“`html

Python’s Stand: Why PSF Rejected Federal Funds & Sparked a Donor Surge

The air in the Python Software Foundation’s (PSF) virtual meeting room must have been thick with a complex mix of anticipation and apprehension.

For months, Seth Larson, the PSF’s principal investigator, had shepherded a $1.5 million grant application from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a multi-round, rigorous vetting process.

This was a potential game-changer, earmarked for critical security enhancements to the Python Package Index (PyPI), benefiting the entire open source world.

But then, as the finish line came into view, the rules changed.

New federal terms and conditions dropped, demanding the PSF dismantle its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs as a prerequisite for funding.

It was a stark ultimatum: compromise core values or walk away from a significant financial lifeline.

The Python Software Foundation made a difficult but unanimous decision to reject a $1.5 million federal grant after new conditions mandated ending all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a move that unexpectedly triggered a massive wave of community donations and support.

Why This Matters Now: Values in the Age of AI

In an era where technology rapidly shapes our future, particularly with the explosion of the AI sector, the underlying values of the communities building these tools have never been more critical.

Python, the backbone of much of this innovation, relies on a vibrant, inclusive developer community.

The PSF’s predicament and its subsequent decision highlights a growing tension between funding models and organizational ethics.

It served as a real-world stress test for businesses and non-profits alike: when substantial funding clashes with deeply held principles, which way do you lean?

The immediate, overwhelming response from the Python community was not just heartwarming; it was a potent market signal.

The Unanimous Decision: Why the $1.5 Million Grant Was Turned Down

Imagine being told that the very foundation of your community spirit, your commitment to making a big tent even bigger, had to be dismantled to secure resources needed to protect that community.

This was the frustrating reality Loren Crary, PSF deputy executive director, articulated on Reddit: It was so maddening to have to turn down work that would benefit everyone… because they insisted on dictating what we do outside of the security project (The New Stack, 2023).

The grant, an estimated 30% boost to the PSF’s annual budget of roughly $5 million (The New Stack, 2023), would have provided $1.5 million over two years for improving PyPI security against supply chain attacks.

It was easily the largest grant the PSF had ever received, representing a colossal opportunity (The New Stack, 2023).

Yet, the new terms meant a direct conflict with their ongoing DEI initiatives.

Simon Willison, a PSF board member, confirmed the difficulty and the unity: I was one of the board members who voted to reject this funding — a unanimous but tough decision, he wrote on his blog.

I’m proud to serve on a board that can make difficult decisions like this (The New Stack, 2023).

This choice was not just about money; it was about the very identity of the open source ecosystem the PSF serves, a clear affirmation of their values-driven organizations ethos.

A Choice Beyond the Balance Sheet

What makes this decision particularly insightful for any organization is its counterintuitive nature.

On paper, rejecting $1.5 million when facing economic pressures and lower sponsorships seems reckless.

However, it revealed a profound understanding of the Python community’s collective conscience.

It signaled that integrity, inclusivity, and corporate social responsibility were not merely buzzwords but foundational pillars.

The choice asserted that the cost of compromising values could be far greater than the immediate financial loss, risking the trust and active participation of their global user base.

A Flood of Support: Donations, Social Media, and Leadership Voices

The announcement of the rejection was met not with condemnation, but with a remarkable outpouring of affirmation.

It was a digital ripple effect that quickly turned into a wave.

On the very day of the announcement, the PSF received about 300 new donations (The New Stack, 2023).

This initial surge was just the beginning.

Loren Crary humorously noted on Reddit that they zero percent expected a flood of support, and it’s been a huge deal for us (The New Stack, 2023), a testament to the community’s immediate and fervent response.

Within less than two weeks, Deb Nicholson, PSF executive director, reported inspiring numbers: We’ve raised over $157,000, including 295 new Supporting Members (The New Stack, 2023).

This rapid influx demonstrates that community support can partially offset significant financial losses from value-driven decisions (The New Stack, 2023).

Beyond direct financial support, the decision resonated widely across social media platforms.

The PSF’s announcement post on the Reddit Python subreddit garnered 1,400 upvotes and hundreds of comments.

It made the front page of Hacker News, pulling in 726 upvotes and even more comments (The New Stack, 2023).

On LinkedIn, the PSF’s direct and clear summary, The PSF has made the decision to put our community and our shared diversity, equity, and inclusion values ahead of seeking $1.5M in new revenue (The New Stack, 2023), saw over 2,000 supportive reactions, 361 reposts, and 88 comments within days (The New Stack, 2023).

