A Definition

The concept of a foundation can vary greatly depending on who you talk to. This is just one perspective on the concept. There are two critical parts to the concept of a foundation. First, the word itself suggests stability, that underlying component that holds up a building. Second, it suggests a benevolent behaviour that supports others, e.g. a charitable, community organisation meaning to help people.

These two ideas tie together nicely into what I mean by the term foundation here. In principle I mean an organisation that supports, promotes and protects a community and its product. Along the way, the foundation may do such things as manage information or provide an Internet infrastructure for a community.

Specifically, I am referring to a foundation that is much like other foundations that exist around open source software. They help protect a product's source code, ensuring longevity and security for the long term. They also help direct development and promotional communications. Sometimes they distribute grants or fund software development focused on community needs. They are often non-profit entities, but do not have to be.