Policy Plan 2025

Language note

This site is primarily published in Dutch to meet legal requirements. Translations are for convenience only. The Dutch text is authoritative and legally binding.

Management Summary

Stichting OpenCommit was founded in December 2024 with the aim of promoting the development, support, and distribution of Free/Libre and open source software (FLOSS/OSS) in the Netherlands and Europe. In 2025, the foundation will focus on setting up the free code hosting platform OpenFork, providing open source developers with an independent, sustainable, and accessible alternative to existing commercial platforms.

The main objectives for 2025 are to deliver a stable first version of the platform, attract the first users and projects, and lay the foundation for an active open source community. In addition, work will be done on building partnerships, ensuring the continuity of the foundation, and formalizing the name change to Stichting OpenCommit.

In 2025, the foundation will finance its activities mainly through donations from board members and external donors. Expenditures will mainly consist of hosting, domain names, and legal costs. Board members do not receive remuneration for their work. Transparency and accountability are central: an annual activity and financial report will be published.

With this policy plan, Stichting OpenCommit takes the first step toward an independent, open, and sustainable platform for open source software development in Europe.

Introduction

Stichting OpenCommit was established on 16 December 2024 with the aim of promoting the creation, maintenance, support, collection, distribution, and archiving of Free/Libre and open source software (FLOSS/OSS). The foundation addresses the need for an independent, sustainable, and accessible platform for open source software development in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe.

In 2025, the foundation will focus on developing and setting up the code hosting platform OpenFork, which will be made available free of charge to open source developers.

Practical information

  • Name: Stichting OpenGit
  • RSIN: 867313328
  • Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number: 95808930
  • VAT number: NL 867313328B01
  • Registered office: Leiden, Netherlands
  • Contact: hello@opencommit.eu
  • Website: www.opencommit.eu
  • Trade names:
    • Stichting OpenCommit / OpenCommit
    • OpenFork
    • OpenBranch

Note: for details regarding “OpenGit” vs “OpenCommit”, see the section “Name change of the foundation”.

Mission & Vision

Mission

Stichting OpenCommit promotes the development and use of open source software by providing reliable, transparent, and accessible digital infrastructure.

We believe that open source software contributes to innovation, digital sovereignty, and a fair, open society.

Vision (long term)

In the long term, Stichting OpenCommit aims to grow into a leading, independent player in the European open source ecosystem. We want to provide a platform where developers, organizations, and governments can collaborate safely and sustainably on software that serves the public interest.

Target group

The foundation focuses on open source developers, both individuals and organizations, such as municipalities and other foundations.

Objectives 2025

  • Establishing and developing the OpenFork platform as a free service for FLOSS developers.
  • Delivering an initial stable and usable version of the platform.
  • Attracting the first users and open source projects.
  • Laying the foundation for an active and engaged open source community.
  • Building partnerships with relevant partners and organizations.
  • Ensuring the continuity and independence of the foundation.
  • Amending the statutory name of Stichting OpenGit to Stichting OpenCommit.
  • Updating logos and names on the website and other locations.

Activities

In 2025, Stichting OpenCommit will undertake the following activities:

  • Development of the OpenFork platform: setting up the technical infrastructure, developing and testing the first version, and implementing essential functionalities.
  • Pilot phase: inviting a small group of developers to test the platform, collecting feedback, and implementing improvements.
  • Community building: organizing (online) meetups, presentations, and workshops to engage the first users.
  • Communication and promotion: launching the website, publishing news items and blogs, actively communicating via social media.
  • Fundraising: raising donations, grants, and sponsorships.
  • Reporting and transparency: publishing an annual report and financial accountability.
  • Development of a five-year policy plan (2025-2030) and the policy plan for 2025.
  • Visit to FOSDEM 2025: knowledge sharing and network building.
  • Applying for ANBI status.
  • Amending the articles of association concerning the name of the foundation.
  • Updating the logos and names on the website and other locations.

Name change of the foundation

After the establishment of Stichting OpenGit, we received notification during 2025 that “git” is a registered trademark of the Git project, even when it is part of a larger name.

The board of Stichting OpenGit then contacted the legal representative of the trademark, the Software Freedom Conservancy in Brooklyn, NY.

