On the Importance of Agility and Values-Aligned Decisions-Making

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Since we announced our withdrawal from the NSF Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) proposal we have received overwhelming support from community members, champions, and like-minded projects. Thank you for your words of support, encouragement, and individual donations. We are truly inspired by you.

The non-profit sector faces unprecedented challenges requiring transformative leadership approaches. Traditional collaboration models struggle with evolving social needs, economic pressures, and unnecessary disruption. The Carpentries is here to contribute practical solutions that address these contemporary realities. Values-driven decision making forms the foundation of effective non-profit leadership, yet implementing hard decisions takes courage. Modeling our organisation’s values in action requires navigating complex partner interests, addressing competing priorities, and facing resource constraints while maintaining organisational integrity. Since our announcement, we have been called on to help refine methodologies that enable leaders to systematically evaluate decisions against core mission and values, ensuring strategic choices advance organisational purpose rather than merely responding to immediate pressures.

Announcing Withdrawal of NSF Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems Proposal

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In September 2024, The Carpentries submitted a proposal to the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) Program. This project would position The Carpentries as a leading open source ecosystem and further solidify our independence as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation.

Developing a proposal of this magnitude (1.5 million USD) involved a significant amount of preparation, from conceptualisation of the idea to navigating the complex submission process. It was the first time The Carpentries did it on our own, with our Associate Director, Erin Becker, leading as principal investigator.

Core Values on The Carpentries

On the Importance of Agility and Values-Aligned Decisions-Making

Announcing Withdrawal of NSF Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems Proposal