So I'm for this, generally, so I'm going to vote A.
But, instead of having all the PLC approve the grants I think it'd make sense for one or two folks (ideally who aren't going) to be in charge of that. That way we don't have to have (most?) of the PLC abstain. I'm not sure if we end up in a situation where we need votes and someone couldn't request a grant because of it. I'm happy to take that on (should be pretty easy).
I think we also need to mention that all travel has to be within the restrictions of the SFC travel policy. I don't know that needs to be in the vote per se, as I don't think we can avoid that, but just want to mention it.
Ted
On Nov 4 2023, at 2:54 pm, Jonathan Neuhauser <jonathan.neuhauser@outlook.com> wrote:
Dear all,
as discussed during yesterday's board meeting, I propose to cover the travel expenses for project members who want to attend fosdem.
The Inkscape Project is offering travel grants to help Inkscape developers and community members attend FOSDEM 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Grants are intended to help cover travel expenses and boost the project’s representation at this important conference.
The Inkscape Project will issue grants up to a maximum of USD 500 per person and will spend a maximum of USD 5000 in total.
Any person listed as Inkscape Member on the project website at the time of their application is eligible.
Grants will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To request a grant, send an email with your estimated travel costs to to the PLC at
inkscape@sfconservancy.org by (latest!) January 31st, 2023. A decision about the grant will be sent to you shortly after, so you can proceed to book the tickets.
If travel by train is available, train should be used preferably instead of plane; apart from this, the most economic option should be used.
After FOSDEM, submit your travel receipts to and from FOSDEM to the PLC. You will be reimbursed for expenses up to the grant amount you requested, but it might not happen immediately. Please be mindful of other’s financial needs (i.e. don’t request a grant of $500 if your train costs $100) and the project’s resources.
We look forward to meeting you in Brussels!
==== What the PLC needs to do ====
For every incoming email, check whether the applicant is a member and there is budget available. If yes, reply that the grant is approved. (If no one else wants, I can handle that.)
==== BALLOT ====
a) Approve the Travel grants program for FOSDEM 2024 as described above, and allocate a total budget of $5000 for it.
b) No Travel grants for FOSDEM 2024.
c) Other, please elaborate
As usual, PLC members should abstain if they plan to request a grant themselves.
Best regards
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