Python Software Foundation
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving as the steward of the open-source Python programming language and its global community.[1] Founded in 2001, it holds the intellectual property rights for Python, manages its trademarks, and facilitates the language's development and distribution under open-source licenses.[2][1] The PSF was incorporated on February 20, 2001, under Delaware General Corporation Law, with initial incorporators Shawn O'Donnell and Paul Everitt.[2] Its formal mission is to promote, protect, and advance the Python programming language, while supporting and facilitating the growth of a diverse and international community of Python programmers.[3] As a membership-based entity, the PSF operates without issuing stock and directs any dissolution assets to other 501(c)(3) organizations or public purposes.[2] Governance includes a board of directors and adherence to the Python Code of Conduct to maintain community standards.[1] Key activities of the PSF include maintaining essential infrastructure such as the official Python website (python.org), the Python Package Index (PyPI) for software distribution, and the core Python documentation.[1] It organizes PyCon US, the largest annual gathering of the Python community, and in 2025 provided $384,000 in travel grants to 254 attendees from around the world.[4] The foundation also runs a robust grants program, awarding $655,000 to 257 groups and individuals across 61 countries in 2024 to fund Python-related projects, education, and diversity initiatives.[1] Additionally, the PSF offers fiscal sponsorship to over 20 Python-focused organizations, such as PyLadies, and employs dedicated roles like a full-time CPython Developer in Residence and a Packaging Project Manager to sustain core development.[1] Membership in the PSF is open to anyone supporting its goals, with free basic membership requiring agreement to the Code of Conduct and paid sustaining levels starting at $99 annually to provide further financial support.[5] The organization relies on donations, sponsorships, and volunteers to fund its operations, ensuring Python remains freely accessible and community-driven.[4]Introduction
Overview
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the Python programming language, as well as supporting and facilitating the growth of a diverse and international community of Python programmers.[6] Founded in 2001, the PSF serves as the steward of the language's intellectual property and fosters its open-source development.[1] Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, the PSF manages essential infrastructure for the Python ecosystem, including the official website python.org and the Python Package Index (PyPI), which hosts over 700,000 packages and enables seamless distribution of Python software worldwide.[2][7] This role ensures the accessibility and reliability of Python resources for developers globally. As of 2025, the PSF supports a vibrant international community through various initiatives, with 2023 revenues reaching approximately $4.4 million to fund operations and outreach. In 2024 alone, it awarded $655,000 USD in grants to 257 groups and individuals across 61 countries, underscoring its commitment to diverse, inclusive growth in the Python ecosystem.[1] The organization also organizes major events like PyCon US to bring together thousands of contributors annually, and in 2025 provided $384,000 in travel grants to 254 attendees from around the world.[1][4]History
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) was incorporated on February 20, 2001, as a non-profit organization in the state of Delaware, USA, to promote, protect, and advance the Python programming language by managing its intellectual property rights and supporting its global community.[2][8] Guido van Rossum, Python's creator, played a pivotal role in its establishment during his time at Zope Corporation, transitioning stewardship from prior efforts under the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI).[9][10] The organization's first board meeting occurred on March 5, 2001, at the 9th International Python Conference in Long Beach, California.[11] Early priorities centered on safeguarding trademarks, including "Python" and the two-snake logo, to prevent confusion and ensure the language remained freely available as open source software.[8][12] In its initial years, the PSF supported foundational community efforts, such as the launch of the PyCon conference in North America in 2003.[8] By 2004, it initiated its grants program with a modest $40,000 budget to fund Python-related projects.[8] A significant milestone came in 2005 when the PSF received the Computerworld Horizon Award for the innovative, cutting-edge nature of the Python programming language.[13] Leadership evolved during this period, with van Rossum serving as chair from 2002 to 2004, followed by Stephan Deibel (2004–2008) and Steve Holden (2008–2012).