Despite repeated requests and negotiations between the Git project via the SFC on the one hand and the foundation on the other, the board of the Git project denied our request to use the trademark.

Although the board of Stichting OpenGit still saw opportunities to file an objection, after deliberation the board decided to respect the decision of the Git project.

The board then chose a new name for both the foundation and the services it provides. As far as the foundation has been able to ascertain through trademark registration sites, etc., these names are not subject to any trademark.

The new names are:

  • Stichting OpenCommit;
  • OpenFork for the free git hosting service we provide to open source projects;
  • OpenBranch for possible future expansion;

The domains opencommit.eu & .nl, openfork.eu & .nl, as well as openbranch.eu & .nl are registered.

Financial policy

Income

In 2025, income will be obtained via online donation buttons on the website, passive donations via LiberaPay, attempts to obtain government grants, and attracting sponsorships from the business community.

Most donations for 2025 will be guaranteed by the board members, whether in cash or in kind.

Expenditures

Expenditures consist of costs for hosting, domain names, hardware, payment fees, office supplies, and general expenses.

Hosting and domain costs will largely be sponsored by the founders in 2025.

Budget 2025

Wat Inkomsten Uitgaven
Donaties 3.600,–
Sponsoring 0,–
Merchandising 0,–
Balans van 2024 0,–
Hosting 168,–
Domeinen 50,–
Hardware 0,–
Betalingskosten 100,–
Kantoorbenodigdheden 100,–
Juridische uitgaven 1.200,–
Algemene uitgaven 50,–
Sub-totaal 3.600,– 1.668,–
BALANS 1.932,–

All amounts in euros.

Notes:

  • Hosting and domain costs will be fully sponsored by the founders in 2025.
  • The minimum financial income to remain financially healthy in the long term is guaranteed by the board members in the form of donations.

Reserve policy

The foundation aims to build a modest financial reserve to cover unforeseen expenses and ensure continuity. In the first year, the focus is on realizing the basic infrastructure; building a fund for future investments is a goal for the coming years.

Management of assets

The board is responsible for managing the assets. Accountability will take place through the annual publication of the annual report and the financial report on the foundation’s website.

Board and organization

  • Chair: Martijn van der Kleijn
  • Secretary: Sebastiaan Mannem
  • Treasurer: Benoit Schipper

The board consists of at least three members. Board members do not receive remuneration for their work, except for possible expense reimbursements. In 2025, there will only be unpaid volunteer work.

Communication & accountability

The foundation communicates actively via the website (www.opencommit.eu) and social media. Stakeholders are kept informed of the progress of the platform’s development, activities, and results.

An annual report will be published on the website each year, including financial details.

Evaluation

The progress of the foundation will be evaluated by the board at least once a year. This includes assessing the achievement of objectives, the effectiveness of activities, and the financial situation. The outcomes of the evaluation will also be shared in the annual report.

Based on this evaluation, the plan and policy for the following year will be adjusted where necessary.

Risks and mitigation

Risks

  • Financial uncertainty: In the first year, the foundation largely depends on donations from board members and a limited number of external donors. The absence of additional income may jeopardize the platform’s continuity.
  • Technical challenges: Developing a stable and secure code hosting platform requires specialist knowledge and effort. Unforeseen technical problems can lead to delays or additional costs.
  • Lack of users and community: Without sufficient engaged developers and projects, there is a risk that the platform will not gain sufficient traction.
  • Legal and administrative obstacles: The name change, ANBI application, and compliance with laws and regulations may require more time and resources than anticipated.
  • Dependence on volunteers: The foundation runs entirely on volunteers, which can be vulnerable in case of dropout or limited availability.

Mitigation

  • Diversification of income: In addition to donations from board members, the foundation will actively work on attracting external donors, grants, and sponsors to broaden the financial base.
  • Phased development: By developing the platform step by step and testing it with a pilot group, technical risks are identified and addressed in time.
  • Community building: By organizing meetups, workshops, and active communication, efforts are made to build an engaged user base.
  • Legal support: External expertise will be engaged in good time for legal and administrative issues.
  • Clear division of tasks: Clear agreements and division of tasks within the board and the volunteer group will ensure the continuity of activities.