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# Displaying clear attribution is caring
Adding visible attribution to OSM on maps/media productions/etc that use our data is very important to us. Please read our attribution guidelines:
# Contributing data
Why should an organization contribute data to OpenStreetMap?
* Adding data to OSM is quicker and easier than building your own system: you benefit from updates to the software, the ecosystem and collaborative maintenance and improvement of the data
* Allows an organisation to focus on its core data, rather than also maintaining geospatial data
* OSM is a shared platform to contribute and collaborate with others
* Broader social good of contributing to a global map
* Contributing imagery or other data data such as GPS traces or GIS data can help improve the map for all and provide a means for the community to use that information to collect new data. It is important to release that data under an open license as well.
1. Here are some [general guidelines](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/How_We_Map) for contributing.
2. If you are thinking about importing an existing data set, [read our import guidelines](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Import/Guidelines) closely and particularly note [license compatibility](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Import/Guidelines#Step_3_-_License_approval).
# Contributing time / space
Please note that the [OpenStreetMap Foundation](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org) has no full-time employees. All Working Group members and the board are volunteers and dedicate their personal time to the project.
* There is a need for advocacy about OpenStreetMap, training, community engagement and more. You can contribute to OpenStreetMap without actually editing the map. Hosting mapping parties would be welcome. You can collaborate with local communities.
* You can participate in the work of the OpenStreetMap Foundation through our volunteer [working groups](https://welcome.openstreetmap.org/welcome-mat/about-osm-community/working-groups/).
# Contributing code to existing projects
You are very welcome to participate in the development of the many existing open source software projects that make up OpenStreetMap. This includes the OpenStreetMap.org website and related components and services.
* You can see some OpenStreetMap main projects at https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Develop#Main%20projects
* You can also have a look at our [top ten tasks](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Top_Ten_Tasks).
If you have questions, ideas or just want to meet fellow developers, you can contact the OpenStreetMap development community by using channels listed below.
* [IRC](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/IRC) - #[osm-dev channel ](https://webchat.oftc.net/?channels=#osm-dev) on the OFTC network
* [Mailing Lists](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists)
* * [General mailing list for developers](https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/dev)
* * [OpenStreetMap.org website development](https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/rails-dev)
# Contributing money
The OpenStreetMap Foundation is supported through membership fees and donations. The Foundation is the custodian for the computer servers and services necessary to host the OpenStreetMap project.
* Becoming a [Corporate Member or Supporter](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Corporate_Members) of the OpenStreetMap Foundation helps contribute to the sustainability of the project. There is a [range](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Join_as_a_corporate_member) of membership options available to fit organisations of any size. Please do not ask your employees to become OSMF members.
* [Donations](https://donate.openstreetmap.org/) of any amount are also more than welcome. The OpenStreetMap Foundation is a registered non-profit in the United Kingdom.
* Sponsoring [State of the Map](https://stateofthemap.org/), the international conference organised by the OpenStreetMap Foundation, or [https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/State_Of_The_Map] and other OSM events, organised by the local communities.
Please read https://welcome.openstreetmap.org/about-osm-community/donate-to-osm/ for more information.
# Contributing ideas
We have various [mailing lists](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Mailing_lists#Lists_provided_by_OSMF_or_a_local_chapter) (the general one is [talk@openstreetmap.org](https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/talk)).
# Other ways
* Translating existing OSM projects or posts (contact us at communication@osmfoundation.org)
* Supporting local OSM groups.
# Recommendations
* Connect with the local communities.
Many thanks for wanting to give back to the OpenStreetMap project.
