In June, we set an ambitious goal: to raise 1 million dollars to accelerate the Drupal AI initiative. Today at DrupalCon Vienna, Dries Buytaert announced that we have achieved that goal. Remarkably, it took just five months.
This is by far the single greatest fundraising effort ever seen in the history of Drupal. It positions us well to win the race in AI.
Dries Buytaert
This marks the largest fundraising effort in Drupal’s history, driven by the commitment of our expanding group of AI Makers. The funding model combines financial contributions with a commitment to provide full-time staff who actively contribute to Drupal AI development.
With the addition of six new organisations — Pronovix, Pantheon, OpenSense Labs, Vardot, Foster Interactive, and Esinergia — the total number of Makers now stands at 22. Their involvement was instrumental in reaching the 1 million dollar target.
We met with Dominic De Cooman who leads the fundraising for the Drupal AI Initative to get the inside track on why this funding is so vital and what it will be used for.
Who are the latest Makers, and why is their support so important at this stage?
This support is vital because it enables a dedicated team, guided by increased capacity in management roles, to develop solutions that deliver tangible value for organisations across the Drupal ecosystem.
Why have so many prominent Drupal companies chosen to join in this phase?
Drupal is inherently designed for AI, and organisations are acutely aware of both the opportunities and challenges this presents. Companies are seeking to reinvent themselves as AI-powered agencies and platform providers. The Drupal AI initiative accelerates this transformation. Establishing Drupal as the leading AI-powered CMS is essential for the shared success of the ecosystem.
What was the overarching vision guiding this new round of sponsorship for Drupal AI?
The vision is to establish Drupal as the number one AI-powered CMS globally, while enabling our community and businesses to adapt and thrive in the AI era.
Explain how the funding is split between financial resources and FTE commitments, and why FTEs are critical.
- $240,000 is allocated to manage the team, ensuring delivery and accountability.
- Six full-time equivalent (FTE) staff members are committed to executing the work.
FTEs are crucial because they provide consistent, focused effort, ensuring progress is sustained for the long term.
What tangible outcomes are expected from this funding in the short to medium term?
The funding will support a professional approach to innovation and product development. An RFP will be announced later this week, inviting Makers to participate and contribute to this work.
How will this funding accelerate AI capabilities within the Drupal ecosystem?
With dedicated resources for innovation and product development, solutions can be delivered faster and with higher quality than would be possible relying solely on volunteer efforts.
How does this funding model support long-term sustainability rather than short-term project boosts?
The six-month commitment ensures sustained access to first-hand information and practical AI “recipes.” By building a library of AI knowledge and tools, we aim to create a flywheel effect, encouraging long-term contribution from the community. Success will depend on how effectively we utilise the funds over the coming months, which is why the RFP process is a critical next step.
How can my agency or organisation join the initiative as a maker?
You can find out all about how to become a maker on our dedicated page.
If you are at DrupalCon Domininque De Cooman would love to meet you. You can also reach him on Drupal Slack.