The Firefox example is actually the reverse, Firefox funds the Mozilla Foundation. This is a case of an open source project successfully monetising through search referrals (mostly from Google).
Comment on How is Open Source developed paid?
inlandempire@jlai.lu 4 weeks ago
Most open source projects will have a donation page / link, so it relies on people feeling compelled to donate because the software provided is useful to them.
Lemmy for example has options for financially supporting its development. Some Lemmy instances also feature a link to a donation page to cover the hosting costs.
Some have an organisation behind it, like Firefox has the Mozilla Foundation to finance it.
The team behind VLC has a “for profit” branch that adapts the video software for companies, allowing them to also finance VLC’s development in addition to donations.
ahal@lemmy.ca 4 weeks ago
inlandempire@jlai.lu 4 weeks ago
Oh wow thanks for the correction, I’ll edit my comment
EABOD25@lemm.ee 4 weeks ago
Would “Freelance” be a good word for it?
krdo@programming.dev 4 weeks ago
I think consulting would be a better word
gedaliyah@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
Some of Lemmy development is/was paid by foundation funding.