Mission Statement of the Python Software Foundation
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is a non-profit membership
organization devoted to advancing open source technology related to the
Python programming language. It qualifies under the US
Internal Revenue Code as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and
educational public charity, and conducts its business according to
the rules for such organizations.
By "open source" we mean freely available technology licensed under
terms compatible with Version 1.9 (or later) of the Open Source
Definition, as established by the Open Source Initiative (see
http://www.opensource.org/).
The PSF:
- Produces the core Python distribution, made available to the public
free of charge. This includes the Python language itself, its
standard libraries and documentation, installers, source code,
educational materials, and assorted tools and applications.
- Establishes PSF licenses, ensuring the rights of the public to freely
obtain, use, redistribute, and modify intellectual property held by
the PSF.
- Works with the Open Source Initiative to ensure that PSF licenses
conform to the Open Source Definition.
- Holds Python's intellectual property rights for releases 2.1 and
following.
- Seeks to obtain the intellectual property rights for Python releases
prior to 2.1, for relicensing under the PSF Python license, to relieve
the legal burden on Python's users. The PSF may also seek rights
to other Python-related software for relicensing under a PSF license.
- Protects the Python name, and the names, service marks and trademarks
associated with all other intellectual property held by the PSF.
- Solicits and manages contributions to the Python codebase, and may
perform these services on behalf of other open source Python-related
codebases.
- Raises funds to support PSF programs and services. The regulations
for public charity funding are complex. Some consequences are that
the vast bulk of funding must come from private contributions
(including sponsoring memberships) and public grants, must come from
a broad base, and that no single private donor can supply a
substantial percentage of the PSF's total funding. Additional
revenue may be pursued in ways consistent with then-current rules for
public charities and with Python's standing as an open source project.
For example, the PSF may offer to sell conference proceedings, special
Python distributions, or merchandise with distinctive insignia.
- Publicizes, promotes the adoption of, and facilitates the ongoing
development of Python-related technology and educational resources.
This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining a public web site,
planning Python conferences, and offering grants to Python-related
open source projects.
- Encourages and facilitates Python-related research in the public
interest.
You can help fund the PSF by
making a donation.
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