FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why didn't you do this as part of another organization like SPI, EFF, GeekPAC, etc?
 SPI and EFF are 501(c)3 corporations, and are thus limited in how much of their resources they can devote to direct influence of legislation. SPI reads that limit very conservatively, EFF much less so. The IRS doesn't give us any clear determining line, although they state that expenditures of more than 16 to 20 percent of funds to influence legislation would be over the limit, and that we risk penalties from them and loss of our non-profit status if they think too many of our activities have the purpose of influencing legislation. See their 106-page regulations at Topic P if you'd like figure this out for yourself. Here's one of the most interesting quotes from that document:
Attempts to influence legislation are not limited to direct communications to members of the legislature ("direct" lobbying). Indirect communications through the electorate or general public ("grass roots" lobbying) also constitute attempts to influence legislation
...
Christian Echoes National Ministry published articles and produced radio and television broadcasts that urged recipients to become involved in politics and to write to their representatives in Congress to urge that they support prayer in public schools and oppose foreign aid. The organization argued that attempts to influence legislation would occur only if legislation were actually pending. The Tenth Circuit concluded that the regulation properly interpreted the statute, and that the organization was engaged in attempting to influence legislation, even if legislation was not pending.
Obviously, we don't want to end up in court with the IRS.

GeekPAC is the right type of corporation, a 501(c)6, but they are still establishing themselves (over a rather long time), seem to have significant internal politics, and do not entirely overlap our mission or our proposed modus operandi - especially the stuff on their home page about "putting heads on pikes" - we would like to be a bit more diplomatic. We want GeekPAC to succeed, and will help them wherever possible. Bruce Perens has sometimes informed them of his lobbying activities.

Where our activities are clearly of an educational nature rather than attempts to influence legislation, we will try to carry them out through an existing 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization such as SPI or Public Knowledge. Bruce Perens sits on the advisory board of Public Knowledge, and represents SPI in some activities.

Why should I give my money to GTPI rather than to EFF, FSF, GeekPAC, etc?
 You should give your money to EFF, FSF, GeekPAC, and we could suggest some others too. We individually give to all of them. We recognize that your funds are limited and hope you can find some for us as well. That's all we feel it is fair to ask for.

Are Donations Tax-Deductible?
 Sorry, they are not. Organizations that influence legislation as a substantial part of their activities are not allowed to have tax-deductible donations. Once GTPI gets its 501(c)6 status from the IRS, it will be exempt from the requirement to pay taxes, but you the donor, unfortunately, will not be able to deduct your donations from your income to reduce your tax payment.

Is this organization just Bruce Perens?
Today, it's pretty close to being just Bruce. Other directors are being solicited, and will be announced as they come on line. One of the problems is that the sort of people we want are limited in number, are already being asked to do the same job for many other organizations, and have a problem adding yet another time commitment. Another problem is that we don't want to have too much internal politics, and thus want to choose people who will concentrate on the job and are mature enough to avoid infighting. Everybody knows about the various Free Software organizations that are mired by internal politics.

Isn't Bruce Perens famous for forming organizations and later on walking off of them in a huff?
 Bruce says: Yes, I used to be. I seem to have acquired more balance since becoming a parent. The little guy's picture is here. It helps that while the things I work on are important, they aren't the only important things in my life. I haven't quit anything, or blown up at anyone, in a long time now. I made a point of telling the press that HP had released me amicably, because I didn't want to be perceived as quitting that job, or of leaving them on less-than-friendly terms. By the way, the organizations that I have formed have been robust enough to continue to be successful without me. Good managers don't make themselves essential. My old VC firm even has a profitable company in this terrible economy: Progeny, while less than a smash hit, continues to put money in the bank.

Will the finances of the organization be open to examination?

Non-profit corporations have reporting requirements imposed upon them by federal and state governments and the IRS. They are also restricted from publishing other information that impinges on privacy. Our greatest expenditure is expected to be salaries and/or payment for people's time. We don't yet understand how much of this we will be allowed to publish. There will be an online Treasurer's report. Our intent is to publish more than we are compelled to, without exceeding what we are allowed.

What if my question isn't in this FAQ?
 Write Bruce Perens at bruce @ perens.com, or call him at (US) 510-526-1165. He's out of town sometimes, and leaves the phone off the hook at night, so don't be discouraged if you have to ask more than once.