Learn about open source in the social sector from our latest report

Open Source in the Social Sector, a paper by GitHub Social Impact’s Open Source for Good program, explores the role of open-source software (OSS) in advancing societal issues tackled by non-governmental organizations. The research project involved literature reviews, surveys with over 350 participants, and 55 qualitative interviews to understand the use and contribution dynamics of OSS within the social sector, categorizing participants as consumers, producers, or funders. The findings highlight how OSS can enhance programmatic work and operations in the social sector by integrating Agile and Human-Centered Design principles, creating custom technology deployments like mobile public health applications, and streamlining funding for infrastructure. The paper offers actionable insights for technology implementers, funders, developers, and platform providers, aiming to inform ongoing and future projects such as the MERL Center while serving as a resource for both the social sector and open-source communities to leverage the gathered information.