[14] Post-2010, the PSF expanded its grant initiatives amid growing adoption of Python, increasing disbursements from around $40,000 in 2012 to over $300,000 by the 2016–2017 fiscal year, reflecting broader ecosystem development.[15] By 2022, grants reached $215,000—a 45% rise from the previous year—supporting diverse projects worldwide.[16] International outreach intensified in the 2020s, with 2024 grants totaling $655,000 awarded to 257 groups and individuals across 61 countries.[4] Financial scaling followed Python's surging popularity, with 2023 revenue at $4.4 million and assets exceeding $5.4 million, though recent challenges prompted pauses in grant funding as of 2025.[14][17] Leadership transitioned to Van Lindberg (2012–2016), Diana Clarke (2016–2017), Naomi Ceder (2017–2020), and Lorena Mesa (2020–present), adapting to the foundation's expanding role in sustaining Python's open-source infrastructure.[14][17]Governance and Structure
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Python Software Foundation (PSF) serves as the elected governing body, consisting of 12 members responsible for providing strategic oversight, establishing policies, and fulfilling fiduciary duties as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.[18][19] This structure ensures the foundation's mission to promote, protect, and advance the Python programming language and its community is advanced through collective decision-making. The board manages the corporation's business affairs, exercises all lawful powers not reserved for voting members, appoints officers, and approves budgets to support initiatives aligned with the foundation's goals.[19] The board is elected annually by the PSF's voting members, including Contributing, Supporting, and Fellow tiers, through a process that nominates candidates from the Python community. For the 2025 election, four seats were open, with nominees including Lola Egherman, Sydney Runkle, Sheena O’Connell, and Abigail Dogbe, among others; the elected members were Abigail Dogbe and Sheena O’Connell (new), alongside returning members Jannis Leidel and Simon Willison.[20][21] Elections require a quorum of one-third of affirmed voting members, with ballots cast via secure platforms like OpaVote, ensuring transparency and community participation.[21] Directors typically serve terms of up to three years, organized into staggered cohorts to maintain continuity—A, B, and C—with initial terms post-2017 set at three, two, and one years respectively to phase in the structure.[19] Historical examples include Guido van Rossum, a founder who has served since 2001 across multiple terms, and Kushal Das, who contributed for over 10 years until outgoing in 2025.[14] Key responsibilities include approving annual budgets, authorizing grants for community projects, and overseeing major initiatives such as conference support and intellectual property management. Board meetings occur regularly, with minutes publicly available to promote accountability; for instance, the August 13, 2025, minutes document discussions and resolutions on funding for regional Python events.[22] Current officers, such as Chair Jannis Leidel, are selected from the board to lead these efforts.[18]Leadership and Staff
The Python Software Foundation's leadership consists of elected officers who guide its strategic direction and operations. As of the 2025-2026 term, Jannis Leidel serves as President/Chair, responsible for presiding over board meetings and representing the organization.[18] The Vice Chairs are Christopher Neugebauer and Georgi Ker, with Cristián Maureira-Fredes as Vice Chair Elect; these roles support the Chair in governance and decision-making, including facilitating board activities and ensuring continuity.[18] Other key officers include Deb Nicholson as Executive Director and Secretary, who oversees daily operations, staff management, fundraising, and community relations; Denny Perez as Treasurer, managing financial affairs; and Olivia Sauls as Assistant Secretary, assisting in record-keeping.[18][23] Elaine Wong holds the position of PyCon US Chair, coordinating the foundation's flagship conference.[18] This leadership structure reflects a recent transition from the 2024-2025 term, during which Dawn Wages served as President/Chair, to the current configuration emphasizing community-driven priorities and global outreach.[18] The officers work closely with the Board of Directors to align on mission fulfillment, though their roles focus on executive execution rather than broader governance.[24] The PSF's operational team comprises a dedicated staff of 13 members as of 2025, primarily focused on supporting the organization's mission through community building, infrastructure maintenance, financial oversight, security enhancements, and event coordination.