OSMF Affiliation Models

Focus Group Discussion

26 April 2025

1. Background

Background

The OpenStreetMap Foundation only recognizes geography-based Local Chapters as affiliates of the Foundation.

There are currently 18 Local Chapters.

Background

Of the 18 Local Chapters, 13 (72%) are in Europe.

How can we diversify the groups affiliated to the Foundation? Should we explore other models such as user groups?

Local Chapter eligibility

Must be an incorporated non-profit entity (or part of one)

Must be democratic and have open membership

Must support OSM and promote community building

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The problems with Local Chapters

The bureaucratic burden of setting up and maintaining a non-profit

Conflicts between fundraising and non-profit requirements

Exclusion of non-geographic, thematic, or informal groups (e.g., GeoChicas)

Not all communities are organised enough to become a Local Chapter

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What about commercial activities?

Paid mapping as a commercial activity

Scope of business and clients

Use of OpenStreetMap trademarks

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Willingness to adhere by Foundation policies

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Affiliation Models Subcommittee

The Foundation’s Local Chapters and Communities Working Group (LCCWG) created the OSMF Affiliation Models Subcommittee in October 2024.

Subcommittee teams

Research Team�

Review affiliation models of other open communities to learn from them and how we can adopt or iterate for the OSMF

Coordination and Facilitation Team

Coordinate with LCCWG and LWG regarding legal rights and conduct discussion meetings with the community

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Research

• Wikimedia Foundation – chapters, user groups, thematic orgs
• Mozilla Reps
• Creative Commons – chapters
• Python Foundation – user groups, special interest groups
• OSGeo
• etc.

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/�Table_of_summary_of_pre-existent_foundation_schemes_for_affiliation

2. Discussion

Guide questions

1. Is becoming an official affiliate of the OpenStreetMap Foundation important to you or your group?
2. What advantages or disadvantages do you see with becoming an affiliate?

Guide questions

• If the OSM Foundation decides to recognize user groups, what sort of criteria is good to meet in order to become an official user group?
• If the OSM Foundation decides to recognize thematic organisations, what sort of criteria is good to meet in order to become an official thematic organisation?
• Are there other types that we need?

Guiding Questions

• If we will add new types, should Local Chapters remain as the ideal type?
• How can we create and enforce agreements for non-registered entities?

Let’s discuss!