Software Freedom Conservancy
Our Executive DIrector @karen gave a talk about when to say no to funding at #FOSDEM25. While the financial climate is so difficult for FOSS projects and foundations, it's never right to compromise values or undermine your main goals to take in funding.

https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-6481-when-is-it-right-to-say-no-to-funding-/
FOSDEM 2025 - When is it Right to Say No to Funding?

Mar 13 at 2:34pmWeb
Show threadNemo_bis 🌈Mar 13
@conservancy @karen This was a very good talk, thank you! Something I wanted to discuss, but didn't manage to, is how to prepare for the hard times, to avoid psychological warfare when getting near such decisions. In Europe layoffs are frowned upon, even in the nonprofit sector. How to hire people who are fine with being fired when the (ethical) funding dries up, while not excluding unprivileged groups?
Show threadKaren SandlerMar 13

@nemobis Great questions. It's all so hard. I think the only way to manage a nonprofit is with as much transparency to staff as possible. Ideally, new hires would understand the financial outlook well.

There's no guarantee that any job will last, but at least with a nonprofit employees can know directly the challenges and how they relate to their roles. Then if funding fails to get renewed or doesn't materialize in the first place, staffers understand what's happening and why, no surprises.

Show threadNemo_bis 🌈Mar 13
@karen I agree. At the same time, as a board member, I know I've failed to do this well and probably would again.