This highlights that social media platforms are powerful tools for amplifying community sentiment and catalyzing direct action (The New Stack, 2023).

Even Python’s original creator, Guido van Rossum, publicly shared his support on X (formerly known as Twitter): If you haven’t heard about this, kudos to the PSF for standing for its values (which are also my values) (The New Stack, 2023).

This collective endorsement underscores that prioritizing organizational values over funding resonates strongly with stakeholders, especially in open-source communities (The New Stack, 2023).

The Unforeseen Costs and Future of PyPI Security

While the donor surge was undeniably powerful, it does not entirely bridge the $1.5 million gap (The New Stack, 2023).

The grant rejection carries tangible consequences for the critical security work it was meant to fund.

Seth Larson sadly confirmed, The automated package reviewing pipeline as proposed in the grant has no timeline to be implemented given current circumstances (The New Stack, 2023).

This pipeline was designed to proactively screen for supply chain attacks on PyPI, a vital defense for the Python community.

The broader open source funding landscape would also suffer, as the grant-funded work could have been transferable for all open source software package registries, improving security across multiple ecosystems.

Without the grant, the dedicated staff for this project will not be hired, and the additional work required for wider adaptability like comprehensive documentation will be postponed.

Larson notes that the PSF will now have to balance the roadmap of work and maintenance on the Python Package Index (PyPI) and CPython with only existing security staffing.

This leaves far less room for new large-scale projects (The New Stack, 2023).

Charting a New Path: PSF’s Continued Commitment to Values and Funding

Despite the setback, the PSF is not deterred.

The PSF is always looking for new opportunities to fund work benefiting the Python community, Deb Nicholson affirmed (The New Stack, 2023).

They are actively exploring new avenues, including European grants, revenue sources that are tied to corporate usage, and increasing our individual giving program (The New Stack, 2023).

This shows a proactive approach to grant regulations and tech community activism in seeking alternative, value-aligned funding.

Even as they seek new funding, the PSF continues its existing security commitments.

PyPI actively implements advanced technologies like Trusted Publishing (a robust alternative to publisher-verifying API tokens), digital provenance attestations, and the ongoing malware-blocking efforts of Project Quarantine (The New Stack, 2023).

These initiatives are critical for maintaining the trustworthiness of the Python ecosystem.

Playbook You Can Use Today: Building a Resilient, Values-Driven Brand

The PSF’s journey offers a powerful playbook for any organization navigating similar challenges.

Here are actionable steps to build a brand that stands strong on its principles, even when tested: Define and live your core values, embedding them into every decision.

Communicate transparently and swiftly when faced with difficult decisions, fostering trust with stakeholders.

Engage your community actively, building connection before a crisis hits and utilizing platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and LinkedIn to maintain dialogue.

Leverage leadership endorsement from key figures to amplify your message and validate decisions.

Be prepared for unexpected outcomes, both good and bad, anticipating best and worst-case scenarios.

Diversify funding and support streams to avoid vulnerability, exploring options such as European grants, corporate usage-tied revenue, and individual giving programs.

Finally, measure community sentiment and engagement beyond donations, tracking social media reactions, comments, and membership growth.

Risks, Trade-offs, and Ethics

While the PSF’s story is inspiring, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks and trade-offs.

Rejecting a substantial grant can leave a significant financial hole, potentially delaying or halting critical projects.

Seth Larson’s update on the automated package reviewing pipeline having no timeline (The New Stack, 2023) is a stark reminder of this.

Organizations must carefully weigh the immediate financial impact against the long-term benefit of upholding values.

The ethical consideration here revolves around grant regulations and the potential for external entities to dictate internal organizational culture.

Mitigation involves proactively seeking diverse funding, building robust reserves, and fostering a fiercely loyal community that can step up when needed.

This approach requires courage and conviction, recognizing that compromising core values can lead to a loss of trust that no amount of funding can buy back.

Tools, Metrics, and Cadence

For any organization cultivating a resilient community and funding model, a strategic toolkit and rigorous measurement are essential.

Recommended tools include a CRM/Donor Management System, Social Listening and Analytics Platforms, and Project Management Software.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track are Donation Volume and Value, New Memberships, Social Engagement Rate, Website Traffic to donation pages, Volunteer/Contributor Sign-ups, and the Grant Application Pipeline for new federal and European grants.

A weekly cadence is ideal for reviewing donation numbers, social media sentiment, and website performance.

Monthly analysis should cover fundraising progress, membership growth, and new funding initiatives.

