Add 2026 Call for Projects blog post (#2351)

Co-authored-by: Mark Larah <mark@larah.me>
Co-authored-by: Benjie <benjie@jemjie.com>

Author: 3 people

src/pages/blog/2026-03-12-call-for-projects.mdx

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+---
+title: "2026 Call For Projects"
+tags: ["announcements"]
+date: 2026-04-13
+byline: Help the GraphQL ecosystem grow
+featured: true
+---
+
+We're excited to announce the first GraphQL ecosystem Call For Projects! 
+If you are building tools, advocating, or more generally supporting GraphQL, this program is for you.
+
+Our goal is to offer financial support and recognition for individuals who are helping move the ecosystem forward.
+
+Each selected project will receive a $5000 grant as well as promotion on the GraphQL blog and socials.
+
+The Call for Projects is part of the general [GraphQL grant program](https://graphql.org/community/foundation/community-grant/) and submissions must meet some criteria:
+
+* Contributes to a [`graphql`](https://github.com/graphql/) project or another GraphQL property ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIVbABX6aSk5hy5UPAhQdmQ), socials, ...).
+* Must be submitted by individuals (companies are not eligible for funding).
+* Requires signature of a grant agreement ([preview](https://github.com/graphql/foundation/blob/HEAD/grants/GraphQL_Grantee_Agreement-preview.pdf)).
+* Requires a graphql.org blog post explaining the work.
+
+For 2026, we encourage participants to submit projects around the themes below:
+
+* [AI](https://github.com/graphql/ai-wg/issues)
+* [Golden path](https://github.com/graphql/golden-path-wg/)
+* Security
+* [graphql-js improvements](https://github.com/graphql/graphql-js/issues)
+* Guides and tutorials
+
+For example, these topics have been discussed recently in the community and would be good starting points for contributions:  
+
+* Implement alternative serialization format (CBOR, argo) in graphql-js.
+* Implement [semantic introspection](https://github.com/graphql/ai-wg/blob/main/rfcs/semantic-introspection.md) in graphql-js to make it easier for agents to discover GraphQL schemas and types.
+* Implement new experimental GraphQL features such as []`onError` or service capabilities](https://github.com/graphql/graphql-spec/pull/1163) in graphql-js.
+* Implement a type-safe query builder library using TypeScript.
+* Design and implement a "[caniuse.graphql.org](https://github.com/graphql/community-wg/issues/165)" website to make it easy to see at a glance what experimental features are supported in different frameworks.
+* Propose and implement an alternative way to thread in inputs to @skip/@include (highlighted as a problem [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=498&v=Orgyp3xOqwY&feature=youtu.be)).
+* Design and implement a [content hub](https://github.com/graphql/community-wg/issues/158) for easily spreading the word about GraphQL.
+* Run a [GraphQL survey](https://github.com/graphql/community-wg/issues/55).
+* Modernize and reimplement https://www.howtographql.com/ with modern tools.
+* Document [additional GraphQL Schema Guidelines](https://github.com/graphql/graphql.github.io/issues/2353) on the graphql.org website.
+* Illustrated guides for newcomers.
+
+This list is not exhaustive and all submissions will be carefully examined. If you are unsure about where to start, join the [Discord server](https://discord.graphql.org) to brainstorm ideas.
+
+## 🗓️ Timeline
+
+* May 31, 2026: deadline for submissions.
+* June 30, 2026: winners are announced.
+* Dec 31, 2026: program closes.
+
+## ✅ Apply Now!
+
+You can apply now by filing the [GraphQL grant application](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciopqGoQE2hBhxsb5E6dq12VrD221Zv4dsGWa1nQM35FT1nA/viewform).  
+
+For any questions please reach out to [operations@graphql.org](mailto:operations@graphql.org) or join the discussion on [Discord](https://discord.graphql.org) (channel `#wg`).
+
+We're looking forward to your proposals!

src/pages/community/contribute/grant.mdx

@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # Community Grant Program
 
-The [GraphQL Foundation](/foundation) funds a [Community Grant](/foundation/community-grant) program that is administered by the [GraphQL TSC](/community/contribute/governance/#technical-governance). The goal of the community grant program is to provide support to individuals working on initiatives that benefit the core technical project and the community at large.
+The [GraphQL Foundation](/foundation) funds a [Community Grant program](/foundation/community-grant) that is administered by the [GraphQL TSC](/community/contribute/governance/#technical-governance). The goal of the community grant program is to provide support to individuals working on initiatives that benefit the core technical project and the community at large.

src/pages/community/foundation/community-grant.mdx

@@ -12,15 +12,14 @@ administered by the [GraphQL Technical Steering Committee (TSC)][tsc]. The goal
 of the program is to provide financial support and incentives for key technical
 and community initiatives within the GraphQL Foundation's projects.
 
