Open-source maintainers, how do you search for sponsors?
I'm an open-source maintainer of a moderately popular developer tool. While I got sponsors from time to time, I would like to find more to sustain myself and dedicate more time to the project.
I tried to contact companies sponsoring other open-source projects through Twitter or by email but got no response most of the time.
I don't expect instant success, and I know that I am pretty average when it comes to marketing/sales.
But still, I would be curious to hear from other open-source maintainers and their strategies, if any.
I'm not an open-source maintainer but isn't the best bet your current users?
Ask developers (mailing list/README in version control/message on startup etc) to see if they or their company can sponsor. And make it easy for them to give money.