Quarterly, conduct a strategic review of open source funding efforts, community health metrics, and long-term financial stability in the context of community values.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Python Software Foundation rejected the $1.5 million federal grant because new federal terms required them to end all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs during the funding period, a conflict with their core organizational values (The New Stack, 2023).

These anti-DEI conditions specifically stipulated that the PSF would have to terminate any such programs for the duration of the financial assistance award (The New Stack, 2023).

The Python community responded with an overwhelming donor surge, including thousands of new donations, nearly 300 new Supporting Members, and widespread positive engagement on social media platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and LinkedIn (The New Stack, 2023).

The PyPI security project that the grant was meant to cover, particularly the automated package reviewing pipeline, now has no timeline for implementation due to the lack of funding.

The PSF will manage this work with existing security staff and actively seeks new funding options (The New Stack, 2023), including European grants, corporate usage-tied funding, and an expanded individual giving program, while continuing existing security commitments like Trusted Publishing (a robust alternative to publisher-verifying API tokens), digital provenance attestations, and the ongoing malware-blocking efforts of Project Quarantine (The New Stack, 2023).

Conclusion

The story of the Python Software Foundation’s stand against a federal grant with anti-DEI stipulations is more than a tale of finance; it’s a powerful narrative about integrity, community, and the profound impact of principled leadership.

Seth Larson, Loren Crary, and the entire PSF board faced a dilemma that many organizations fear: sacrificing ideals for security.

Their unanimous decision, though tough, was an ethical reflection that resonated deeply (The New Stack, 2023).

The subsequent donor surge—over $157,000 raised and hundreds of new members in less than two weeks (The New Stack, 2023)—was a collective answer, a living example of how a community responds when its culture is challenged.

It demonstrated, with simple but evocative clarity, that values are not liabilities; they are assets, capable of galvanizing support and forging a path forward.

In a world craving authenticity, the PSF reminded us that the strongest foundations are built not just on code, but on shared human values.

If you believe in the power of an inclusive open source future, consider supporting organizations like the PSF that champion community values at all costs.

Your contribution, big or small, helps secure the infrastructure and the spirit of innovation for everyone.

References

The New Stack. (2023).

PSF Gets a Donor Surge After Rejecting Anti-DEI Federal Grant.

“`

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“`html

Python’s Stand: Why PSF Rejected Federal Funds & Sparked a Donor Surge

The air in the Python Software Foundation’s (PSF) virtual meeting room must have been thick with a complex mix of anticipation and apprehension.

For months, Seth Larson, the PSF’s principal investigator, had shepherded a $1.5 million grant application from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a multi-round, rigorous vetting process.

This was a potential game-changer, earmarked for critical security enhancements to the Python Package Index (PyPI), benefiting the entire open source world.

But then, as the finish line came into view, the rules changed.

New federal terms and conditions dropped, demanding the PSF dismantle its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs as a prerequisite for funding.

It was a stark ultimatum: compromise core values or walk away from a significant financial lifeline.

The Python Software Foundation made a difficult but unanimous decision to reject a $1.5 million federal grant after new conditions mandated ending all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a move that unexpectedly triggered a massive wave of community donations and support.

Why This Matters Now: Values in the Age of AI

In an era where technology rapidly shapes our future, particularly with the explosion of the AI sector, the underlying values of the communities building these tools have never been more critical.

Python, the backbone of much of this innovation, relies on a vibrant, inclusive developer community.

The PSF’s predicament and its subsequent decision highlights a growing tension between funding models and organizational ethics.

It served as a real-world stress test for businesses and non-profits alike: when substantial funding clashes with deeply held principles, which way do you lean?

The immediate, overwhelming response from the Python community was not just heartwarming; it was a potent market signal.

The Unanimous Decision: Why the $1.5 Million Grant Was Turned Down

Imagine being told that the very foundation of your community spirit, your commitment to making a big tent even bigger, had to be dismantled to secure resources needed to protect that community.

This was the frustrating reality Loren Crary, PSF deputy executive director, articulated on Reddit: It was so maddening to have to turn down work that would benefit everyone… because they insisted on dictating what we do outside of the security project (The New Stack, 2023).

The grant, an estimated 30% boost to the PSF’s annual budget of roughly $5 million (The New Stack, 2023), would have provided $1.5 million over two years for improving PyPI security against supply chain attacks.

It was easily the largest grant the PSF had ever received, representing a colossal opportunity (The New Stack, 2023).

Yet, the new terms meant a direct conflict with their ongoing DEI initiatives.

