One of the primary roles of Open Source Matters (OSM) is to manage financial matters for the Joomla! project. It is our role to make sure that the project is financially secure and able to support the Joomla! community. The numbers below are a high level breakdown of OSM's 2012 actual finances compared to the 2012 Budget, along with some thoughts on what this all means to you as a member of the Joomla! community.
Comparing 2012 Actuals to Budget
Total Revenue
Actuals: $571,360
Budget: $550,000
Increase over Budget: +$21,360 (+3.9%)
Total Expenses
Actual: $331,823*
Budget: $629,261*
Decrease under Budget: -$297,438.00 (-47%)
Profit/Loss
Actual: $240,134
Budget: $-79,009
Increase over Budget: +$319,143 (+404%)
* Offset by Interest Income
Analysis
The beginning of 2012 brought with it uncertainty and the OSM budget was prepared very conservatively based on global uncertainty. As we emerge from 2012 we have not only exceeded our revenue but also due to a well heeded call for expense restraint, we have turned a projected loss into a substantial gain. Our cash position has increased 87% from $262,326 to $476,481 as of December 31, 2012.
The actual revenue for 2012 was up slightly (3.9%) from the budget largely due to increased Demo Site revenue. The largest impact to the project helping it stay on track was limiting the expenses to what was truly needed. Some events were either put on hold or scaled back and this lead to the largest expense reduction of $150,000 for travel.
Click here for the complete 2012 Budget vs Actuals.
What is in store for 2013?
The leadership teams are finalizing their plans for the new year with instructions to think big. They are to shake off the economic consternation of 2012 and embrace 2013 with adventurous vision and the goals that are needed to achieve them. Some of the commitments that are on our collective task lists include:
- Financial support is being doubled for approved JoomlaDays
- Launch certification program
- Improve multi-language content on joomla.org
- Improve processes for translation teams
- Simplify trademark processes
- Simplify and streamlining communication channels
- Launch Joomla Template Directory
The project is embarking on a year where the production goals are coming to fruition and we will be taking advantage of this solid position with increased sponsorship, increased financial support for JoomlaDays, and events that continue to empower the community.
Please discuss this blog here: https://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f=704&t=792853