The OSI has had its struggles over the expanding and diversifying financial revenue sources to ensure sustainability. Historically the OSI has relied on individual donations for revenue with a smattering of corporate donations and recently some grants.
I’d like to here from the OSI election candidates on what ideas they to ensure the OSI remains a sustainable organization over the long run so it doesn’t run into previous issues of being very close to being financial not sustainable and putting the burden on volunteers to run the organization.
Some small ideas but always works in my idea. I was thinking that issue tbh, that’s a serious issue especially for independent organisations.
Merchandise Sales – Launching a small online store with items like mugs, t-shirts, socks, gift cards, thermoses, hats, calendars, and pens. These simple yet meaningful products can promote OSI while generating revenue.
Expanding Events & Membership Engagement – Organizing more events (both in-person and online) to increase open-source awareness and attract new members. Exclusive membership benefits at these events could further incentivize participation and support.
Grant & Charity Funding – Proactively applying for grants and charity funding by ensuring all necessary documentation is prepared, allowing OSI to secure additional financial resources.
NFT collections
This diversified approach would reduce reliance on individual donations and strengthen OSI’s financial stability.
From my perspective, the Board and staff should look at the “why” financial sustainability has been a challenge: look at the data for existing revenue sources, what’s being done today related to fundraising, outreach – what’s working and not working; consider where there may be opportunities to partner with related organizations. Speak with other organizations who are having success with sustainability to learn the “why” behind their successes, best practices, and what the OSI may be able to adopt; consider approaches that may not have been used before. I feel that transparently managing the challenges that currently exist may also help alleviate barriers to growing revenue.
Yeah, this is the first place my head goes. I don’t see financials in the draft 2024 report. For income in 2023 and 2022 I find:
Source
2023 ($)
2022 ($)
Program Service Revenue
244
87
Contributions, Membership Dues, and Grants
524
477
Other Revenue
18
0
It would be useful to see the second line broken out further. Who are the contributors, members, and grantors, and what value are they paying for? From what I know today, the two kinds of paying members are companies (maybe those are the contributions?) and individuals. What about Open Source projects and foundations? OSI’s primary value proposition IMO is to these producers of Open Source software, they’re the primary beneficiaries of a vibrant Open Source brand. Structurally I think the ideal scenario is for consumers of Open Source to pay the producers (i.e., companies paying foundations, projects, and maintainers) and then the foundations etc. paying OSI. Not a quick solution, but likely best in the long run.
Thanks to all who’ve replied to this thread. As the current Treasurer I have a particular interest in this topic We are often criticised for the funding we receive, almost no matter where it comes from (sadly, including non-profit grant funding organisations). I appreciate everyone here who has contributed positive and thoughtful ideas about where funding can be found.
The membership numbers have grown significantly in 2024, likely driven by the increasing discussions around AI and open source. This presents a great opportunity to strengthen community engagement. We should leverage this momentum by hosting online events, seminars, and participating in international organisations. Collaborations with universities, research institutes, and tech giants, along with well-planned social media marketing, will further amplify our reach.
Additionally, structured open-source training and certification programs for industries such as law, compliance, auditing, and cybersecurity could provide immense value. These initiatives won’t just expand the community but also generate substantial revenue, increase global awareness, and attract angel investors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
As the saying goes, ‘numbers speak.’ Community building isn’t just about growth—it’s a key driver of long-term success.
On another note, opensource.net is a great initiative. I love the idea, and I believe it has strong potential for independent monetization. Of course, the site needs some improvements, but with the right effort, it can be refined and leveraged effectively.
If there is a working group focused on this, I’d be happy to join and contribute in any way I can. With 20 years of development experience in SDLC, I hope to offer useful insights and technical support where needed.
no to merchandising sales – i bought an emac mug from the fsf and it didnt last very long. We need scarfs and tough stuff made for winters. I would also like to buy a mock ai and its training data something a past project i contributed to call mycroft did which sad as it was to see it abandoned, maybe OSI could buy it and work with it.
Events and membership engagement - forget it, the OSI is about intangible creations which cant exist physically so the internet and mail are great options especially this forum
Grant and Charity funding - your better off kicking stones in the water in such a way they skip along the water. I tried applying for grants and they never work out. often you bite the nose to spite the head on keeping your org alive through someone elses money outside of the org that doesnt really know you or the project well from 1st hand to 3rd hand experience.
NFTs - ha, this one seems the one messed up but it would work since people clearly spent money on these things. funds raised from selling nfts would go to the OSI model and people winning then could claim clout on the net. What about developing blockchain license models for ai such that when you buy and sell the nfts you are shifting power throughout the world by keeping money locked away from spending on proprietary malarkey.
We are often criticised for the funding we receive, almost no matter where it comes from (sadly, including non-profit grant funding organisations). I appreciate everyone here who has contributed positive and thoughtful ideas about where funding can be found.