FreeBSD end-of-year fund raiser on target

Towards the end of each year, the FreeBSD Foundation holds a fund-raising drive and this year's drive is currently ongoing. Launched on the 5 December, the goal for this year's end-of year drive is to raise half a million dollars to fund a range of projects; with that in mind, the Foundation has already hired two full-time technical staff. The sponsors page shows that NetApp has donated over $100,000 with Gold ($25,000-$49,999) donations from Google and iX Systems and Silver ($10,000-$24,999) from Juniper and S2 Factory. Along with the other donations already in, this means that over half the target amount has already been raised. As of writing, the current total was $281,796.

FreeBSD board member Robert Watson told The H that last year's $400K goal was surpassed by raising $430K, and that at the same point in time of the 2011 drive, they had raised $200K, so raising over $250K was "great progress". "However, it also speaks to the last-minute nature of donations at the end of the US tax year" said Watson noting that the Foundation had, in the last two days, received 350 individual donations.

As well as technical development, the Foundation plans to purchase hardware, fund developer and user community events and conferences and provide travel grants for community members to attend those events. To highlight some of this work, the Foundation has begun a series of postings on the Faces of FreeBSD about people who have been helped to attend FreeBSD events. "We can only do this with the help of our generous individual and corporate donors", says Watson, adding that they hope to meet or exceed the goal this year.

Donations can be made to the FreeBSD Foundation through its donation page using Network for Good, cheque or money order, PayPal or credit card.

(djwm)