Why isn't Mission:Libre a registered charity?

Although Mission:Libre is entirely not-for-profit, I don't believe Mission:Libre Limited (the company formed to hold its assets) is eligible for charitable status in New Zealand. In most cases, New Zealand charities must do most of their work within the country. The vast majority of young people interested in Mission:Libre will be outside New Zealand. 

New Zealand charities also have substantial restrictions on how much they can advocate for their particular points of view. This is incompatible with Mission:Libre's goals: advocacy will be an important part of everything it does!

Accountability

Although Mission:Libre isn't registered as one, it will adopt many of the same restrictions charities work under. In particular, it will adopt a constitution that: 

• Binds Mission:Libre to use its funds only in the interest of free software;
• Denies anyone the right to Mission:Libre's assets or any dividends; and,
• Requires Mission:Libre to pass on any remaining assets to other free software non-profits if it's closed down.

In addition, Mission:Libre will be publishing a full breakdown of what it spent and a report detailing exactly what it achieved. Once Mission:Libre is underway, you can also subscribe to its newsletter for monthly updates on what I'm doing.