What even is open source (and why it’s perfect for charities)

3 June 2025

Open Source

If you’ve ever had a developer or digital agency say “Don’t worry, it’s open source” and nodded along while quietly thinking “Right… but what does that actually mean?”—you’re not alone.

At Pooka & Co, we’ve worked with dozens of charity and third-sector teams who are mission-driven, people-focused and not in the business of deciphering tech jargon. So let’s break this one down, simply and honestly.

TLDR

Open-source software (like WordPress and CiviCRM) is cost-effective, making it ideal for charities with tight budgets.
It offers flexibility and freedom — no lock-ins, hidden costs, or reliance on a single vendor.
Open-source tools are community-driven, meaning they’re constantly improved, secure, and shaped by people who care.
With accessibility and transparency at the core, open source helps charities stay ethical, sustainable, and future-ready.
It’s about more than technology — it’s about giving charities ownership and control over their digital presence.

So, what is open source?

At its simplest, open source software is software where the code is freely available for anyone to use, modify and share. That means there are no expensive licences, no locked-in systems and no single company holding the keys to your digital castle.

It’s built by communities of developers who believe in collaboration and transparency—not profit-first models. Think of it as a big potluck dinner where everyone brings something to the table and no one charges you £300 a year to use the cutlery.

Well-known open source platforms include:

WordPress (for websites)
CiviCRM (for contact, membership and donation management)
Nextcloud (for secure file sharing)
Even Firefox and LibreOffice are open source alternatives!

At Pooka, we build our sites with open source tools because we believe you should always own your digital tools—not rent them.

Why charities should care

Here’s why we think open source is a perfect match for organisations doing good in the world:

1. It’s cost-effective

Open source doesn’t mean free (you may still need someone to set it up, host it and support it), but it does mean you avoid pricey licences and recurring fees.

That’s money you can redirect toward your mission, not your maintenance costs.

2. It gives you freedom and control

You’re not locked into one supplier and there’s no black box of mystery code. You’re free to move providers, make changes or even customise things exactly the way you want.

We’ve seen too many charities stuck with clunky, inflexible platforms that cost a fortune to update. Open source puts the power back in your hands.

3. It aligns with your values

Open source communities are built around principles like transparency, collaboration and shared knowledge. Sound familiar?

For charities and community organisations who champion openness and collective progress, using open source tools is a natural extension of those values.

4. It’s secure and well-supported

There’s a myth that open source = risky. But in reality, the opposite is often true. Open source communities are constantly identifying and patching vulnerabilities—and because you’re not relying on a single vendor, you’re never stuck waiting for one company to fix the issue.

At Pooka, we keep your platforms up-to-date and secure every day—but the peace of mind is yours to keep forever.

What open source looks like at Pooka

We’ve built our approach around ethical, open-source tools—because we believe good causes deserve good digital.

Here’s how we put it into practice:

Websites: We use WordPress to create accessible, responsive and fully editable websites you actually own.
CRM systems: We help charities get the most out of CiviCRM, an open source database for memberships, events, fundraising and more.
Training: We don’t gatekeep knowledge. We offer bespoke WordPress and CiviCRM training so your team can manage things confidently.
Privacy-first practices: We implement tools that support GDPR compliance, without locking you into costly services you don’t need.

And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s exactly what our Digital Launchpad and Pathfinder services are for—giving you clarity, strategy and direction without the overwhelm.

Let’s keep it human

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make smart digital decisions for your charity. You just need the right tools, explained in the right way, by people who understand your world.

That’s what we’re here for.

If you’re curious about how open source could work for your organisation—or just want to talk things through—we’re all ears (and whiskers). 🐇

Let’s make digital feel a little more human and a lot more helpful.

Pooka & Co – Your Digital Partner for Good

FAQs: Open Source Explained

What exactly does “open source” mean?

Open source means the code is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and improve. Instead of being tied to one company’s software, charities can adapt it to fit their unique needs.

Why should charities choose open source over commercial software?

Because it’s cost-effective, flexible, and transparent. Unlike commercial platforms with expensive licences, open-source tools put control back into the hands of the charity — not a vendor.

Is open source secure and reliable enough for charities?

Yes. In fact, many open-source tools are more secure because they’re constantly updated and reviewed by global communities of developers. With the right support, open source is robust, safe, and sustainable.