Propose Your 2026 Rust Project Goals: Pre-Planning and Support
The Rust Project Goals team is seeking pre-proposals for 2026, offering support and guidance to individuals and organizations looking to contribute to Rust's future. Learn about the annual goal cycle and how to get involved.
The Rust Project Goals team invites individuals and organizations to propose changes and new initiatives for Rust. If you have an idea but are unsure how to engage with the Rust project, the team is ready to assist.
The pre-planning phase for the 2026 Rust project goals has officially commenced. During this phase, the team is actively seeking individuals with innovative ideas who require guidance on how to integrate their proposals within the Rust organization. Special emphasis is placed on supporting organizations and groups, which frequently face challenges in connecting with open-source projects.
Understanding the Project Goals Program
A project goal functions as a collaborative agreement between a proposer and the Rust project teams. When you submit a proposal, you commit to executing the outlined work. Upon approval, the Rust teams pledge their support, offering assistance such as code reviews, feedback, and mentorship. To ensure effective collaboration, each approved goal is assigned a champion – a Rust team member or affiliate who will regularly consult with the proposer, offering guidance and resolving potential roadblocks.
Annual Project Goals for 2026
For 2026, the project goals program is transitioning to an annual cycle, departing from the previous six-month periods (e.g., 2025H1, 2025H2). While goals are annual, they do not necessarily require a full year to complete.
Key Timeline for 2026 Goals
| Time Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | Pre-proposals are being solicited, alongside an assessment of which 2025H2 goals will extend into 2026. |
| January 2026 | The initial draft of the 2026 goal slate will be published, initiating earnest discussions with Rust teams. (Ongoing goals will continue without interruption.) |
| February 2026 | Goal refinement activities will proceed. |
| March 2026 | The Request for Comments (RFC) document detailing the 2026 goals will be published and merged. |
| April 2026 | Official announcement of the 2026 goals. |
| July 2026 | A Q3 progress check-in on all goals will be published. |
| October 2026 | A Q4 progress check-in will be published, concluding the annual cycle and initiating planning for the next year. |
How to Submit a Pre-Proposal
If you are interested in submitting a goal pre-proposal, please connect with the team on Zulip in the #project-goals/2026-workshop channel.