OSGeo-Board IRC Pointer

[Frank Warmerdam]

Gary Lang wrote:
> I suggest we let Laura schedule the next meeting. The topics we need to
> discuss in order of time criticality are:
> 
> a) Agreement on a legal framework for the official corporation, setting
> up the company, etc. In general, making the foundation legal. 
> b) Setting up a bank account. 
> c) Insurance for board members
> d) Web site items as you discuss below
> e) Discussion of project incubation
> 
> Given the topics, Rich certainly needs to be there.

Gary / Laura,

I have noted your items (possibly paraphrased) at:

   http://www.fossgis.de/osgeo/index.php/First_Board_Meeting#Agenda

Markus and Arnulf have indicated Friday as a good candidate (as noted
at bottom of wiki page).  Perhaps Laura could follow up with Chris,
Rich and DanielB to finialize a time.

It is my opinion that project incubation will require some ongoing
discussion and be hard to "settle" in the board meeting.  I remind everyone
that some notes on project submission, evaluation and incubation can be found
at:

   http://www.fossgis.de/osgeo/index.php/Proposed_Project_Submission_Process

Please don't hesitate to add notes there, or comment on it.

On the issue of "legal framework", I think we have a major decision
to make on whether to be a 501c3 corporation (ie. charitable).  I am
concerned that doing so may bind our hands to a significant degree on
the things we can spend money on, and that it may be difficult getting
one third of our finances from sources that would qualify as the "public"
as required to my understanding.  As well 501c3 status may tie our
hands in a variety of other regards, such as providing tangible
benefits to sponsors in return for contributions.

My understanding is that the primary benefit of 501c3 status is that
US private individuals can donate money to the foundation and treat
it as charitable for tax purposes.  But that this does not benefit
citizens of any other country, nor businesses who can just treat any
contribution as a business cost.   Is that right?

I claim that we aren't aiming for substantial amounts of money in
personal contributions to support the foundation so 501c3 status
will not be a significant benefit.

I would appreciate some discussion on this topic before we commit
to 501c3 (or against 501c3) status.

PS. I have cc:ed Allan Doyle on this since he is familiar with
many of these issues and what little I know I got from him.

Best regards,
-- 
---------------------------------------+--------------------------------------
I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
light and sound - activate the windows | http://pobox.com/~warmerdam
and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Programmer for Rent