Self-Sustainability in Open Source

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Patrick Masson

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Jan 11, 2026, 3:05:48 PM (9 days ago) Jan 11

to Apereo Announce, op...@apereo.org, proj...@apereo.org

Hello all,

Others and I in Apereo have been conceptualizing how projects and foundations can better approach sustainability. Through this work, I've become particularly interested in "Self-Sustainability." That's not just a marketing spin to create differentiation: Self-sustainability reframes open source support from relying on external generosity (one-time donations, annual sponsorships, grants, i.e., soft money) to generating lasting value through the community's own skills, services, and infrastructure. Our code is free, but our labor shouldn't be.

I'm doing a 15-minute presentation this Tuesday, Jan. 12, during the "Open Source in 2026" virtual a PunchTape event, Open in 2026 (see: https://www.linkedin.com/events/opensourcein20267391480824744951808/).

If folks are interested, I would love feedback (this email is more about critique than promoting the event or my session) to help us assess and develop the model, especially as opportunities for Apereo projects are integral to this working.

Thanks for your time and contributions,
Patrick

--
Patrick Masson
Executive Director
Apereo Foundation
9450 SW Gemini Dr PMB 98572
Beaverton, OR 97008-7105
Mobile: +1 (919) MASSON1
Calendar: Book a call

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