Open Research Network is developing a sustainable support model for projects, programs, and community activities. ORN does not currently have a direct fiscal sponsor. Instead, access to fiscal and financial administration is coordinated through Open Science Labs (OSL) partnerships.
Access paths #
Different initiatives may need different administrative structures:
Open-source projects #
Eligible open-source projects may access fiscal sponsorship through Open Source Collective via the Open Science Labs ecosystem. This pathway is most appropriate for open-source software, open infrastructure, and related community work that fits Open Source Collective's scope.
Non-open-source and broader research initiatives #
For research initiatives that are not open-source projects, or that need a different administrative arrangement, financial management may be coordinated with The GRAPH Network through the OSL partnership ecosystem.
Why this matters #
Many scientific communities need help with practical operations: receiving funds, paying contributors, supporting events, maintaining infrastructure, and coordinating services. These access paths allow ORN-related initiatives to seek support without implying that ORN itself currently operates a direct fiscal sponsorship structure.
Fees and conditions #
Fees, eligibility, reporting requirements, and administrative conditions depend on the selected pathway and the nature of the project. These details should be made explicit before a grant proposal, sponsorship agreement, or funding request is submitted.
Grant proposals and sponsored projects #
Projects that plan to use one of these pathways should describe the relevant OSL partnership access path clearly in proposals and budgets. Collaborators who will be paid through a financial management structure should have their roles, responsibilities, and payment conditions documented in advance.
Commitment to transparency #
ORN aims to keep funding arrangements understandable for contributors, affiliates, partners, and sponsors. As the network grows, we will continue to improve documentation around fiscal processes, financial management, project support, and sustainable operations.