-The GraphQL Community Grant program accepts applications at any time and reviews
-them at least twice per year. Grant applications are reviewed by the TSC based
+The GraphQL Community Grant program accepts both spontaneous applications and
+responses to call for projects. Grant applications are reviewed by the TSC based
 upon funding that is received as membership dues for the GraphQL Foundation.
 This is one way in which the GraphQL Foundation directly supports the ongoing
 health of the GraphQL developer ecosystem.
 
-We encourage you to be creative in your grant application, and propose tasks
-that are straightforward to articulate, achievable in three months, and bounded
-in scope.
+We encourage you to be creative in your grant application and propose tasks that
+are straightforward to articulate, and bounded in scope and time.
 
 Examples include:
 
@@ -41,36 +40,38 @@ time.
 To apply, please complete the [GraphQL Community Grant Program
 application][application-form].
 
-The GraphQL Community Grant Program accepts applications at any time. Applicants
-can only have one active grant at a time, but may re-apply at any time.
+Applicants can only have one active grant at a time.
 
 ## FAQs
 
 ### Do I need to be developing the specification or code to apply?
 
-While we anticipate most applications will be for new technical development and
+While we expect most applications will be for new technical development and
 documentation, we also encourage applications for community-building activities.
 Examples include community gardening and neutral advocacy for GraphQL adoption.
 
 ### What work is expected?
 
-Applications should describe work that can be completed in two to three months.
-Additionally, we'll ask you to write a blog post report after three months
-describing your work and its impact on the GraphQL community.
+Applications should describe work that can be completed in less than twelve
+months. Additionally, we'll ask you to write a blog post report describing your
+work and its impact on the GraphQL community.
 
 ### What amount of money is available per grant?
 
-The grant amount offered will depend on our available funding and the number of
-approved grants per cycle. Individual grants are expected to be between $1,000
-and $10,000 USD. When you apply you can select what size of grant you feel would
-be appropriate, but if approved you may be offered a different amount and it
-will be your choice whether to proceed.
+Call for projects offer a fixed amount (typically $5000).
+
+Spontaneous applications are expected to be between $1,000 and $10,000 USD. When
+you apply you can select what size of grant you feel would be appropriate, but
+if approved you may be offered a different amount, and it will be your choice
+whether to proceed.
 
 ### When can I expect to receive a response about my application?
 
-We will review applications at least twice per year; however, we endeavor to
-review applications as they come in and you will receive a response within 2
-months of review.
+Call for projects include a full timeline, including responses deadlines.
+
+Spontaneous applications are reviewed on a case by cases basis. We endeavor to
+review applications as they come in, and you will receive a response within 3 to
+4 working weeks.
 
 ### How often can I apply?
 
@@ -126,8 +127,13 @@ disbursed only upon successful completion of the agreed deliverables.
 
 ### How does the review process work?
 
-After submission, the GraphQL TSC's appointed grants representative is notified
-and typically reviews the application within two working weeks. If the grant is
+Call for projects include a full timeline, including submission and responses
+deadlines.
+
+Spontaneous applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
+
+In both cases, the GraphQL TSC's appointed grants representative is notified and
+typically reviews the application within two working weeks. If the grant is
 clearly out of scope, it will be declined with an explanation. If more
 information is needed, it will be requested. Otherwise, the application proceeds
 to the full TSC for review, discussion, and voting.
@@ -136,12 +142,11 @@ The TSC aims to provide feedback within a further 2–3 working weeks, though th
 may take longer depending on availability or complexity. If it takes longer than
 3 weeks, the applicant will be informed.
 
-At the end of the review process, one of three outcomes is likely:
+Submissions are evaluated based on their ability to meet the following criteria:
 
-1.  The application is accepted, and next steps (contract, invoicing, etc.) are
-    initiated.
-2.  Changes are requested (e.g. revised scope or funding).
-3.  The application is declined, typically with guidance for resubmission.
+- How well the submission addresses a common problem in the GraphQL ecosystem
+- Audience, societal, and environmental impact
+- Current or planned involvement of the applicant in the GraphQL community
 
 Note: Timelines are best-effort and may shift due to holidays, travel, or other
 factors.