Applications are open for the first half (1H) of 2026! These KCD program applications will be open until 2025, July 13 at 11:59pm Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). You may refer to the timeline for the second half of 2026 (2H) on the summary application page.

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) will consider three (3) tiers of KCDs next year:

First-time KCDs are inaugural KCDs. These KCDs will receive funding from CNCF and individual monthly syncs with a core CNCF team member. This tier is limited, so we highly encourage thoughtful, and collaborative applications. This tier is ideally limited to attendance of 200* which is not inclusive or organizers, or event contractors.

Tier 1 are second-annual, and beyond KCDs. These returning events may or may not need funding from CNCF, but have the opportunity to apply. Maximum attendance of 350* which is not inclusive or organizers, or event contractors.

*For first-time KCDs and Tier 1, additional registrations may be allotted on a case by case basis.

Tier 2 is for KCDs having hosted at least two previous KCDs that want to grow their program to up to 600 registrations (no less than 350 attendees). While this tier will not include funding from CNCF, it will be more of a partnership with elevated branding, and a guaranteed a CNCF representative. CNCF's CTO, Chris Aniszczyk will travel to one of these KCDs. Proceeds to be re-invested back into your local or regional community within the same year of your event.

Please note:

**All KCDs to will need to provide financial transparency to CNCF.**

** If you expect many submissions from your region, please consider collaborating with other chapters within your state to provide a quality submission to increase the likelihood of your acceptance.**