Get involved
Thousands of individuals and organizations worldwide join as members and support as donors or sponsors of the OSI. They trust in our neutral stewardship of open source licensing and our role in enabling a global community.
“I think this is an organization that you really should support, because they specifically focus on Open Source licenses. And I think that’s a very important area that needs continuous support and evaluation.”
-Peter Zaitsev, Founder, Percona
“Thank you OSI for protecting what open source means, so that everybody uses the same definition when we’re talking about open source.”
-Emily Omier, Founder, Open Source Founders Summit
“The Open Source Initiative does vital work defining, maintaining and keeping consistent the definition of what open source actually is.”
-Michael Meeks, CEO, Collabora Productivity
Membership
Join OSI as an individual to belong to the organization that stewards the Open Source Definition.
✅ Voting rights
✅ Tax deductible
✅ Newsletter
✅ Discussions
Donation
You can make a one-time or recurring donation as an individual to directly support our mission.
✕ No voting rights
✅ Tax deductible
✅ Flexible giving options
✅ Anonymous if desired
Sponsorship
Show your organization’s commitment to open source. Your funds advance OSI’s overall mission.
✕ No voting rights
✅ Tax deductible
✅ Various tiers
✅ Recognition
Our mission
We are a non-profit organization with global scope, formed to educate and advocate for the benefits of Open Source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the Open Source community.
✅ Supporting a healthy ecosystem.
✅ Promoting worldwide collaboration.
✅ Educating about the value of Open Source.
✅ Advocating for frictionless innovation.
Testimonials
“I firmly believe that open source is the best way to build technology that’s collaborative, transparent and that’s impactful and the OSI crystallizes all these values in the same place.”
-Florent Zara, Open Source Services Team Lead, Eclipse Foundation
“I support OSI as a thought leader in the open source ecosystem because it provides a set of norms that we can all agree on.”
-Anais Concepcion, Co-CEO, Grist
“The Open Source Initiative creates a level playing field for all commercial open source vendors to flourish.”
-Sandro Groganz Head of Marketing, Passbolt
“Thank you OSI for protecting what open source means, so that everybody uses the same definition when we’re talking about open source.”
-Raphael Michel, Managing Director, pretix
FAQ: Membership, Donations, Sponsorship
Who can become an OSI member?
OSI membership is open to any individual. If you live in a country under U.S. embargo, please contact us for assistance. Companies cannot become voting members.
What membership levels are available and what do they include?
OSI offers two paid membership tiers. Supporting Members ($50/year) can nominate and vote for OSI’s Board of Directors, run for a board seat, and get early access to events, workshops, and member discounts. Professional Members ($300/year) get all Supporting Member benefits plus priority access to meetings and exclusive OSI content. We also offer a free Basic Membership that shows your support but does not include voting rights.
How long does membership last, and how do I renew?
A membership lasts 12 months from your join date. When you sign up, you can choose to renew automatically. Otherwise, we will remind you to renew each year. You can renew online through the OSI member portal or by purchasing a new membership when your term expires.
What do OSI membership fees support?
Membership dues fund OSI’s programs and staff. Your support pays professional staff salaries and covers activities that promote and protect open source software around the world. In short, your membership helps OSI fulfill its mission as the steward of the Open Source Definition and community.
Are OSI membership fees tax-deductible?
Yes. The OSI is a California-based 501(c)(3) public charity, so membership dues (and donations) are generally tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers. As always, please consult your tax advisor about deductibility in your situation.
How can I donate to the OSI?
You can give by mail or online. Online, you can donate via the OSI member portal. We also accept micro-donations via Flattr. You can also send a check payable to “Open Source Initiative” to our address.
Are donations to the OSI tax-deductible?
Yes. The OSI is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are generally tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers. If you are a U.S. donor, you can claim your charitable gift on your federal tax return (check with a tax professional for details).
Can I make a one-time gift or a recurring donation?
Yes. Our donation form lets you choose a one-time contribution or an annual recurring donation. When you donate online, simply select “One-Time” or “Yearly” on the form.
Who can sponsor the OSI and how do we get involved?
Any company or organization can become an OSI sponsor. To explore sponsorship, interested organizations should contact OSI. Please see our Sponsorship Prospectus or reach out through the OSI contact form for details.
What are the benefits of sponsoring OSI?
Sponsors receive public recognition and networking opportunities. For example, sponsors are featured on OSI’s supporters page with their logos displayed prominently. Depending on the sponsorship level, benefits can include logo placement on the website, mentions in newsletters and social media, and invitations to special OSI events. Full details are available in the Sponsorship Prospectus.
Does OSI endorse its sponsors or their products?
No. OSI is a neutral steward of the Open Source Definition and community. Listing a sponsor on our site is simply a way to thank their support; OSI does not endorse any particular company, product, or service.
Does sponsorship give my organization influence over OSI’s decisions or policies?
No. Sponsorship of the OSI is a financial contribution that supports our mission, not a governance role. Sponsors do not receive any special influence over OSI’s decisions, licensing approvals, or policy positions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, OSI maintains strict neutrality and independence in all of its work. This ensures that open source remains a community-led effort, not driven by commercial interests.