Dumb question, but how much do donations help GrapheneOS?

catsandencryption

So about 3 weeks ago I installed GrapheneOS on my Pixel 9 Pro, and I've been loving it so far, especially the extra hardening/security features and the ability to customize. The only things I really missed were Gboard (installed manually) and the local AI/Android System Intelligence features. Part of me feels like I should donate to GrapheneOS to repay them for developing this amazing OS, but part of me feels like a small donation ($5 or so) won't really do much so I shouldn't donate, like I see on their GitHub they have 700+ monthly donations.

I guess my question is would a donation actually help GrapheneOS in any tangible way? How dependent is GrapheneOS on donations?

Dumdum

catsandencryption
https://grapheneos.social/@GrapheneOS/114814279585095985

GrapheneOS is entirely funded through donations from our users / community. It's a sustainable source of funding with no strings attached.

The answer to both questions is "A lot".

ErnestThornhill

FYI: This question has been discussed numerous times on here. A search of the forum will provide those threads.

AelwennBZH

They rely 100% on donations. All donations, even small ones, are useful.
It's always the same logic. If everyone gave a little something, they would have a decent budget and wouldn't have to rely on big donors. Donating $5 won't change anything, but if everyone does it, GrapheneOS will be able to hire new developers and release new features.

catsandencryption

AelwennBZH I'm hoping new features start coming out soon as the Android 16 port is over seemingly. Thanks for the help :)

de0u

catsandencryption I'm hoping new features start coming out soon as the Android 16 port is over seemingly.

Thanks for thinking seriously about donating!

I think many people are hopeful about many features. But this is a tough time to be in the AOSP "business" -- recently one distribution shut down and another has announced a multi-month pause.

Meanwhile, each time GrapheneOS ships security updates that's an important new feature!

de0u

catsandencryption Oh, also, check out the new geocoding support! That's been in the works for a while.