Actually I think you're mistaken.  IIRC, theo's biggest beef about
non-profits is that it is too much trouble, and he would rather be
coding than handling non-profit related paperwork.

As a user, I actually think setting up something like a google
sponsored link would be good - they already know how to send money to
Theo.  I'd certainly set up all my browsers to whatever link that is
created.

I've actually been contemplating setting up a non-profit.  If there's
any accountants with experience would be willing to talk to me, I'd
appreciate it.


On 1/20/07, J.C. Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
On Saturday 20 January 2007 10:09, Jean-Daniel Beaubien wrote:
> > Feeling unloved? -Don't worry, Theo can flame you when he gets
> > home.
>
> I'm sure he will...but damn it I still think it's a good idea... :)
>

A bit of (possibly unwanted and) unsolicited advice; do not suggest
setting up a "non-profit" for OpenBSD.

There are some which think the idea of tax exempt status for
"non-profit" organizations is a good thing since it allows individuals
to decide what to do with their income. There are others which think
the idea of tax exempt status for "non-profit" organizations is a bad
thing since it deprives the state of tax revenue which could be used
for social programs (i.e. public heath care and such).

Whether you agree or disagree, Theo falls in the latter category. If you
try to change his opinion, he will most likely ignore you or flame you
six ways from Sunday rather than get in yet another pointless debate on
the topic.

Anything given to "OpenBSD" or any of it's developers is given as a gift
to another individual person, is taxed as a gift on the receiving end
and most often, the giver can not be get a tax deduction for the gift.
(note: some companies in some countries have the ability to categorize
the gift as a business expense... -go ask your friendly neighborhood
over-paid tax lawyer about it :-).

The mozilla foundation is a non-profit, and hence, it *can* get special
treatment from Google because Google can possibly deduct the "payments"
made to the foundation. In short, I seriously doubt OpenBSD (i.e.
individuals) could get the same kind of deal from Google.

As a foundation, mozilla can give grants to other non-profits,
fellowships or even individuals (i.e. "OpenBSD"). The best way to make
it work is negotiate something with Google through Mozilla. In other
words a custom URI which would mark Mozilla earnings from Google to be
sent to OpenBSD.

Since the Mozilla Foundation is listed as a donor on the OpenBSD
donations page, I doubt Theo would have many problems with accepting
further grants from them. Of course, you'll need to ask him yourself.
http://www.openbsd.org/donations.html

As for the irony of accepting grants from non-profits while refusing to
create a non-profit for the project due to political beliefs, well, you
best not point out the inconsistency...

Kind Regards,
JCR

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