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 work of the core team and the Joomla! project. Members of the Open Source Matters board are also members of the Foundation work group of 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. Contractual rules stipulate that the exact income from advertising and royalties may not be published.

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 core team members at tradeshows 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 and with the approval of the core team.

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. Currently, Open Source Matters is in the process of obtaining 501(c) 3 status from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. At that point, all contributions to Open Source Matters will be tax deductible in the U.S. to the extent allowable by law. Directors of the board are volunteers and are not paid.

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.

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

As an open source project, the most valuable parts of Joomla! are the core team and the wider 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.

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

The current board consists of Shayne Bartlett (treasurer), James Fasile (SFLC). Johan Janssens, Chirs Justice, Ryan Ozimek (secretary), and Elin Waring (president).

6.  How are board members appointed?

Board members are selected by the Joomla! core team.

7. Who oversees the board?

A committee of the core team oversees the operation of the board.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 means that we are a legally recognized entity in the United States, and does not mean that we are a for-profit commercial enterprise.

11. Are donations to Open Source Matters tax deductible?

Open Source Matters is in the process of applying to the United States Internal Revenue Service to be designated as a 501(c) 3 organization. At that point, donations will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. The treatment of donations from other countries will be subject to the laws in place in those countries.