TL;DR
The Free Software Foundation announced two anonymous donations made in Monero that together total about $900,000. The gifts arrived during the FSF's winter fundraising drive and will fund technical work, infrastructure and advocacy while the group shifts focus to recruiting members.
What happened
The Free Software Foundation reported receiving two substantial private contributions that together amount to roughly $900,000, both donated in the cryptocurrency Monero. The donors have chosen to remain anonymous. The organization said the unusually large gifts rank among the biggest private donations it has ever received. The timing coincides with the FSF's winter fundraising campaign, which it says has reached about 75% of a $400,000 goal; the group plans to move emphasis to a member drive following the boost from these donations. FSF leadership indicated the funds will be directed toward technical staff and infrastructure capacity as well as support for campaigns, education, licensing work, advocacy and other future opportunities. The foundation reiterated its reliance on a broad base of individual contributors and is seeking to convert supporters into associate members by January 16.
Why it matters
- The donation size is unusually large for the FSF and can materially expand the group's immediate operational capacity.
- Gifts made in Monero link the funding to privacy-focused cryptocurrency ecosystems, which resonates with FSF priorities.
- The influx reduces short-term pressure on year-end fundraising and lets the organization prioritize member recruitment.
- FSF emphasizes that sustaining independence still depends on a wide base of smaller individual contributions.
Key facts
- Total reported amount: about $900,000 from two separate contributions.
- Both donations were made in the cryptocurrency Monero.
- Donors have asked to remain anonymous.
- FSF described the gifts as among the largest private donations it has received.
- The organization is in a winter fundraising drive and reported being three-quarters of the way to a $400,000 goal.
- Following the donations, FSF will shift focus to a member drive aimed at gaining 100 associate members by January 16.
- Funds are earmarked for technical team and infrastructure capacity, plus campaigns, education, licensing and advocacy.
- The Free Software Foundation was founded in 1985 and advocates for users' rights to use, study, modify and redistribute software.
What to watch next
- Whether the FSF reaches its target of 100 new associate members by January 16.
- How the organization allocates the donated funds across technical work, infrastructure and advocacy programs.
- not confirmed in the source: Whether the anonymous donors will disclose their identities or make further contributions.
Quick glossary
- Monero: A cryptocurrency designed with a focus on privacy and untraceability for transactions.
- Free Software Foundation (FSF): A nonprofit organization promoting users' rights to use, study, modify and redistribute software; founded in 1985.
- Associate member: A supporting individual or member who contributes to the FSF and participates in its supporter base.
- GNU/Linux: A family of operating systems combining the GNU project's software with the Linux kernel; frequently associated with free software advocacy.
Reader FAQ
How much did the FSF receive?
The FSF reported two donations totaling about $900,000.
Who made the donations?
The donors asked to remain anonymous.
How will the money be used?
The FSF said the funds will support technical staff and infrastructure, plus campaigns, education, licensing and advocacy work.
Is the FSF still fundraising?
Yes; the FSF said its winter campaign is ongoing, at about 75% of a $400,000 goal, and it is seeking 100 associate members by January 16.
Free Software Foundation receives historic private donations by Free Software Foundation — Published on Dec 24, 2025 05:06 PM Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Wednesday, December 24, 2025) — The Free Software…
Sources
- Free Software Foundation receives historic private donations
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