Websites using Opencollective

Okay, let s break down Open Collective, covering its overview, revenue model, alternatives, pricing, and customer care details.

Open Collective: An Overview

Open Collective is a platform designed to facilitate transparent and sustainable funding for open source projects, communities, and other initiatives. It s not a traditional charity or a for-profit company. Instead, it operates as a fiscal host and provides a platform for groups to:

• Collect Funds: Receive donations, sponsorships, and other forms of financial contributions.
• Manage Finances: Track expenses, pay contributors, and handle bookkeeping transparently.
• Build Communities: Connect with supporters and collaborators.
• Operate Legally: Function as a fiscally sponsored entity, often avoiding the need to establish their own legal nonprofit status.

Key Features:

• Transparency: All financial transactions are publicly viewable, promoting trust and accountability.
• Fiscal Hosting: Open Collective acts as a fiscal sponsor, receiving funds on behalf of its collectives and handling legal and administrative overhead.
• Collective Model: Users create Collectives – independent entities managing their own finances and operations within the Open Collective framework.
• Recurring Contributions: Allows for subscriptions and recurring donations.
• Expense Tracking: Facilitates detailed record keeping of expenditures.
• Multi-Currency Support: Supports various currencies, making it accessible for international communities.

Revenue Model

Open Collective operates on a take-a-percentage basis rather than a fixed subscription model. Here s how they make money:

• Transaction Fees: Open Collective charges a percentage of the funds raised by Collectives. This fee covers platform development, maintenance, fiscal sponsorship services, and administration.
• Premium Features: They also offer additional features, such as premium support or customized services, for larger collectives with substantial revenue.

Alternatives to Open Collective

Several platforms offer similar or overlapping functionality. Here are some key alternatives:

1. GitHub Sponsors:

   • Focus: Specifically targets open-source developers on GitHub.
   • Features: Direct integration with GitHub, recurring sponsorships.
   • Pros: Simple for developers, integrates with GitHub workflow.
   • Cons: Limited to GitHub-centric projects, not ideal for wider community funding.

2. Liberapay:

   • Focus: Emphasizes recurring donations and micropayments for creators and projects.
   • Features: Simple, open-source platform focused on direct support.
   • Pros: Low fees, strong emphasis on privacy and transparency.
   • Cons: Less structured than Open Collective, fewer features for expense management.

3. Patreon:

   • Focus: Designed for creators and artists looking for recurring income via memberships.
   • Features: Tiered membership levels, rewards for patrons.
   • Pros: Large user base, good for content creators, marketing tools.
   • Cons: Not specifically designed for open-source or community projects, high fees.

4. Donorbox:

   • Focus: Geared towards nonprofits and charities, offering donation management.
   • Features: Donation forms, recurring donations, marketing tools.
   • Pros: Powerful for fundraising, nonprofit focused features.
   • Cons: Not specifically for open-source communities, may have more overhead for small collectives.

5. Buy Me a Coffee:

   • Focus: Simple platform for one-time donations and ongoing support.
   • Features: Easy donation page, good for individual creators.
   • Pros: Very easy to set up, suitable for smaller projects and individuals.
   • Cons: Less comprehensive finance features than Open Collective.

6. Custom Fiscal Sponsorship:

   • Focus: Working directly with an established fiscal sponsor.
   • Features: Tailored financial and legal support.
   • Pros: High flexibility, can be customized for complex situations.
   • Cons: Often more expensive, requires finding a suitable fiscal sponsor.

Pricing Details

Open Collective s pricing is primarily based on a percentage of funds raised by each collective:

• Transaction Fee: Open Collective typically charges a fee of around 5-10% of the funds received by a Collective. This fee can vary based on agreements. They might offer sliding scales, potentially with reduced fees for larger collectives. It s best to refer to their current fee schedule on their website.
• Premium Features: As mentioned, if you require advanced features or dedicated support, you will need to consider additional fees.

Customer Care

Open Collective s customer care approach is based on community support and documentation, with the option for more dedicated help for premium clients:

• Community Forum: They rely heavily on a community forum where users can ask questions, share insights, and help each other.
• Documentation: They provide detailed documentation and guides on using the platform.
• Email Support: While they don t offer immediate phone support, they do have an email support system for complex questions.
• Premium Support: For Collectives paying for premium services, they offer more personalized support.
• Open Communication: Open Collective is known for its transparency, they are receptive to feedback and willing to make changes to improve their offering.

Key Points to Remember

• Transparency is Paramount: Open Collective s core value is transparency in all financial dealings.
• Fiscal Sponsorship: This service simplifies legal and administrative complexities for the Collectives.
• Community Driven: The platform is designed to empower communities and their unique funding needs.
• Fees Vary: While they have a core percentage-based model, it s important to confirm the current fee structure and any additional costs for premium services.
• Support: Rely on community forums and email for typical support and dedicated support for premium users.

In conclusion, Open Collective is a strong option for open source projects and communities needing transparent, community-led funding. Its focus on fiscal hosting sets it apart, but the alternatives listed might be more appropriate for different needs. Always research and compare features, fees, and support models to ensure you choose the best fit for your unique situation.