There are endless arguments about the exact definition of the term "open source," but it's safe to assume that the source code is available to the public for modification and redistribution.  In many but not all cases, open source software applications may be downloaded free of change from the internet.  Perhaps the best known open source product is Linux, an operating system developed under a GNU General Public License.

It sometimes happens in nonprofit organizations that an open source application is actually a more effective and less expensive alternative to proprietary software.  For example, a growing number of decision-makers in nonprofit organizations choosing an open source software suite such as OpenOffice.Org over Microsoft Office.  Other nonprofit decision-makers stick with Microsoft Office - not because it's a better choice, but because they don't know how whether it's a better choice and they don't know where to get started in tackling the question.

SourceForge is the largest repository of Open Source code and applications available on the Internet.  Although it's not specifically oriented to the needs of the nonprofit sector, you'll be amazed at the applications that you can find (and download free of charge) from the SourceForge web site.

Aspiration connects nonprofit organizations with software solutions that help them better carry out their work. They are very oriented to finding the right tool for the job, so their recommendations are not always in favor of open source solutions; however, Aspiration has a deservedly high reputation for its role for helping nonprofit professionals get the hands-on experience they need to make an informed decision about moving to open source solutions.

The Nonprofit Open Source Initiative (NOSI) is an informal group of non-profit sector technology assistance providers who are interested in the potential of open source software to benefit the organizations they work with.  As I have previously mentioned in this blog, nervous novices cannot do better than to read NOSI's publication, "Choosing and Using Open Source Software: A Primer for Non Profits."