Gregory's Server@oxtyped @malcircuit discourse isn't actually free for everyone. You need X number of users and to be an Open Source project to get the free hosted version. I have an Open Source project, Ronin (https://ronin-rb.dev), but lack the required number of users to get a free discourse server. :(
Also, what if I also want real-time chat, not just a forum?
phpbb/other forums still require you to find a free hosting provider.
@postmodern @malcircuit my bad! I did not realize that discourse has a tier to it.
I think if resources allows for it, there are hosting providers that you might get away with for < $2/month. There's https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ for example which you could consider.
disclaimer: I have not used them before, I've just seen them around since the early 2000s and always found them interesting.
if resources are really tight, maybe you can hit me up a DM, I might be able to hook you up.