[OSGeo Finance] Budget - how to reach closure for the board?

[Ken Tamura]

I am not aware of any specific grants, but I have to believe that a task force can go online and query for government grants in the US or CAN programs that support OSGeo's mission.

I also agree that no budget should be put in this year for grants, but if we can apply and get approval for next year, this would be a big help to the revenue burden.

I can volunteer some time, but need to confirm with others on the grant options that are best to target.


Ken Tamura
Geospatial Solutions of Autodesk, Inc.
415-547-2114 (w)    415-299-1704 (c)


-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Warmerdam (External)
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:01 PM
To: Ken Tamura
Cc: Finance List
Subject: Re: [OSGeo Finance] Budget - how to reach closure for the board?

Ken Tamura wrote:
> 2.  The budget should factor in the FOSS4G event revenue AND expenses.
> Based upon past performance, this generally nets a profit.  However, maybe
> conservatively this nets event.  Is there a committee for this event that
> can provide an estimate?

Ken,

The current amount (20K) is based on the preliminary budget proposal from
the FOSS4G 2009 Local Organizing Committee.  I have consulted with Tyler
who indicates the current *conservative* budget from the LOC is to lose
$83K AUS.  I presume this is more reflective of a worst case scenario
rather than a conservative one and  I have sought an update for our
budget from the FOSS4G 2009 LOC.

> 3.  Revenue forecasting targets are challenging, but necessary.  Generally
> Board members are responsible, along with the ED, for raising funds during
> the year.  They will need to affirm this role.

Yes, this has been discussed at the board level.  It remains to be seen
whether we as a board can deliver sponsors, but it has at least been
accepted as a board responsibility.

> 4.  One revenue stream that has not been considered is government grants.  I
> have to believe that this could be a revenue stream that covers more than
> one year.  Someone will need to commit time to write up the applications.
> Maybe this is a focus this year to get at least one grant, however with no
> budget forecast of revenue this year.

I have no idea how to make this happen or even what government grants we
would be likely to qualify for.  For this reason I am hesitant to include
it in the income projections even though I'd love to have such a
think actually materialize.

I'm interested in suggestions on what grant programs we might be a
respectable candidate for.

Best regards,
--
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