Difference between revisions of "Project Sponsorship"

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'''This page is a working proposal, and the following has not been approved by the [[Fundraising]] committee, or the OSGeo board.'''
 
'''This page is a working proposal, and the following has not been approved by the [[Fundraising]] committee, or the OSGeo board.'''
  
−
Organizational sponsorships will be offered to organizations at the following levels (per annum):
+
Organizations will be given the opportunity to sponsor specific foundation
 +
projects through a process of ''Project Sponsorship''.  Project sponsorship
 +
is intended as a mechanism for organizations that depend on a project, or
 +
who otherwise wish to support it to provide financial support to support
 +
and sustain the project. 
 +
 
 +
Such project targetted funding may be used by the project steering committee
 +
of that project for a variety of activities.  These include funding new
 +
features, documentation, testing, maintenance, meetings or promotion. 
 +
 
 +
= Sponsorship Levels =
 +
 
 +
Organizations may provide sponsorship support in any amount of at least
 +
$500USD.  Any organization providing such funding will be known as a "Sponsor"
 +
of that project.  At particular levels of funding the organizations will be
 +
additionally identified with a sponsorship level.
 +
 
 
# Silver: $3000 USD
 
# Silver: $3000 USD
 
# Gold: $9000 USD
 
# Gold: $9000 USD
 
# Platinum: $27000 USD
 
# Platinum: $27000 USD
  
−
Sponsorships entitle organizations to being listed on the OSGeo web site sponsors page (ranked by contribution amount) with a limited amount of text describing the company. Sponsoring organizations are also allowed to state their sponsorship, and use the OSGeo logo on their web site and other materials in manner to be defined.  
+
Sponsorship is considered to be an annual contribution.  To remain a Gold
 +
sponsor an organization would need to continue to provide an addition $9000 USD
 +
each year.  Organizations who have made a contribution in the past, but not
 +
within the last year will be known as past sponsors.
 +
 
 +
= Project Reponsibilities =
 +
 
 +
To participate in the project sponsorship program, projects must opt-in. 
 +
That is the project PSC must pass a motion to participate in the program,
 +
with the understanding they will have the following responsibilities.
 +
 
 +
* To maintain a prominent Sponsorship page off the main project web page
 +
listing all sponsors.  The page should prioritize current sponsors by level,
 +
and clearly identify Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors.
 +
Past sponsors should also be listed at the bottom of the page.  Sponsors
 +
listed should include a sponsor logo or organization name with a link to the
 +
organizations web page. 
 +
* To pass well documented motions for any expenditure of funds from the project
 +
sponsorship fund.  
 +
* To provide clear direction (via the project chair/VP) to the OSGeo Treasurer
 +
for any payments to be made from the project sponsorship fund.
 +
* To produce a detailed annual report of activities based on the sponsorship
 +
funding to be posted on the web site, and for distribution to sponsors.  
  
−
Sponsoring organizations may also state their desire to ''support'' one or more foundation projects.  When this is done two thirds of the sponsorship amount will be divided up and kept by the foundation in ''Project Accounts'' for the exclusive use of the named projects.  How that money is spent would be determined by the PMC for the projects with some oversight by the foundation board to ensure responsible use. 
+
= OSGeo Finance Management =
  
−
The remaining one third (or the entire sponsorship amount if no specific project support is declared) goes into the foundation's general use account to support foundation wide needs. General use funds will generally '''not''' be directed to support particular projects.
+
Project sponsorship amounts will be held by OSGeo on behalf of the projects
 +
by the foundation treasurer.  One quarter of the sponsorship amount will be
 +
put into the general OSGeo account for any OSGeo use (such as paying hosting
 +
costs, general promotion, etc). The remaining three quarters will be put
 +
kept track of as funds only for the use of the project.
  
−
Sponsorships are intended to give two things to the sponsoring organization. First is the public relations benefit of supporting the foundation. Second is the ability to support the foundation projects on which they depend, helping to ensure they are well maintained and thrive in the future.  
+
OSGeo responsibilities (via the treasurer) include:
 +
* Keep clear records of sponsorship payments collected (date, sponsor, amount, special conditions).  
 +
* Keep clear records of all payments out of project sponsorship funds.  
 +
* Provide income, and payment details to project PSC chair/VP on request.
 +
* Make payments as requested by project PSCs when given clear directions.  
  
