Membership Benefits

Join a global community advancing cloud native technologies.

Explore the full range of benefits available to CNCF members—from governance participation and technical engagement to thought leadership, events, and training.

Explore membership options | Compare membership types

Become a Member
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Why join CNCF?

CNCF membership connects your organization to the people, projects, and programs shaping the future of cloud native computing.

Advance Cloud Native Innovation

Support and engage with fast-growing open source projects that define modern infrastructure. Participate in technical discussions, working groups, and initiatives that move the ecosystem forward.

Influence the Ecosystem

Members contribute to foundation governance and strategic direction. Depending on tier, organizations may vote, run for leadership roles, or hold a Governing Board seat.

Increase Visibility and Thought Leadership

Share vendor-neutral expertise through CNCF channels, including blogs, online programs, newsletters, and community events. Highlight your commitment to open source with official membership recognition.

Connect with Practitioners and Decision-Makers

Engage directly with cloud native leaders, maintainers, end users, and executives through member meetings, committees, and global events.

Contribute to Open Source at Scale

At CNCF we have more than 300,000 contributors working within CNCF projects. Participate in CNCF project communities, Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), mentorship programs, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen open source sustainability.

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Find the right membership for you

Startups

Designed for emerging companies building in the cloud native ecosystem and seeking visibility and community engagement opportunities.

Academic / Nonprofit

Tailored for institutions advancing research, education, and nonprofit initiatives within cloud native technologies.

End User

For organizations using cloud native technologies in production that want to collaborate with peers and participate in end user governance initiatives.

Silver

For organizations ready to participate in governance, publish vendor-neutral content, and build thought leadership within the CNCF community.

Gold

For organizations seeking expanded executive engagement, increased visibility, and enhanced thought leadership opportunities.

Platinum

For organizations committed to deep strategic partnership, foundation governance leadership, and long-term open source engagement.

Membership benefits by category

CNCF membership benefits are designed to support both strategic engagement and operational impact.

Academic / Nonprofit

Benefits for all members:

  • Members-only monthly call with other cloud native marketing experts
  • Discounts on KubeCon + CloudNativeCon sponsorship
  • Display CNCF membership logos on your website
  • Display of your company’s logo on the CNCF website and Interactive landscape
  • Apply to be a certified vendor, consulting partner, or training partner via our conformance programs1
  • Announcement in the quarterly CNCF new member press release

Additional benefits for academic / nonprofit institutions:

  • Discounted nonprofit booth at CNCF events
  • Linux Foundation Associate Membership

Additional benefits for End Users3:

  • Eligibility to run for the elected End User Technical Advisory Board
  • End User Recruiting Booth at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon at Startup Level pricing
  • Access to end user-only groups, discussion forums, and special events

Academic: $1,000 / Nonprofit: $500

Silver

Everything included academic / nonprofit, plus:

  • Run and vote for Governing Board
  • 2 on-demand online programs a year to build thought leadership hosted on core CNCF channels
  • Submit vendor neutral content to CNCF blog (2 per year)
  • Submit announcements to KubeCon + CloudNativeCon news packages
  • Early access to State of Cloud Native reports, data dashboard for customized geographic and vertical market analysis, & permission to reference data in sales and marketing materials
  • 1-on-1 call with author and community leader Jono Bacon
  • Non-Practicing Entity / Patent Troll Deterrence Programs

Benefits included with Linux Foundation membership:

  • Access to the TODO Group to meet other open source organizations
  • Ten LF Education coupons for 50% discount on any training course or certification exam (including instructor-led courses, eLearning, & eLearning/exam bundles)2

Additional benefits for End Users3:

  • A total of 10 KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in-person tickets per year

Requires Linux Foundation Membership
(CNCF and LF memberships are invoiced separately)

Gold

Everything included in Silver, plus:

  • KubeCon + CloudNativeCon keynote mention upon joining
  • Personalized press release upon joining
  • Executive engagement with CNCF leadership team
  • A total of 4 online programs a year (live, on-demand, or fireside chat) to build thought leadership
  • Submit vendor neutral content to CNCF Blog (4 per year)
  • Promotion of contributed blogs & online programs in CNCF monthly newsletters
  • Increased access to Linux Foundation’s invitation-only Linux Foundation Member Summit
  • 50 LF Education vouchers applicable towards (1) a one-year subscription that includes unlimited e-learning, SkillCreds, and Microlearning content – and up to two certifications; OR (2) a 50% discount coupon off of a Guaranteed-to-run, instructor-led course.
  • Additional NPE / Patent Troll Deterrence Tools including royalty-free licenses from NPEs

$100,000
+ LF Membership

Requires Linux Foundation Membership
(CNCF and LF memberships are invoiced separately)

Platinum

Everything included in Gold, plus:

  • Board seat on CNCF Governing Board
  • 5-minute KubeCon + CloudNativeCon keynote upon joining
  • Personalized executive engagement with CNCF leadership teams
  • Promotion of contributed blogs & online programs in newsletter to analysts (in addition to CNCF monthly newsletter)
  • Guidance on open source strategy - e.g. donating a project, running an open source program office
  • Exclusive live webinars with CNCF online programs
  • Additional NPE / Patent Troll Deterrence Tools including expanded access to prior art

Additional benefits for End Users3:

$350,000 + LF Membership

Minimum 3-year commitment

Requires Linux Foundation Membership
(CNCF and LF memberships are invoiced separately)

Requires Linux Foundation Membership
(CNCF and LF memberships are invoiced separately)

1 Including Certified Kubernetes, Certified Kubernetes AI Platform, Kubernetes Certified Service Provider, and Kubernetes Training Partner.
2 Additional terms apply. Cannot be combined with any other membership training benefits.
3 These benefits are available only to End User companies that meet the End User Definition.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right tier?

Start with your goals. Governance participation, executive engagement, content opportunities, event activation, and training benefits vary by tier.

Can we upgrade our membership later?

Yes. Many organizations expand their tier as their engagement with CNCF grows.

How long does membership last?

Membership is annual unless otherwise specified in your agreement.

What happens after we join?

New members receive onboarding guidance, access to member programs, invitations to relevant meetings, and support from the Membership team.

View Full Membership FAQ

Additional resources

  • Membership Participation Guide
  • Member Help Desk
  • CNCF mailing lists and Slack workspace
  • Training and certification programs
  • Community groups and Kubernetes Community Days

For membership questions:

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Become part of the community building the future of cloud native computing.

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Talk to our membership team | Compare membership types

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