Simon Willison, a PSF board member, confirmed the difficulty and the unity: I was one of the board members who voted to reject this funding — a unanimous but tough decision, he wrote on his blog.

I’m proud to serve on a board that can make difficult decisions like this (The New Stack, 2023).

This choice was not just about money; it was about the very identity of the open source ecosystem the PSF serves, a clear affirmation of their values-driven organizations ethos.

A Choice Beyond the Balance Sheet

What makes this decision particularly insightful for any organization is its counterintuitive nature.

On paper, rejecting $1.5 million when facing economic pressures and lower sponsorships seems reckless.

However, it revealed a profound understanding of the Python community’s collective conscience.

It signaled that integrity, inclusivity, and corporate social responsibility were not merely buzzwords but foundational pillars.

The choice asserted that the cost of compromising values could be far greater than the immediate financial loss, risking the trust and active participation of their global user base.

A Flood of Support: Donations, Social Media, and Leadership Voices

The announcement of the rejection was met not with condemnation, but with a remarkable outpouring of affirmation.

It was a digital ripple effect that quickly turned into a wave.

On the very day of the announcement, the PSF received about 300 new donations (The New Stack, 2023).

This initial surge was just the beginning.

Loren Crary humorously noted on Reddit that they zero percent expected a flood of support, and it’s been a huge deal for us (The New Stack, 2023), a testament to the community’s immediate and fervent response.

Within less than two weeks, Deb Nicholson, PSF executive director, reported inspiring numbers: We’ve raised over $157,000, including 295 new Supporting Members (The New Stack, 2023).

This rapid influx demonstrates that community support can partially offset significant financial losses from value-driven decisions (The New Stack, 2023).

Beyond direct financial support, the decision resonated widely across social media platforms.

The PSF’s announcement post on the Reddit Python subreddit garnered 1,400 upvotes and hundreds of comments.

It made the front page of Hacker News, pulling in 726 upvotes and even more comments (The New Stack, 2023).

On LinkedIn, the PSF’s direct and clear summary, The PSF has made the decision to put our community and our shared diversity, equity, and inclusion values ahead of seeking $1.5M in new revenue (The New Stack, 2023), saw over 2,000 supportive reactions, 361 reposts, and 88 comments within days (The New Stack, 2023).

This highlights that social media platforms are powerful tools for amplifying community sentiment and catalyzing direct action (The New Stack, 2023).

Even Python’s original creator, Guido van Rossum, publicly shared his support on X (formerly known as Twitter): If you haven’t heard about this, kudos to the PSF for standing for its values (which are also my values) (The New Stack, 2023).

This collective endorsement underscores that prioritizing organizational values over funding resonates strongly with stakeholders, especially in open-source communities (The New Stack, 2023).

The Unforeseen Costs and Future of PyPI Security

While the donor surge was undeniably powerful, it does not entirely bridge the $1.5 million gap (The New Stack, 2023).

The grant rejection carries tangible consequences for the critical security work it was meant to fund.

Seth Larson sadly confirmed, The automated package reviewing pipeline as proposed in the grant has no timeline to be implemented given current circumstances (The New Stack, 2023).

This pipeline was designed to proactively screen for supply chain attacks on PyPI, a vital defense for the Python community.

The broader open source funding landscape would also suffer, as the grant-funded work could have been transferable for all open source software package registries, improving security across multiple ecosystems.

Without the grant, the dedicated staff for this project will not be hired, and the additional work required for wider adaptability like comprehensive documentation will be postponed.

Larson notes that the PSF will now have to balance the roadmap of work and maintenance on the Python Package Index (PyPI) and CPython with only existing security staffing.

This leaves far less room for new large-scale projects (The New Stack, 2023).

Charting a New Path: PSF’s Continued Commitment to Values and Funding

Despite the setback, the PSF is not deterred.

The PSF is always looking for new opportunities to fund work benefiting the Python community, Deb Nicholson affirmed (The New Stack, 2023).

They are actively exploring new avenues, including European grants, revenue sources that are tied to corporate usage, and increasing our individual giving program (The New Stack, 2023).

This shows a proactive approach to grant regulations and tech community activism in seeking alternative, value-aligned funding.

Even as they seek new funding, the PSF continues its existing security commitments.

PyPI actively implements advanced technologies like Trusted Publishing (a robust alternative to publisher-verifying API tokens), digital provenance attestations, and the ongoing malware-blocking efforts of Project Quarantine (The New Stack, 2023).

These initiatives are critical for maintaining the trustworthiness of the Python ecosystem.