−
Sponsoring a project does not give the sponsor any priveledge to control how the money is spent by the project, or control the projects technical direction. However, it is anticipated that projects desiring to collect sponsorship funds will want to be responsive to the needs of their sponsors.  It should also be noted that project sponsorship is not the only route to supporting a particular project.  Organizations can also directly fund development work (not through the foundation), or provide their own staff resources to work on the project.   
+
The treasurer also has the right to defer any payment till it can be
 +
discussed by the foundation board if there is a concern that it is
 +
improper in some way.  If the board decides the proposed payment is impproper
 +
it may by motion stop the payment.   Generally speaking this is to be used in
 +
the event a payment does not appear to be properly approved by the project PSC
 +
or if the payment is one that is likely to bring the foundation into disrepute.
 +
However, the treasurer isn't responsible for a detailed review of project  
 +
directed payments.   
  
−
Corporations in most countries can write off sponsorships as a business expense, so the charitable status of the foundation in their country should not matter.
+
= Earmarked Sponsorhips =
  
−
=== Who Might Be a Sponsor? ===
+
Projects PSCs may optionally designate special projects for which they are
 +
seeking funding.  For example, development of a particular feature, or
 +
contracting for limited term maintenance services. 
  
−
* End user organizations using the foundation packages, such as governments, NGOs and service organizations. These organizations are already saving money using free software, and have a stake in the successful future improvements to the packages and the health of the open source geospatial  ecosystem. 
+
These special projects will be listed on the project web site, with details of
−
* Consultants and integrators are building solutions for their clients based on foundation projects. The continued success of the packages is important to their commercial leverage.  The PR benefit of sponsorship helps raise their stature when with potential clients. Sponsorship can also give them ''soft influence'' with projects to get bugs fixed, or features added that they need.
+
what would be done, and how much money is required, as well as how much has
−
* Proprietary software vendors using the libraries in their packages are good candidates. These companies depend on the quality of the libraries as well as benefiting from the PR association of sponsorship.
+
been collected so far.  Project sponsors can indicate that some or all of
 +
their sponsorship will be earmarked for a particular activity.  
  
−
=== Who Solicits Sponsors? ===
+
Once sufficient earmarked funds are collected for the activity, the project
 +
PSC will launch the actity. 
  
−
In theory anyone can approach potential sponsors.  Any supporter of OSGeo is welcome to raise the possibility in conversations with possible sponsors.  However, a formal approach to organizations on behalf of Open Source Geospatial Foundation should be coordinated though the Fund Raising Committee.  This ensures that potential sponsors don't get bombarded with duplicate requests, and ensures that the person approaching the organization is equipted with all information about sponsorship.
+
= Sponsor Benefits =
  
−
For this reason, individuals are encouraged to refer sponsorship possibilities to the fund raising committee. Perhaps after a first informal feeling out.   The fund raising committee may then assign a member to approach the potential sponsor, or provide additional direction to the person originating the suggestion. An existing relationship with the potential sponsor can be a big asset.  
+
* Sponsors help ensure a project on which they depend is better maintained
 +
and sustained.
 +
* Sponsors will listed on a prominent sponsors page on the project web site.
 +
* Sponsors may call themselves sponsors of the project, and use the project
 +
logo in such an indication on their web site or promotional materials.  
 +
* Sponsors will gain some goodwill from the project, which ''may'' help
 +
get bugs fixed, or answers to usage questions.
  
−
Employees are encouraged to raise the idea, and refer their employer if they seem like a good candidate.  Those inside an organization can provide invaluable insight into what factors may influence an organization and who best to approach.  In some cases it may not be desirable for an employee to be giving the ''pitch''.  In other cases it may be desirable.
+
= Who Might Be a Project Sponsor? =
  
−
Project developers are encouraged to keep an eye out for users of their project that might be open to a sponsorship opportunity.  In some cases a sponsorship pitch from a project lead may carry more weight with potential sponsors, than someone from the fund raising committee.
+
* End user organizations using the foundation packages, such as governments, NGOs and service organizations. These organizations are already saving money using free software, and have a stake in the successful future improvements to the packages and the health of the open source geospatial ecosystem. 
 +
* Consultants and integrators are building solutions for their clients based on foundation projects. The continued success of the packages is important to their commercial leverage.  The PR benefit of sponsorship helps raise their stature when with potential clients.
 +
* Proprietary software vendors using the libraries in their packages are good candidates. These companies depend on the quality of the libraries.
  
−
So, the general pattern is that everyone is encouraged to keep an eye out for potentially sponsors, and possibly feel them out on the idea informally.  But then refer the candidate to the fund raising committee for a unified and professional approach, possibly through the originator.
+
= Who Solicits Project Sponsors? =
  
−
=== How To ''Sell'' Sponsorship? ===
+
Project sponsorships are primarily beneficial to the project being sponsored,
 +
so it is anticipated that members of the project community will be primarily
 +
responsible for soliciting project sponsorships.  The fundraising committee of
 +
OSGeo will also be explaining the project sponsorship option to organization
 +
it reaches out to, but will generally be encouraging
 +
[[Foundation Sponsorship]].

