Pay it forward

I've benefitted a lot from Python - I use Python to solve problems directly, I've built Python based products, I teach Python (among other things) at Prelude, and the Python community has changed my life trajectory in big ways.

Interacting with the Python community through attending conferences has changed my life - I've learned about tools that have effected my career, I've found causes worth supporting, and very big opportunities have come my way. I show up and add value. I've been rewarded with new friends and incredible opportunities.

I've benefitted an incredible amount, both personally and professionally. Python and the Python community changed my life in a very significant way.

For this, I owe thanks to the Python Software Foundation.

The Python Software Foundation

If you haven't heard of the PSF, here's a lil intro. The PSF is the organization that keeps Python alive. They produce the Python distributions we use, they host the packager index we rely on, they provide support (often financial) for communities around the world.

The mission of the Python Software Foundation is to promote, protect, and advance the Python programming language, and to support and facilitate the growth of a diverse and international community of Python programmers. - The PSF

People often think: Python is open-source therefore Python is FREE 🍻

A better way to think about it is: Python is open-source, therefore someone else is paying for it.

The PSF Grant freeze

On the 5th of August 2025, the PSF announced that it is pausing it's grants program. This came as a huge shock and a serious blow to many.

Python community organizers rely heavily on the PSF grant program to work their magic. If you have ever been to a Python conference or major event then there is a good chance you directly benefitted from a PSF grant.

PyCon Africa

PyCon Africa is a community led conference that roams around the continent of Africa. This year it is happening in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It's a huge opportunity to make an impact on a lot of lives - it's the first international Python conference in Southern Africa and it's an opportunity to foster a stronger, more connected community in the region. We are also planning to run some free workshops (for example HumbleData and DjangoGirls) to bring more people into the fold.

I say "we" because I'm part of the team working to make this happen. We have been badly effected by the PSF grant pause. We were banking on their support, and now that support is not available.

It sucks, but my overarching feeling is still one of gratitude. I and many others would not be where we are today if it were not for the PSF.

Don't stop kicking

My feeling is that a lot of community-run events rely too heavily on the PSF when there are other options available. Speaking to sponsors and doing fundraising is work - it's not easy, it takes time and skill, it adds extra work to often-overwhelmed community organizers - and so maybe it doesn't happen as much as it could.

I went through a phase where I did a lot of white water kayaking. It was great fun. When there were beginners joining a trip we would have a safety briefing. One of the big things we spoke about is how to get rescued well: If someone bails from their kayak and takes a swim, then someone will come rescue them. A kayaker will approach and offer the rear end of their boat. The person needing help can then hold on and get paddled to safety.

The person being rescued is expected to help - they are told "don't stop kicking".

I suspect that many organizers who are running Python events might not be kicking as hard as they could be. The over-reliance on the PSF (and indirectly, on the PSF's donars) is clearly not sustainable.

But it is hard!

Did I mention that fundraising is a lot of work? It's something I am spending a lot of time on these days for the sake of PyCon Africa.

I do not get paid to do this. I do it to give back. I am privileged in that I work for my own company, Prelude. I'm doing alright so I can afford to spend the time - my privilege is a tool.

As much as I do, I feel that I can't quite do enough to meet our goals for this year's conference. The more money we raise, the more doors we can open. This year a lot of doors will remain shut. It's sad and frustrating.

All we can do is our best.

How I give back

I want to encourage others to give back or pay it forward. Here's what I'm personally doing:

I'm chairing PyCon Africa this year. I'm pouring a lot of time into it. It's not easy.

Through the Guild of Educators, I work to support those folks who are teaching code. While this isn't specifically focused on Python, most of what we do is related to Python. We'll be running a mentorship program to help folks who teach Python soon.

When I run technical training through Prelude, I work to offer financial assistance to folks who wouldn't be able to afford the training. I've given a lot away for free.

Prelude is sponsoring PyCon Africa directly. Prelude is only a year old, but it has benefitted so much from the Python community and ecosystem that giving something back seems like the right thing to do.

Prelude will also be contributing a portion of it's income going forward towards supporting Python communities in Southern Africa.

If you or your company have benefitted from Python

There are a few things you can do:

1. Offer financial support to a community or event you care about. Pay it forward and open doors!
2. Donate directly to the PSF so that they can distribute the funds to those in need
3. Support the supporters: If there are companies who give back to the community, consider using their services. It helps with sustainability and encourages further support
4. Offer hands-on support by volunteering: Community organizers are often very stretched and have day-jobs. If you can ease their burden then they will be more able to build towards sustainability
5. Even small actions like spreading the word and sharing information can go a long way. Plant some small seeds, some will grow

Thoughts for community leaders

There are many communities and events that are small enough that they can't stand on their own financially, they NEED financial support to do what they do. That's alright. If this is you, don't shoot for the stars in your grant applications, only ask for what you need!

For more established communities and events: Please aspire to need less support from the PSF. This means that there is more to go around to those who need more urgent support.

Build relationships with your funders, show your sponsors taggable value instead of asking for handouts, find creative ways to raise funds.

Find local supporters and shine a light on them, their generosity and the work they do. Support them and they'll support you!

If you can build financial sustainability instead of just focusing on today's bottom line then great things can happen, not only for you and your community, but for those others who critically NEED support from the PSF.

PyCon Africa asks

As I mentioned, PyCon Africa is in a tricky spot because of the grant pause. The more money we raise, the more doors we can open. The more people we can teach and connect.

We are looking for sponsors!

• You can see our full prospectus here.
• If you represent an African company, you get access to our regional pricing tier. You can see those prices here

Please Note: All our sponsorship packages are flexible and customizable. So if there is anything in there that doesn't quite suit your needs, please get in touch and we'll figure something out!

We are also accepting donations!

If you are in a position to personally donate - to pay it forward or give back, you can make donations through our ticket page. As little as $50 will allow us to include one more person in our beginner workshops.

Attend the event

If you are able to buy a ticket and attend the event, the more the merrier! You can even attend online, our live-streaming game is on point! Get your tickets here

Prelude plugs

Prelude is supporting PyCon Africa financially, and will be supporting more in the future. If any of our services will be useful to you, please get in touch:

We offer a wide selection of Advanced Python-related workshops. You can make a group booking, or get notified when we run something you are interested in. This is available to individuals, or teams.

We also offer these corporate solutions:

• Our Team Dynamics products help professional teams do better work. This is not only for technical teams. We offer team assessments and recommendations as well as targeted training
• We offer Technical Enablement as a service for technical teams who need to quickly onramp onto one of our supported technologies.

If you are interested in any of our corporate solutions, please get in touch!

You can email us at hello@prelude.tech with questions, or book a short exploratory call to discuss your needs.