Hi AJ, On Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 12:16:20AM -0700, AJ ONeal wrote: > I was thinking more along the lines of something like this: > > I suggest that a free software organization of some sort produce some sort > of software. > I donate the money necessary to fund the development of said software. > > I benefit from the donation, but so does everyone else. > > Perhaps there is no such organization currently in place.
One thing to consider is whether the specific benefit you receive for the work you requested would reduce or eliminate the amount of the tax benefit you might otherwise get from any charitable contribution. Another is what complications might arise if the transaction is deemed to be an independent contracting relationship, or even an employment relationship (with the developer as employee). Further still, free/open source software development may not always qualify as a charitable activity, depending on the country. All of these questions may have different answers depending on your specific situation and jurisdiction. All I can recommend is to consult a tax professional such as an accountant or tax lawyer in the jurisdiction where you are located. If you have a specific proposal for SPI, keeping in mind that we are a US-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status with the Internal Revenue Service, we'd be happy to consider it. This particular list is publically archived and indexed by search engines; [email protected] is not publically archived or indexed but is available to all SPI contributing members; and [email protected] will reach the SPI board of directors. Use whichever method of contact you feel is appropriate. - Jimmy Kaplowitz Member, SPI Board of Directors [email protected] _______________________________________________ Spi-general mailing list [email protected] http://lists.spi-inc.org/listinfo/spi-general
