn from and connect with each other, provide feedback to CNCF projects, and help shape the CNCF ecosystem. More specifically, joining the CNCF End User Contributor Program unlocks the following advantages and opportunities:

Exclusive Access to End User Programs: Participate in initiatives and programs tailored specifically for the needs and interests of cloud native end users.
Attend End User-Only Events at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon: Connect with peers, project leaders, and CNCF leadership in dedicated, high-value sessions and networking events during KubeCon.
Participate in End User Groups: Engage in focused discussions, share challenges, and collaborate on solutions within 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 with other End Users.
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.

Eligibility: Who Can Join as an End User Contributor?

To join the End User Contributor Program, your organization must have made at least one of the following contributions within the last 18 months:

Qualify as an End User organization: Your organization must qualify as an End User (see End User definition).
Active Contribution: Your organization (including its employees) must have made at least one significant contribution to the CNCF ecosystem within the last 18 months. Any of the following types of contributions would qualify:
- Contributed to a Cloud Native Reference Architecture
- Published a Case Study or Journey Report through CNCF
- Made contributions to CNCF projects (which could be in the form of contributions to code or documentation, participating in an adopter interview for a project, or providing meaningful feedback to a project).
- Employing an individual who serves as a maintainer of a CNCF project, a CNCF Ambassador, or active participant in any CNCF committee, working group, or governance body (e.g., Technical Oversight Committee TOC, Governing Board, Marketing Committee, a Technical Advisory Group, Community Group, or End User Group).
- Other significant contributions, to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis (for example, giving talks at KubeCon or presenting via a CNCF webinar).
Logo Permission: You must provide permission for CNCF to display your company’s logo on our official End User Contributor listing and related materials.

How to Apply / Get Recognized

Ready to be recognized as a CNCF End User Contributor?

Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria

Step 2: Submit the Application & Logo Permission Form

Step 3: CNCF will review your application to confirm your eligibility (allow 1-2 weeks)

Step 4: Official Recognition & Onboarding. If your application is approved, you will receive an email from CNCF welcoming you to the End User Contributor Program

Apply Now