1. What is Open Source Matters?

Open Source Matters is the non-profit organization that provides organizational, legal and financial support for the Joomla! open-source project.   

2. What is the relationship between Open Source Matters and Joomla!?

Open Source Matters functions to support the Joomla! project.

3. Where does Open Source Matters get its money?

The major sources of revenue are: advertising on the joomla.org  websites, donations, royalties on books, and the Joomla! Shop. 

4. What does Open Source Matters spend money on?

The major categories of expenses are:

·        Supporting the operation of the joomlacode.org;

·        Supporting the presence of Joomla! booths and attendance of team members at trade shows and Joomla! Days,

·        Funding core team summits and other smaller meetings,

·        Accounting and legal expenses,

·        Various other expenses involved in operating an open source project.

5. Who decides what the expenditures will be?

The board of Open Source Matters sets a budget in consultation with the leadership of the Joomla! Project.

6. Open Source Matters is incorporated, doesn't this mean it is a business and/or has shareholders?

No. Open Source Matters is a not-for-profit corporation formed in the United States. While some countries only allow incorporated bodies to be businesses, the United States also uses this structure for charities and other not-for-profits. Use of the terms "incorporated" or "Inc." merely indicate that the founders have taken the time to file paperwork, creating a legal entity - regardless of whether it is a for-profit or not-for-profit organization.

7. Who controls Joomla!?

The Joomla! core team controls Joomla!. Open Source Matters exists as one part of the overall project with the task of providing financial support and legal stewardship of the project and its assets.

8. What are the assets of the Joomla! project?

As an open source project, the most valuable part of Joomla! is ther Joomla! community of users and contributors. However, in a legal sense, there are trademark and copyright assets that have monetary and other value and that need to be protected in order to protect the project as a whole. 

9. Who is on the board of OSM and what are their roles?

The current board consists of Dave Huelsmann (treasurer), James Vasile, Ryan Ozimek (secretary), Rob Schley (vice president), Wendy Robinson, and Elin Waring (president).

10.  How are board members appointed?

Board members are elected by the Community Oversight Committee based on nominations made by the board nominating committee.

11. Who oversees the board?

The community oversight committee oversees the operation of the board. The COC currently consists of Sam Moffatt, Chris Daveport, Alex Krempkens, Brad Baker and Ole Ottosen.

12. How often does he board meet?

Legally, there must be one annual meeting of the board. However, the board meets in person and virtually as needed to carry out the responsibilities of Open Source Matters. Meetings are generally monthly.

13. Is  Open Source Matters a foundation?

Not by United States law. We are a non-profit incorporated in the United States, and are not funded by any single entity.

14. Why is Open Source Matters an incorporated body when it's supposed to be not-for-profit?

In the United States, "incorporation" means you took the time to file some paperwork to be a true, legally recognized (and accountable) entity. The word incorporated or Inc. just mean that we are a legally recognized entity in the United States and does not mean that we are a for-profit commercial enterprise.

15. Are donations to Open Source Matters tax deductible?

The tax treatment of money given to Open Source Matters depends on what country the payment is from. In the United States payments are not treated as charitable donations and may not be treateed as such. However, it is possible that supporting the Joomla Project may be considered a business expense. Please contact Open Source Matters if you are interested in suppporting the Joomla Project.

16.  Why isn't there a donation form?

Solicitation of charitable donations on the internet is subject to may legal regulations in different geographic locations. Complying with these regulations is quite expensive, and as an organization OSM has determined that the costs of complying will be more than the amount of donations received.