Re: [Ghm-discuss] flattr donations

[John Sullivan]

John Darrington <address@hidden> writes:

> I tend to agree with Neal.
>
> I don't in principle object to donating, but I'd rather not do it through 
> flattr (although I have no better suggestion for online donations), and 
> I always ask questions before I donate to such causes.  
>
> For example: 
>
> * I really would like to know who or what is administrating the funds.
>

The FSF receives the funds from Flattr and administers them.

We've also discussed setting up a fund directly under the FSF that
wouldn't require Flattr.

> * what happens to the $50 I donate if the GHM has to be cancelled for 
>   whatever reason.
>

It would have to be "rolled over" to the next GHM. We're not currently
able to handle refundable donations.

> * What criteria are applied when assessing potential benefactors. In this
>   case since the general public are being invited to donate, it would seem
>   consistent to also ask them to apply for such travel grants.  I would
>   expect to see a "click here to apply for a grant" button next to the 
>   "click here to donate button".
>

This is up to the GHM organizers (subject to final approval from the
FSF, but our concern will be based on due diligence things like
providing documentation/receipts; we expect the organizers to decide the
finer grained details like who out of the eligible pool should receive
reimbursement).

> With regard to operating costs, perhaps there is also the intention to do 
> this,
> but a collection at the end of the meeting is probably the best way to do it.
>

This is also up to the organizers. There is no structural or FSF reason
why the funds can't be used for operating expenses; but the organizers
may decide they are best put toward travel expenses.

-john


-- 
John Sullivan | Executive Director, Free Software Foundation
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