> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.intersectmbo.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.intersectmbo.org/intersect-knowledge-base/cardano-facilitation-services/cardano-development/cardano-open-source.md). # Cardano Open Source **Cardano Open Source at Intersect** Intersect coordinates open source governance and funding for the Cardano ecosystem through two bodies: the [Open Source Committee](https://docs.intersectmbo.org/intersect-knowledge-base/intersect-membership/intersect-committees/open-source-committee-osc) (OSC) and the Open Source Office (OSO). The OSC is an elected committee of intersect members that sets policy, defines contribution standards, manages the Paid Open Source Model, and handles dispute resolution. The OSC's stated goal is a Cardano Open Source Project (COSP) that is community-led, with no single entity dominating its development. The OSO is the operational arm that manages Intersect-maintained repositories and oversees the development lifecycle processes defined by the OSC. **Funding Model** Intersect has developed the Paid Open Source Model to address the sustainability problem common to open-source projects: critical infrastructure maintained by unpaid volunteers. Key components include: * Maintainer Retainer Program: long-term financial support for contributors maintaining critical repositories * The Developer Advocate Program: designed to strengthen the bridge between the Cardano open-source ecosystem and its global developer community. * The Tooling Sustainability Program: designed to fund and support critical open-source tools that the Cardano ecosystem depends on * Travel and Events Program: allows OSC members to be reimbursed for expenses incurred attending Cardano and other open source events. Funding flows through Cardano's on-chain treasury, with proposals subject to DRep ratification. **Governance and Reporting** OSC decisions are documented and publicly available. Funding is linked to measurable delivery milestones, with monthly repository reports, program-level milestone tracking, and public meeting minutes published on an ongoing basis. **Working Groups** Two working groups are currently active under the OSC: the Developer Experience Working Group and the DevEx Innovation Working Group. These groups surface ecosystem needs and feed recommendations back into OSC decision-making. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.intersectmbo.org/intersect-knowledge-base/cardano-facilitation-services/cardano-development/cardano-open-source.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.