[mapguide-internals] MapGuide Sponsorship money for bug fixes

[Frank Warmerdam]

Trevor Wekel wrote:
> Hey guys,
> 
>> From what I understand, other OSGeo projects have been using sponsorship
>> money to fund bug fixes and development work.  I wonder if we should
>> implement something similar for MapGuide?
> 
> http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities
> 
> http://www.gdal.org/sponsorship.html 
> http://trac.osgeo.org/gdal/wiki/rfc9_maintainer 
> http://n2.nabble.com/GDAL-Project-Maintainer-Contracted-td2088530.html
> 
> The GRASS project accepts PayPal donations in any amount directly through
> GFOSS.it  (http://grass.osgeo.org/donation.php).  OSGeo has accepted
> GFOSS.it as the Italian Chapter of OSGeo.  Since more than half of the
> MapGuide PSC is based in Canada, would it make sense to set up a Canadian
> OSGeo Chapter?  As a separate corporate entity, the Canadian OSGeo Chapter
> could issue donation receipts to Canadian entities.
> 
> As per the project sponsorship guidelines
> http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Project_Sponsorship, we could also earmark 25% of
> the funds received for OSGeo  Foundation support.
> 
> Is this worth pursuing?  Does anyone have alternative suggestions?

Trevor,

Note that if you follow the normal project sponsorship guidelines then
there is no need for an extra organization.  OSGeo would take care of the
financial management - but this does carry some strings, including a $500USD
minimum.  The GRASS / GFOSS.it setup was primarily (as I understand it)
followed to allow small donations.

Note that OSGeo is not yet through the 501(c)3 process in the USA.  In
any event, offering charitable receipts in other countries would not
be possible.  Note that any contribution to OSGeo by a business (including
consultants) can be written off as a promotional expense so generally
speaking charitable receipts are not needed.

I'm happy to answer any questions about how sponsorship can be arranged
through OSGeo.

Best regards,
-- 
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I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
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and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Programmer for Rent