Hello, I'm the OSM Foundation chairperson. Indeed, we benefit from the support of corporate donors, and their contributions are immensely valuable. This support often aligns with mutual interest in free maps, and sometimes extends to participation in working groups, such as the communication or licensing working group.
What sets OpenStreetMap apart from other map or data providers is its diverse and rich community. You're right that relying solely on a few large corporate donors could lead to challenges in maintaining OSM's strength, resiliency, and independence. That's why we're trying to attract a diverse income stream, including a broad base of support from individual donors. Every small donation reaffirms that OSM will remain a collective effort, which all contributors play a part in shaping and preserving.
What sets OpenStreetMap apart from other map or data providers is its diverse and rich community. You're right that relying solely on a few large corporate donors could lead to challenges in maintaining OSM's strength, resiliency, and independence. That's why we're trying to attract a diverse income stream, including a broad base of support from individual donors. Every small donation reaffirms that OSM will remain a collective effort, which all contributors play a part in shaping and preserving.
https://supporting.openstreetmap.org is our fundraising site.