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Free Software Foundation Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 042888848 ✦ Boston, MA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Free Software Foundation Inc?

Free Software Foundation Inc, situated in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as a nonprofit advocate for computer users' rights. Their mission is to promote and safeguard the liberty to utilize, study, duplicate, and modify the software and related documentation on personal computers. The organization achieves this by engaging in various initiatives, such as launching educational campaigns, publishing informative materials, and writing articles and alerts focusing on personal computing and internet freedom. They also empower volunteers and organize annual conferences to foster a sense of community among free software enthusiasts. With a team of 15 dedicated individuals, Free Software Foundation Inc provides valuable resources and support to help individuals use computers ethically.


Official website here: www.fsf.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 87% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)

The Free Software Foundation Inc has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a solid performance in accountability and finance. With an 85% score in Accountability & Finance and a perfect score of 100% in Leadership & Adaptability, the organization demonstrates a strong commitment to financial transparency and ethical governance practices.

The Foundation excels in its program expense ratio, which stands at 89.02%, reflecting a significant focus on programmatic activities. Its board is fully independent, consisting of six members, and the organization has established thorough policies on conflict of interest and whistleblowing, which strengthen its governance. Furthermore, the foundation has shown a commitment to leadership development and adaptability, providing evidence of its proactive approach in these areas.

However, while the overall rating is favorable, the Accountability & Finance score indicates some areas for improvement. The organization maintains a low liabilities-to-assets ratio at 12.51%, suggesting prudent financial management, but stakeholders may seek further enhancements in operational efficiency. Overall, the Free Software Foundation demonstrates strong governance but could continue to refine its financial practices.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Free Software Foundation Inc legitimate?

Free Software Foundation Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Free Software Foundation Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $200,607
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $683,843

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.fsf.org

What is the mission statement of Free Software Foundation Inc?

The Free Software Foundation Inc's mission is centered around promoting and safeguarding the rights of computer users. They strive to allow individuals to utilize, examine, duplicate, and alter the software and related documentation on their computers. The organization also aids in the development and application of free software and documentation. Their education and outreach program actively advocates for computer user freedom through various means, such as online and in-person campaigns, publishing educational materials, writing articles, and organizing events. They empower volunteers to advocate for free software in their local communities and respond to numerous emails from interested individuals each year. The foundation also hosts an annual conference to bring together the free software community.


Official website here: www.fsf.org

Who is the CEO of Free Software Foundation Inc?

Geoffrey Knauth is the Ed To Feb2022 of Free Software Foundation Inc.


Official website here: www.fsf.org

What is the revenue of Free Software Foundation Inc?

Free Software Foundation Inc's revenue in 2022 was $1,352,816.


Official website here: www.fsf.org

Who are the executives of Free Software Foundation Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Free Software Foundation Inc during 2022 was $58,963. There are 15 employees and 2203 volunteers at Free Software Foundation Inc.


Here are 9 key members and their salaries:


John Sullivan (Ed To Feb2022)
  • Compensation: $172,450
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,352
Zoe Kooyman (Ed From Feb2022)
  • Compensation: $82,308
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,565
John Hsieh (Deputy Director)
  • Compensation: $55,656
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard M Stallman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ian Kelling (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Odile Benassy (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Henry Poole (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gerald Sussman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Geoffrey Knauth (Treasurer President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.fsf.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Free Software Foundation Inc?

Free Software Foundation Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.fsf.org

Learn more at the official website: www.fsf.org

Mission Statement of Free Software Foundation Inc

The Free Software Foundation Inc, as a nonprofit organization, is committed to a mission that champions and safeguards the rights of computer users. This mission encompasses the liberty for individuals to utilize, investigate, duplicate, and modify the software installed on their computers, alongside the associated documentation. The organization's purpose is not only to uphold these rights but also to foster the growth and utilization of free software and related documentation.

To execute its mission, the Free Software Foundation Inc has implemented various strategies. Among them is an education and outreach program, which advocates for computer user freedom through diverse channels. This includes conducting online and in-person campaigns, publishing educational materials, writing articles and action alerts related to personal computing freedom and internet freedom, speaking at events, mobilizing volunteers to advocate for free software in their local communities, answering thousands of emails annually from individuals interested in free software, and organizing an annual conference that brings together the free software community.

In essence, the Free Software Foundation Inc serves as a beacon for computer user rights, providing tools and resources to promote and defend these freedoms. By assisting in the development and use of free software and documentation, the organization empowers individuals to navigate the digital landscape with integrity and autonomy.

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Impact




July, 2024

The Free Software Foundation Inc has had a significant impact on promoting and defending computer users' rights to use, study, copy, and modify the software on their computers. Through their education and outreach programs, the foundation advocates for computer user freedom through online and in-person campaigns, publishing educational materials, writing issue-focused articles, and speaking at events.

Their work not only raises awareness about the importance of free software but also provides practical guidance on how individuals can use and develop free software ethically. By coordinating and empowering volunteers to advocate for free software in their local communities and organizing an annual conference, the Free Software Foundation Inc plays a crucial role in bringing the free software community together.

Additionally, the Foundation's efforts in answering thousands of emails each year from people interested in free software demonstrate their commitment to supporting and engaging with individuals who are seeking information and assistance in this field. Overall, the Free Software Foundation Inc's impact is significant in advancing the cause of computer user freedom and promoting the development and use of free software.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Free Software Foundation Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$1,352,816 (2022)
Expenses
$1,580,673 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: -$53,027
  • Gross Receipts: $1,497,873

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,363,877
  • Total Liabilities: $86,590
  • Net Assets: $2,277,287

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1985

Principal Officer

Geoffrey Knauth

Main Address

51 Franklin St 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02110

NTEE Category

Code: U40 - Science research

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