[25] Key personnel include Loren Crary as Deputy Executive Director, who drives financial sustainability and growth initiatives; Ee Durbin as Director of Infrastructure, evaluating and strengthening systems for staff and volunteers; and Phyllis Dobbs as Controller, handling accounting since 2017.[25] In security, Seth Larson serves as Python Security Developer in Residence, improving ecosystem protections, while Mike Fiedler manages PyPI safety as an engineer.[25] Community-facing roles feature Marie Nordin as Communications Manager and Jaime Barrera, who joined in January 2025 as Community Events Coordinator to assist with PyCon US planning and volunteer engagement.[25] Additional staff, such as Laura Graves (Senior Accountant), Jacob Coffee (Infrastructure Engineer), Maria Ashna (PyPI Support Specialist), and Kelly Ragland (Finance Manager, joined 2025), ensure smooth operations and volunteer coordination across programs.[25] This compact team amplifies the efforts of thousands of volunteers by providing essential administrative and technical support.[25]Membership
Membership Tiers
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) offers four primary membership tiers designed to engage individuals and organizations in supporting the Python ecosystem, with varying levels of commitment and privileges. These tiers were streamlined in 2024 through a bylaws amendment that merged the previous Managing and Contributing categories into a single Contributing tier to simplify qualification and recognition for volunteer efforts, effective August 1, 2024.[26][27] All tiers require agreement to the PSF's Code of Conduct, and voting-eligible members (Supporting, Contributing, and Fellows) can participate in board elections and bylaw votes.[5] Basic membership is free and open to anyone who supports the Python community, serving as an entry point without financial or time commitments. It declares affiliation with the Python language community but does not confer voting rights. Requirements are minimal: simply sign up via the Python.org user account and affirm agreement to the Code of Conduct. Benefits include community recognition and access to general PSF resources, such as newsletters and event announcements.[28][5] Supporting membership requires an annual donation starting at $99, with a sliding scale option (as low as $25 for those facing financial barriers) to promote inclusivity; higher contributions are encouraged for greater impact. This tier is available to individuals and provides voting rights in PSF governance matters. Additional benefits include direct financial support to PSF programs like grants and events, plus networking opportunities within the global Python community at conferences such as PyCon US. Unlike Basic membership, Supporting members receive recognition on the PSF website and contribute to sustaining infrastructure like PyPI.[29][5] Contributing membership, which now encompasses former Managing members focused on coordination and event organization, is earned through volunteer service of at least five hours per month on PSF-aligned projects, such as open-source development, working groups, or community events; no financial contribution is required. Annual self-certification is needed to maintain status. Benefits mirror those of Supporting members, including full voting rights, but emphasize recognition for hands-on contributions that advance Python's mission. Examples include organizing local meetups or contributing to documentation efforts, fostering deeper community involvement.[28][5][26] Fellowship is the highest honor, awarded for lifetime achievement through nomination by any voting member (Supporting, Contributing, or Fellow) or a chartered Working Group and approval by a two-thirds majority vote of voting members; it recognizes extraordinary, sustained impact on Python and its ecosystem. Notable Fellows include Guido van Rossum, Python's creator. Requirements involve demonstrated leadership, such as core development or global outreach initiatives. Benefits include perpetual voting rights, prestige within the community, and eligibility to nominate future Fellows, without ongoing dues or hours.[30][31][19] Across all tiers, common benefits for voting members include access to a private member directory for networking and discounts on PSF-supported events like PyCon. Membership has grown steadily, reflecting Python's rising popularity, with remarkable increases in active engagement and global participation; this expansion supports diverse initiatives worldwide, from grants in emerging regions to international conferences.[5]| Tier | Requirements | Key Benefits | Voting Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Free signup; agree to Code of Conduct | Community affiliation; general resources | No |
| Supporting | $99+ annual donation (sliding scale) | Financial support recognition; networking | Yes |
| Contributing | 5+ hours/month volunteering | Volunteer recognition; event involvement | Yes |
| Fellows | Nomination and vote for major impact | Lifetime prestige; nomination privileges | Yes |