[OSGeo Finance] Re: MapGuide Open Source Project Donations

[Tyler Mitchell (OSGeo)]

> It would then be up to Trevor to keep track of who the donor is, thank
> them and do anything else in that regard?
> 
> This still leaves us (ok, well, you) in the position of having to do
> some quickbooks accounting for each payment.  But it would mean there
> is no invoicing, no getting cheques or other payments to the bank,
> and no tracking of the donor (for annual followup).  This is in contrast
> with how we would have substantial (ie. $500+) sponsors.
> 
> Does this sound plausible?

It sounds reasonable to me Frank.  I'm not sure how many options we have
for tracking PayPal contributions, it's been pretty limiting in the
past.  That said, I think we can set up an "item" (with a minimal
amount) that could be "purchased" and might be referenced to a project.
If you anyone else who's PayPal savvy, it might help.

The only downside to PayPal is, of course, the transaction fees, but
aside from that it might work fine.  If we could plan to try it for a
year or 6 months and then review, that would be ideal for us to roll
with the punches.

I'm also getting to the point where accounting is becoming a bit easier
to do on a monthly or quarterly basis.  PayPal is always a bit more
confusing, but I think I've learned the ropes well enough to make it
happen and if someone like Trevor is dealing with all the other side of
it, then I'm happy.

Let's try it out!

Tyler