Monero is an open-source, community-driven project. Described below are several ways to support the project.
An easy and effective way to help the Monero network is to run a node. Nodes ensure the network keeps running safe and decentralized. A simple fully synchronized node is enough to help the network, but if you want to go out of your way, you could run an open remote node, to allow other people to connect to it.
We have several guides to help you run and configure your node: How to run a node on VPS, , How to use Monero on Tails. See all User Guides.
Monero is open source and permissionless; contributors are welcome and encouraged. A developer may contribute in numerous way to different projects:
This list only includes the tools stewarded by the core team, but the Monero ecosystem is much more vast. People can contribute to the development of libraries, services, documentation, graphics, etc. The list is virtually infinite. Contact or join the workgroup(s) to which you'd like to contribute. See the Monero Workgroups.
Mining ensures the safety of the network. Monero uses randomx, an ASIC-resistant algorithm developed by Monero contributors, which aims to remain mineable by common consumer-grade hardware. For more info about mining see the dedicated Mining page.
Monero utilizes a community crowdfunding system whereby projects are proposed for development and community-funded. Funding is held in escrow and remunerated to developers once programming milestones are achieved. Anyone may generate new proposals or fund existing ones.
Donations to the general fund are used in case of emergencies or need. Infrastructure costs are currently covered by sponsors.
You can donate both Monero and Bitcoin:
Monero:888tNkZrPN6JsEgekjMnABU4TBzc2Dt29EPAvkRxbANsAnjyPbb3iQ1YBRk1UXcdRsiKc9dhwMVgN5S9cQUiyoogDavup3H
Bitcoin:1KTexdemPdxSBcG55heUuTjDRYqbC5ZL8H
openalias: donate.getmonero.org
E-mail dev[at]getmonero[dot]org for alternative means of donating or if you would like to become a sponsor for the Monero Project.
The developers working on Monero are mostly indepentent volunteers, but some of them may be funded through CCS proposals. If you wish to support their efforts by donating some XMRs, consider contacting them personally or using tipping services.
You can find an overview of the people who directly contribute, or have contributed, to the Monero repositories (along with other useful statistics) on Monero's OpenHub page.
You can also support Monero through a sponsorship program. See the dedicated Sponsorships page for more info.