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Drupal Association blog: Drupal Association Statement re: Financial Effects of COVID-19

I want to thank you for your patience as the Drupal Association continues to manage the shifting landscape for nonprofits in light of COVID-19. In my last update, I explained that our ability to pivot our plans for DrupalCon depends on governmental intervention, which has not yet occurred for the time period in which DrupalCon Minneapolis is scheduled. Unfortunately this means we’re still in a holding pattern as I write this.

That said, we’re not spending this time idly. Many hours are being spent with our contracted providers and modeling financial outcomes for the Association and the project.  Through all of this, it has become clear that, regardless of what happens next, we have to deal with the hard reality that DrupalCon revenue is a substantial part of what keeps the Drupal Association vital.   We estimate the revenue loss to range anywhere from $400,000 to $1.1 million.

I’m now reaching out to you to help us close this gap so we may continue to support Drupal, thrive and serve you.

As an organization, join our Supporting Partner Program or join our DrupalCon sponsor pledge to commit your funds regardless of the outcome of the current crisis.

Join as a Supporter

Join the Sponsor Pledge

As an individual, join our membership program, or if you’re already a member, consider making an additional donation and/or upgrading your membership level.

Join as a Member

Both individuals and organizations can also simply make a charitable donation.

Make a Donation

Well before this crisis hit, the board and our team have focused on decreasing our dependence on event-based revenue by launching new initiatives such as Drupal Steward, increasing our focus on digital partnerships, and revamping current programs including individual and organizational memberships.  In addition, the board’s strategic planning includes continued diversification of revenue with an eye toward programs requested by our community like organizational certification and more visibility of those contributing to Drupal with time, talent, and treasure.  A pipeline of products and services are in development, but they simply aren’t ready to launch yet. 

Quite frankly, I’m heartbroken because the Drupal Association was on track to achieve many of our strategic goals, leading the organization down a more solid financial path while also expanding our capacity to meet our mission and serve our community.    Only a few months ago, I found great energy and inspiration from the vision of presenting our strategic plans and reporting on our progress to you, in person, at DrupalCon. Absent the effects of COVID-19, I would have more good news to share with you about what we are accomplishing together. 

Instead, we, like most of the world around us, are facing an unprecedented challenge that will only be solved with an unprecedented community effort.

Despite the difficulty of this news and understanding that these are uncertain times for everyone, we continue to cherish our amazing community. As I ask for your support, I want to thank those organizations who have stepped up to confirm their financial commitment: Acquia, Amazee Group, Centarro, Contegix, FFW, Lullabot, and Palantir

I hope that you will join them.

Heather Rocker
Executive Director, Drupal Association