Get answers to common questions about participation, benefits, and effective contribution strategies to help ensure WordPress’s growth and sustainability.
How can our company participate in Five for the Future?
Start by visiting the Five for the Future website to learn more about the program and make a pledge. Our Organization Onboarding Guide offers detailed instructions on supporting employee contributions and engaging with the WordPress community.
Does our company have to contribute exactly 5%?
No, 5% is an aspirational guideline, and achieving that amount of contribution is not required to participate in the Five for the Future program. The goal is to support the growth of the WordPress project in a way that aligns with your organization’s abilities and goals. See “What is Five for the Future?“.
What kinds of contributions count?
See the “What is a Five for the Future Contribution?” section of this handbook.
Can we contribute through our products or services?
No, your product or service contributions do not count towards the Five for the Future initiative, even if they are open-source properties. While providing products or services in the WordPress ecosystem is valuable, the initiative focuses on contributions that enhance and sustain the WordPress project.
How do we align contributions with our company values?
Start by identifying Make/Teams and/or projects that reflect your company’s mission and values. and encourage your team to contribute to these areas. Offer skill development opportunities if necessary to ensure effective and meaningful participation. This brand new contribution wizard also be of help. Our best practices guide page has more information.
How do we start contributing?
Start small by encouraging employees to join team meetings, follow discussions, and begin with manageable tasks. Gradually increase involvement. Check out our best practices guide to learn more.
How can we track our contributions?
Internally tracking contributions is essential for recognizing employee efforts and ensuring alignment with company impact and values. The organization or individuals can monitor activities using the WordPress.org profile page (https://profiles.wordpress.org/user/), and log them using a spreadsheet or another tracking system.
What if we can’t commit regularly?
If your organization cannot regularly commit to Five for the Future, pause and re-evaluate your contributions. Scale down to a more manageable level that allows for consistent involvement. Even smaller contributions are valuable and appreciated.
If you cannot contribute at all, consider deactivating your pledge. You can always reactivate your pledge when circumstances improve. Your support is crucial to the WordPress community, and we appreciate your dedication in any capacity.
How do we encourage employees to participate?
Encourage and motivate employee participation by first highlighting the benefits of their Five for the Future contributions. Other tips for effective participation include:
- Allocate specific work hours for contributions
- Provide necessary training
- Set clear professional development or company growth goals
- Recognize active contributors
- Lead by example
Remember to review this section: Contribution Best Practices for Organizations
One of our employees contributes to WordPress in their free time and asks us to sponsor some of their working hours. Why should we do it?
Sponsoring your employee’s contributions to WordPress can benefit your organization by enhancing professional development, increasing engagement with the WordPress community, and promoting your brand within the open-source ecosystem.
For more detailed information, please refer to the “Five for the Future Benefits for Organizations” section of this guide.
We are not a tech company. Can we participate in Five for the Future?
Yes, non-tech companies can participate in the Five for the Future program. The initiative is open to all organizations, regardless of their industry, as long as they are willing to contribute to the growth and development of WordPress. Participation is not limited to technical contributions; companies can help in areas such as marketing, translation, training, and community engagement. This inclusivity ensures diverse skills and perspectives are brought into the WordPress community.
For more details on how your company can get involved, please refer to the “How Can Organizations Benefit from Five for the Future?“ section of this guide.
If our organization wants to leave the program, can we do it at any time?
You can remove your organization pledge anytime from the Manage Pledge Page. Please read the “How to remove an Organization Pledge section” of this guide to check the steps you need to complete to remove your pledge.
My organization is already contributing to WordPress. What benefits do I stand to gain by pledging?
There are several benefits companies stand to gain by making ongoing, consistent contributions through a Five for the Future pledge. Companies and organizations that sponsor WordPress contributors benefit by providing their team members with professional development and growth opportunities. Participating organizations can integrate more deeply into the WordPress ecosystem while gaining a voice in the platform’s ongoing development. Check out our organization benefits handbook page and white paper to find learn more.
Have a Five for the Future question that you don’t see on this page. Ask us over email to find answers!