CreditStack

Heroku

Heroku Open Source Software Credit Program

$25 – $500 in credits
Apply via Heroku → See FAQ ↓

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Monthly Heroku credits for open source projects—$25–$500/month for 12 months.

Heroku gives open source maintainers monthly platform credits ($25–$500 depending on project size) for a year. You can spend them on Dynos, Postgres, and their Key-Value Store. Anything over your monthly allotment gets billed to your card at standard rates. The program renews annually if you reapply, so it's not a one-time thing—but you have to actually reapply each year. The main catch: credits only work on core Heroku services, not add-ons or third-party integrations. If your project grows beyond the credit tier you're approved for, you'll start paying out of pocket fast.

Program details

Tier 1

Heroku Open Source Software Credit

Approved open source projects receive a predetermined monthly credit allocation on Heroku for 12 months.

$500

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Application difficulty: Medium Benefits: Strong Duration: 12 months

Benefits

  • Monthly platform credits for 12 months
  • Applicable on core Heroku services such as Dynos, Postgres, and Key-Value Store
  • Excess usage billed at standard rates
  • Renewable annual program based on project needs

Eligibility

  • Maintainer of an open source software project
  • Project must run or intend to run on Heroku
  • Active Heroku account with a valid credit/debit card
  • Adherence to a Code of Conduct and standard open source license

How to apply

  1. 1

    Review Eligibility

    Ensure your project meets all eligibility criteria, including open source maintenance, hosting on Heroku, and account verification.

    Review →
  2. 2

    Submit Application

    Complete the application form to receive your monthly credits.

    Apply Now →
Apply for Heroku Open Source Software Credit →

Pros

  • ✓ Up to $6,000/year in credits with no equity or revenue share
  • ✓ Covers essential infrastructure (Dynos, Postgres, KV Store) for most open source needs
  • ✓ Annual renewal available—not a one-time grant

Cons

  • ✗ Credits expire monthly—unused balance doesn't roll over
  • ✗ Overage charges apply immediately to your card; no grace period
  • ✗ Limited to core Heroku services; add-ons and third-party integrations not covered

Frequently asked questions

How do I qualify for the Heroku Open Source Software Credit Program?
You must be the maintainer of an open source project that runs or intends to run on Heroku, and hold an active Heroku account verified with a valid credit/debit card. Salesforce employees and government officials are not eligible.
When are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. For submissions after the 15th (March to December 2023), reviews will occur the following month.
What happens if I exceed my monthly credit allocation?
Any usage exceeding the allocated credits will be charged at standard rates to the credit card on file.
Can I use the credits on a Heroku Teams account?
Yes, credits can be applied to either personal or team Heroku accounts.
Do unused credits roll over to the next month?
No, any unused credits expire at the end of each month.

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Tags

#open-source #cloud #hosting
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