Revision as of 17:47, 27 August 2006

This page is a working proposal, and the following has not been approved by the Fundraising committee, or the OSGeo board.

Organizations will be given the opportunity to sponsor specific foundation projects through a process of Project Sponsorship. Project sponsorship is intended as a mechanism for organizations that depend on a project, or who otherwise wish to support it to provide financial support to support and sustain the project.

Such project targetted funding may be used by the project steering committee of that project for a variety of activities. These include funding new features, documentation, testing, maintenance, meetings or promotion.

Sponsorship Levels

Organizations may provide sponsorship support in any amount of at least $500USD. Any organization providing such funding will be known as a "Sponsor" of that project. At particular levels of funding the organizations will be additionally identified with a sponsorship level.

  1. Silver: $3000 USD
  2. Gold: $9000 USD
  3. Platinum: $27000 USD

Sponsorship is considered to be an annual contribution. To remain a Gold sponsor an organization would need to continue to provide an addition $9000 USD each year. Organizations who have made a contribution in the past, but not within the last year will be known as past sponsors.

Project Reponsibilities

To participate in the project sponsorship program, projects must opt-in. That is the project PSC must pass a motion to participate in the program, with the understanding they will have the following responsibilities.

  • To maintain a prominent Sponsorship page off the main project web page

listing all sponsors. The page should prioritize current sponsors by level, and clearly identify Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors. Past sponsors should also be listed at the bottom of the page. Sponsors listed should include a sponsor logo or organization name with a link to the organizations web page.

  • To pass well documented motions for any expenditure of funds from the project

sponsorship fund.

  • To provide clear direction (via the project chair/VP) to the OSGeo Treasurer

for any payments to be made from the project sponsorship fund.

  • To produce a detailed annual report of activities based on the sponsorship

funding to be posted on the web site, and for distribution to sponsors.

OSGeo Finance Management

Project sponsorship amounts will be held by OSGeo on behalf of the projects by the foundation treasurer. One quarter of the sponsorship amount will be put into the general OSGeo account for any OSGeo use (such as paying hosting costs, general promotion, etc). The remaining three quarters will be put kept track of as funds only for the use of the project.

OSGeo responsibilities (via the treasurer) include:

  • Keep clear records of sponsorship payments collected (date, sponsor, amount, special conditions).
  • Keep clear records of all payments out of project sponsorship funds.
  • Provide income, and payment details to project PSC chair/VP on request.
  • Make payments as requested by project PSCs when given clear directions.

The treasurer also has the right to defer any payment till it can be discussed by the foundation board if there is a concern that it is improper in some way. If the board decides the proposed payment is impproper it may by motion stop the payment. Generally speaking this is to be used in the event a payment does not appear to be properly approved by the project PSC or if the payment is one that is likely to bring the foundation into disrepute. However, the treasurer isn't responsible for a detailed review of project directed payments.

Earmarked Sponsorhips

Projects PSCs may optionally designate special projects for which they are seeking funding. For example, development of a particular feature, or contracting for limited term maintenance services.

These special projects will be listed on the project web site, with details of what would be done, and how much money is required, as well as how much has been collected so far. Project sponsors can indicate that some or all of their sponsorship will be earmarked for a particular activity.

Once sufficient earmarked funds are collected for the activity, the project PSC will launch the actity.

  • Sponsors help ensure a project on which they depend is better maintained

and sustained.

  • Sponsors will listed on a prominent sponsors page on the project web site.
  • Sponsors may call themselves sponsors of the project, and use the project

logo in such an indication on their web site or promotional materials.

  • Sponsors will gain some goodwill from the project, which may help

get bugs fixed, or answers to usage questions.

Who Might Be a Project Sponsor?

  • End user organizations using the foundation packages, such as governments, NGOs and service organizations. These organizations are already saving money using free software, and have a stake in the successful future improvements to the packages and the health of the open source geospatial ecosystem.
  • Consultants and integrators are building solutions for their clients based on foundation projects. The continued success of the packages is important to their commercial leverage. The PR benefit of sponsorship helps raise their stature when with potential clients.
  • Proprietary software vendors using the libraries in their packages are good candidates. These companies depend on the quality of the libraries.

Who Solicits Project Sponsors?

Project sponsorships are primarily beneficial to the project being sponsored, so it is anticipated that members of the project community will be primarily responsible for soliciting project sponsorships. The fundraising committee of OSGeo will also be explaining the project sponsorship option to organization it reaches out to, but will generally be encouraging Foundation Sponsorship.

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