We Make Commons is thrilled to welcome Michiel Leenaars, one of Europe's most persistent advocates for funding the software infrastructure everyone relies on and almost nobody pays for.
NLnet and the art of funding the unfashionable
As Director of Strategy at the NLnet Foundation, Michiel has spent decades channeling funding toward free and open source software, internet standards, and privacy-respecting technology — often the unglamorous, foundational projects that never attract venture capital but that the entire internet quietly depends on. NLnet's grant programs, including its work distributing NGI (Next Generation Internet) funding on behalf of the European Commission, have supported hundreds of commons-oriented projects across Europe.
A long view of digital rights
Michiel's work isn't just about writing checks. He's been a steady voice for the idea that a healthy internet needs plural, interoperable, non-proprietary infrastructure — and that public and philanthropic funding has a real role to play in keeping it that way, especially for the maintainers and researchers who'd otherwise go unfunded.
Why this matters for We Make Commons
Michiel represents a piece of the commons puzzle that's easy to overlook: sustainable funding. Great commons don't just need contributors — they need people who understand how to keep the money flowing to the right places, year after year.
Welcome to We Make Commons, Michiel. Glad to have you.