Pool topic: Global Credits & Grants Radar · Question revision: 1 · Checked: 8 October 2026

Cloudflare credit increases do not extend your year

If your active Cloudflare for Startups account was approved under the older USD 5,000 Tier 3 or USD 250,000 Tier 1 cap and is approaching that cap, Cloudflare says you may request an upgrade review. It is not automatic. Send the startup team your account ID and a short account of how you use Cloudflare products. Cloudflare says it assesses product use, scaling needs and programme engagement case by case.

The expiry does not move. Even if Cloudflare approves more credits, they end with your original 12-month cohort window. This is an increase request for an active member, not a second year of credits or an extension after graduation. Cloudflare does not publish a numerical approval test or a review time for these requests.

New applicants face a different decision

The current public tiers are USD 10,000 for Tier 3, USD 100,000 for partner-backed Tier 2 and USD 350,000 for partner-backed Tier 1. They are service credits, not cash. Tier 3 says bootstrapped and self-funded companies need no minimum funding, but the same page’s all-applicant checklist says the startup was funded within the last 12 months. Cloudflare has not explained how those statements fit together. A fully self-funded founder should ask Cloudflare before treating Tier 3 as available.

Credits cover eligible usage-based products for one year or until used. Tier 3 Workers AI use is capped at USD 2,500; R2 use is capped at USD 10,000. AI Gateway and domain registration are excluded. A payment method is required, and Cloudflare says overages and use after expiry may be billed. Official source, checked 8 October 2026.

Other grant status: NLnet’s form still lists 3 November 2026, 12:00 CET; check fund fit before applying. Interledger Local Impact still says applications are paused, with no reopening date.