bookkeeper</em>, but not necessarily familiar with standard Free Software tools

  such as GNU/Linux, Emacs, version control, and command line scripts.  This

  requirement is essential: Conservancy's existing system using Ledger CLI

  already provides sufficient functionality to manage non-profit accounting,

  but our system requires a bookkeeper who is also adept with the

  aforementioned tools already.</p>

<p>Finally, while the first year of work focuses on USA NPO needs,

  Conservancy seeks to lead an international effort, and welcomes

  contributions and input from everyone in the non-profit community from

  around the world.  Conservancy has created

  a <a href="http://lists.sfconservancy.org/mailman/listinfo/npo-accounting">mailing

  from around the world to join the mailing list and contribute to the

  project!</p>

<h3>Why Conservancy Must Fund This Work</h3>

<p>As it stands, nearly all Open Source and Free Software NPOs either use

  proprietary software, or fully outsource their bookkeeping and accounting

  to third-parties.  Those that don't do so (such as Conservancy and the Free

  Software Foundation) have long complained that existing Free Software in

  this area is inadequate, and have been forced to develop customized,

  one-off solutions in-house to make the systems work.</p>