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Alternative Funding Requests

How to create a Non-Membership Funding request.

Please review the different funding types below before creating a ticket. To create a ticket use the link at the end of this article.

Please keep in mind that All funding is subject to G&A.
All funding types require approval from CFO and SVP of Strategic Programs.
Event Support requires additional approval from SVP of Events.

1. Supplemental Directed Sponsorship

Additional funding for an existing LF Directed Fund with active members. Funding purpose should be related to a specific project initiative or to fund defined work

  • Reporting included in Directed Fund overall budget

  • Supplemental sponsor must be a member of the umbrella Directed Fund

  • Agreement assumes 12 months and can be one-time or renewing

2. Supplemental Directed Fund

Membership structure for a project within an existing LF Directed Fund foundation with active members

  • Minimum $200k budget

  • More than one member required

  • At least 1 top-level member of the umbrella must be a sponsor of the Supplemental Directed Fund

  • Agreements assume 12 months and are renewing

  • SDF required to engage PMO

  • Required membership in parent foundation for SDF members

  • Only resources technically specific to the subproject can be paid for by the new fund; otherwise, the subproject can contribute funding to the umbrella to increase other services identified by the Members

  • Note: SDFs are highly exceptional and require thorough discussion and approval in advance

3. Supplemental Linux Foundation Sponsorship

Additional funding for a Linux Foundation approved initiative for defined work

  • Reporting managed by LF Finance with clear external ownership of financials established upfront

  • Sponsor must be a Gold or Platinum member of the LF

  • Agreement assumes 12 months and can be one-time or renewing

4. Directed Sponsorship (Supplemental to the Linux Foundation membership)

One company sponsors an LF technical project (not related to an existing funded DF). Funding purpose should be related to a specific project initiative or to fund defined work

  • Minimum sponsorship of $50k

  • Linux Foundation membership required

  • Clear ownership of financial approvals must be established upfront (one accountable member contact required)

  • Agreement assumes 12 months and can be one-time or renewing

  • Project either engages PMO (if work is high-touch context required) or Central Team (basic support with self-service options)

  • If sponsorship is to be used for 3rd party services, e.g. hosting, there is a 10% reserve required. Unused reserves can be applied to future memberships across the LF

Multiple companies sponsor an LF technical project (not related to an existing funded DF). Funding purpose should be related to a specific project initiative or to fund defined work

  • Clear ownership of financial approvals must be established upfront (oversight body identified)

  • Agreements assume 12 months and are renewing

  • Project must engage PMO

  • Minimum $200k budget

  • If sponsorship is to be used for 3rd party services, e.g. hosting, there is a 10% reserve required. Unused reserves can be applied to future memberships across the LF.

  • LF Gold or Platinum membership required of one participant

5. Event Support for Unfunded/Directed Sponsorship Project or Stand-alone Event

EMS team supports Open Source event that is stand-alone or related to an unfunded project

  • Contract amount should cover the agreed gross expenses, not including credits for anticipated registration or sponsorship revenue

  • G&A will be assessed based on registration and signed sponsorship contracts

  • Event reconciliation and any applicable refunds processed 90 days after the event

6. Donation or Research Sponsorship

Additional funding or single donation for one-time support of a project or LF work without additional reporting or on-going requirements

  • No reporting requirements

  • No scope of work

  • Sponsorship of research

  • Does not renew

To create a request ticket, use the Google Form HERE

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