GitHub: The Urgent Need for Increased Funding to Sustain Open Source Projects

Open source developers are at the forefront of creating innovative software and generative AI solutions, providing viable alternatives to proprietary, closed models. However, a significant concern looms over this vibrant ecosystem: many developers are unremunerated for their contributions, which could jeopardize the sustainability of these open source projects. Kara Sowles, a senior program manager in developer relations, addressed these issues at the State of Open Con in London. Her insights highlighted the critical challenges faced by the open source community.

Sowles revealed that 58% of developers have contemplated abandoning their projects, with 22% having already done so. The sentiment is clear: financial motivation is crucial, as 56% of those contributing to open source stated they would continue their efforts if offered better compensation. The landscape is further complicated by the fact that 60% of maintainers—those dedicated individuals who keep open source software running—are hobbyists driven primarily by passion rather than monetary reward.

### Investment Woes in the Open Source Landscape

Sowles articulated her frustrations regarding the funding landscape for open source initiatives. While there are instances of financial support, it predominantly comes from individuals donating on platforms like GitHub, outpacing contributions from major corporations. She emphasized that this reliance on crowdsourced donations is not a sustainable solution, calling for more corporate commitment to supporting open source development.

Despite the various avenues available for funding, such as tipping platforms like Buy Me a Coffee and crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, the primary channel for corporate donations remains through Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Funds. These funds, initiated by platforms such as Indeed, have seen participation from industry giants like Salesforce, Microsoft, Spotify, and Bloomberg. However, in 2023, only $12 million was funneled through these FOSS Funds, which Sowles described as “not a lot,” particularly in light of previous expectations.

Businesses tightened their budgets in response to global economic fluctuations, resulting in a stark decline in FOSS Fund expenditures. As a consequence, Sowles pointed out that the current structure of FOSS Funds does not provide stable or predictable financial support. She noted, “A majority of FOSS funds give one-time amounts, which complicates budgeting for ongoing projects.”

### Enhancing Open Source Funding Mechanisms

With 90% of companies relying on open source software solutions, the risk of valuable resources disappearing due to lack of funding is alarming. GitHub has projected that a mere 10% increase in contributions to open source projects could yield an additional 0.4% to 0.6% boost to Europe’s GDP.

Sowles highlighted that while some companies may hesitate to disclose their funding efforts, those that do contribute positively influence the ecosystem. She has called for increased awareness and commitment from more companies to pledge support for open source funding publicly. Initiatives like Fossfunders, which aims to compile a roster of companies willing to contribute to these projects, are steps in the right direction.

To bolster funding for open source projects, Sowles emphasized the necessity for better data collection regarding the impact of contributions on project sustainability. Furthermore, identifying dependencies within projects can optimize the allocation of funds, steering clear of subjective choices based on charisma alone. Additionally, she advocates for greater transparency and initiative from government entities through organizations like OpenUK to promote and fund open source efforts.

In summary, the future of open source projects hangs in the balance, reliant on increased corporate involvement, consistent funding mechanisms, and a collective effort to underscore the importance of these innovative contributions to the software landscape.