OSDL fires up open source welfare program

Are you an open source developer whose project is a little strapped for cash? Then Linus Torvalds' Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) has good news for you.

OSDL has announced the creation of a Fellowship Fund that will provide financial support for software developers working on Linux and open source projects lacking the financial resources to get their job done. Allocations will be determined by OSDL's board of directors, who OSDL said will judge priorities and levels of financial commitment.

There's no word yet on the fund size, which is still being determined, although a spokesperson told The Register the Fellowship Fund has received backing from "major software companies" who wished to remain anonymous.

Stuart Cohen, OSDL chief executive, said in a statement the Fellowship Fund would help spur adoption of Linux and open source software. He said OSDL's "neutrality" put it in a position to fill "specific gaps in open source development."

Creation of the fund is OSDL's latest attempt to put money behind projects and developers. OSDL last year established the IP Support Fund providing Linux and open source developers with legal services while the Linux Legal Defense Fund was founded in 2003 to defend Linus Torvalds during SCO's lawsuit.®