A shared project, with a public purpose.
The Purpose Source Association exists to help connect software people build together with work that benefits the wider world.
Why we are here.
Software can be useful far beyond the people who write it. We want some of the value created by its use to support health, learning, the environment and other public-benefit work.
Our role is practical: develop the shared framework, keep the registry, administer coverage and publish the path of the funds.
How the model works →The projects remain independent
Project teams keep their repositories and decisions. Contributors keep their copyright. The Association does not become the owner or licensor of code it registers for others.
The rule that defines our role →Built around public rules.
The statutes prohibit distributable private profit, protect the destination of funds and cap the costs charged to licence fees. Conflicts of interest, recipient selection and publication duties have written rules too.
Our commitments and evidence →A Swiss association
Founded in October 2026, with its seat in Aarau, canton of Aargau. The legal notice gives the current register details; the statutes explain governance and membership.
Purpose Source AssociationAltstadtbüro
Zollrain 2
5000 Aarau
Switzerland
Other Association activities have separate accounts. Purpose Fees are reserved for the use set out in the statutes. Association-owned projects must be identified and treated under the same rules as other projects.
At the beginning, in public.
Purpose Source License 1.0 was published on 2026-10-01. The site explains the model, publishes its foundations and lets communities assess the fit. Real funding results will be reported through the ledger when transfers happen.
There is room for a conversation.
If you maintain software, contribute to it, use it at work or have a question about the idea, we would like to hear from you.