NumFOCUS Mission

The mission of NumFOCUS is to promote open practices in research, data, and scientific computing by serving as a fiscal sponsor for open source projects and organizing community-driven educational programs.

Each year, NumFOCUS gratefully accepts a variety of charitable donations in order to advance and fulfill our mission. Our funders include (but are not limited to) corporate sponsors, foundation partners, and individual donors. Examples of types of donations we accept include (but are not limited to) direct cash contributions, stock transfers, grants, gifts from donor-advised funds, payroll deductions/company match donations through corporate philanthropy programs, and in-kind gifts such as the donation of products or services. NumFOCUS strives to promptly and accurately acknowledge each donation we receive.

Our acceptance of a donation does not imply our endorsement of the opinions, relationships, personal conduct, or business activities of the donor. Furthermore, NumFOCUS reserves the right to decline to accept a donation from any prospective donor for any reason. This is exceedingly rare and will occur only when NumFOCUS determines that accepting such a donation will violate our commitment to our organization’s mission and values. This determination is made by our organization’s Board of Directors in consultation with our staff leadership. 

As a fiscal sponsor of open source scientific computing projects, NumFOCUS also routinely accepts donations which are restricted, or “designated,” to specific Sponsored Projects. We accept such designated donations with the mutual understanding that the donation has been offered by the donor for the general support of the particular Sponsored Project and not for any purpose which would influence the development of the Project to unduly benefit any individual or enterprise end user. If a question arises regarding whether or not to accept such a project-designated donation, NumFOCUS staff leadership will consult with the project’s governing members for their advice and guidance. As with unrestricted donations, ultimate determination lies with the NumFOCUS Board of Directors.

We intend for all of our community members and partners to feel both comfortable and appreciated when offering their support. In the event we conclude that we are unable to accept a donation based on the criteria outlined above, NumFOCUS will provide the prospective donor with a thorough and transparent explanation of our decision. We will also work with the prospective donor to explore alternative options or arrangements to accept their support.

Please contact with any questions about our Donation Acceptance Policy.