Playbook You Can Use Today: Building a Resilient, Values-Driven Brand

The PSF’s journey offers a powerful playbook for any organization navigating similar challenges.

Here are actionable steps to build a brand that stands strong on its principles, even when tested: Define and live your core values, embedding them into every decision.

Communicate transparently and swiftly when faced with difficult decisions, fostering trust with stakeholders.

Engage your community actively, building connection before a crisis hits and utilizing platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and LinkedIn to maintain dialogue.

Leverage leadership endorsement from key figures to amplify your message and validate decisions.

Be prepared for unexpected outcomes, both good and bad, anticipating best and worst-case scenarios.

Diversify funding and support streams to avoid vulnerability, exploring options such as European grants, corporate usage-tied revenue, and individual giving programs.

Finally, measure community sentiment and engagement beyond donations, tracking social media reactions, comments, and membership growth.

Risks, Trade-offs, and Ethics

While the PSF’s story is inspiring, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks and trade-offs.

Rejecting a substantial grant can leave a significant financial hole, potentially delaying or halting critical projects.

Seth Larson’s update on the automated package reviewing pipeline having no timeline (The New Stack, 2023) is a stark reminder of this.

Organizations must carefully weigh the immediate financial impact against the long-term benefit of upholding values.

The ethical consideration here revolves around grant regulations and the potential for external entities to dictate internal organizational culture.

Mitigation involves proactively seeking diverse funding, building robust reserves, and fostering a fiercely loyal community that can step up when needed.

This approach requires courage and conviction, recognizing that compromising core values can lead to a loss of trust that no amount of funding can buy back.

Tools, Metrics, and Cadence

For any organization cultivating a resilient community and funding model, a strategic toolkit and rigorous measurement are essential.

Recommended tools include a CRM/Donor Management System, Social Listening and Analytics Platforms, and Project Management Software.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track are Donation Volume and Value, New Memberships, Social Engagement Rate, Website Traffic to donation pages, Volunteer/Contributor Sign-ups, and the Grant Application Pipeline for new federal and European grants.

A weekly cadence is ideal for reviewing donation numbers, social media sentiment, and website performance.

Monthly analysis should cover fundraising progress, membership growth, and new funding initiatives.

Quarterly, conduct a strategic review of open source funding efforts, community health metrics, and long-term financial stability in the context of community values.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Python Software Foundation rejected the $1.5 million federal grant because new federal terms required them to end all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs during the funding period, a conflict with their core organizational values (The New Stack, 2023).

These anti-DEI conditions specifically stipulated that the PSF would have to terminate any such programs for the duration of the financial assistance award (The New Stack, 2023).

The Python community responded with an overwhelming donor surge, including thousands of new donations, nearly 300 new Supporting Members, and widespread positive engagement on social media platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and LinkedIn (The New Stack, 2023).

The PyPI security project that the grant was meant to cover, particularly the automated package reviewing pipeline, now has no timeline for implementation due to the lack of funding.

The PSF will manage this work with existing security staff and actively seeks new funding options (The New Stack, 2023), including European grants, corporate usage-tied funding, and an expanded individual giving program, while continuing existing security commitments like Trusted Publishing (a robust alternative to publisher-verifying API tokens), digital provenance attestations, and the ongoing malware-blocking efforts of Project Quarantine (The New Stack, 2023).

Conclusion

The story of the Python Software Foundation’s stand against a federal grant with anti-DEI stipulations is more than a tale of finance; it’s a powerful narrative about integrity, community, and the profound impact of principled leadership.

Seth Larson, Loren Crary, and the entire PSF board faced a dilemma that many organizations fear: sacrificing ideals for security.

Their unanimous decision, though tough, was an ethical reflection that resonated deeply (The New Stack, 2023).

The subsequent donor surge—over $157,000 raised and hundreds of new members in less than two weeks (The New Stack, 2023)—was a collective answer, a living example of how a community responds when its culture is challenged.

It demonstrated, with simple but evocative clarity, that values are not liabilities; they are assets, capable of galvanizing support and forging a path forward.

In a world craving authenticity, the PSF reminded us that the strongest foundations are built not just on code, but on shared human values.

If you believe in the power of an inclusive open source future, consider supporting organizations like the PSF that champion community values at all costs.

Your contribution, big or small, helps secure the infrastructure and the spirit of innovation for everyone.

References

The New Stack. (2023).

PSF Gets a Donor Surge After Rejecting Anti-DEI Federal Grant.

“`