The Python Software Foundation has turned down a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation due to requirements prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs under the Trump administration. The grant would have funded security enhancements for Python and its package repository, PyPI. The decision aligns with the foundation's mission to foster a diverse programming community.
In January 2025, the Python Software Foundation (PSF) submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation's Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open Source Ecosystems program. The initiative aimed to "address structural vulnerabilities in Python and PyPI" by developing tools for automated proactive review of packages uploaded to PyPI, based on capability analysis of known malware. This would protect millions of PyPI users from supply-chain attacks and benefit other open source ecosystems like NPM and Crates.io.
After a multi-round proposal process and months-long vetting, the proposal was recommended for funding—a success rate of only 36% for first-time NSF applicants. However, the terms required the PSF to affirm that it "do not, and will not during the term of this financial assistance award, operate any programs that advance or promote DEI, or discriminatory equity ideology in violation of Federal anti-discrimination laws." This restriction applied to all PSF activities, not just the grant-funded work, with the NSF able to claw back funds for violations.
With an annual budget of $5 million and 14 staff members, the PSF viewed the grant as its largest ever. Yet, its mission includes "to support and facilitate the growth of a diverse and international community of Python programmers," creating a direct conflict. The foundation consulted NSF contacts and reviewed similar cases, including The Carpentries, which withdrew its proposal in June after it was flagged for DEI content related to retaining underrepresented students.
The Carpentries noted that the rules, effective from May, meant agreeing to discontinue all DEI programming, even if not NSF-funded. Similarly, the PSF board voted unanimously to withdraw the application, stating it "can't agree to a statement that we won't operate any programs that 'advance or promote' diversity, equity, and inclusion, as it would be a betrayal of our mission and our community."
The PSF expressed disappointment over lost security advances but is seeking donations to pursue the project independently.