Re: Q to all candidates: future of Debian finances

[Nilesh Patra <nilesh@debian.org>]

Hi PEB,

On 04/04/25 11:18 pm, Pierre-Elliott Bécue wrote:
> This is a public list, and as a TO administrator, I have part of the
> answers, but it's not my place to disclose the full situation publicly.
> 
> I'd say that essentially our funds ~halved since 2019/2020. While we are
> not close to be broke, this could go fast if we are not vigilant.
> 
> We didn't receive enough sponsorship for the recent Debian events (both
> DebConf23 and 24 made a significant dent in our funds), and we needed to
> buy hardware (the time where some companies gave it to us seems far
> away).
> 
> The main issue, sponsors, might be something that can be solved easily,
> if potential sponsors realize that their help is still needed.

I am only asking this because I am curious about it.

I remember hearing a pointer from a few folks that one of the reasons for
higher cost of debconf 23 and 24 was it due to being in Asia while most of
the DDs live in Europe.
As a result, the travel costs bumped up the overall conference expense.
This year DC is happening in France, but based on the IRC discussions
it still seems that the budget is a bit tight - so what would be an ideal
geographic location just in terms of costs involved?

Also, was there a reduction in sponsorship costs in DC23,24 as compared to
the Debconfs before 2022? Is there a reason?

PS: Now that the campaign period is over, I hope it is fine to discuss this. Feel
free to move it to a more suitable ML if needed.

Best,
Nilesh