The PDPC was originally incorporated by founder Rob "lilo" Levin in the state of Texas, in 2002, as a IRS 501(c) (3) tax-exempt corporation to run the freenode network.

Since his death in September 2006, the PDPC has widened its horizons and is working on establishing further programs relating to peer-directed project communities, in particular those involved with Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

In August 2008, the PDPC incorporated as a Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. Peer-Directed Projects Center Ltd replaces the US based 501(c)(3) corporation.

While the PDPC, for geographical and administrative reasons, chose to relocate its operations the charter, ethos and values of the organistion stays the same.

The purpose for which the corporation is organised is to help peer-directed project communities flourish. Peer-directed projects combine open, informal participation with broad licensing and wide dissemination of output.

PDPC activities include:

• Operation of freenode.
  
  The freenode interactive network provides resources to a variety of communities, including those involved with Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The network has a staff of about 40 volunteers who contribute varying amounts of their time; staff activities include 24/7 operations, assistance to users, code development and maintenance and problem resolution.
  
  
• Planning and organising FOSSCON.
  
  FOSSCON (Free and Open Source Software Conference) is a community-focused live event designed to build and strengthen relationships between Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) developers and users. FOSSCON seeks to raise awareness of and promote FOSS alternatives to proprietary software. Facilitating face-to-face interaction, creative workshops, talks and think tanks, FOSSCON brings developers and users together in a nurturing and dynamic environment stimulating the free exchange of ideas and information while fostering cross-project collaboration and dialogue for innovation.
  
  
• Future Programs.
  
  PDPC exists to support peer-directed communities. The best-developed examples of such communities are those devoted to free software and open source software. While primary emphasis is currently on the continuing operation of freenode, PDPC is intended to eventually take on a broader role, including:
  
  
  • The design and implementation of educational and advocacy programs to encourage the use of free software in stable, non-tech industries, to help improve the stability of the community employment base,
    
    
  • The implementation of vocational support and placement services for community members, and
    
    
  • The implementation of educational programs for community members in the areas of technical and collaborative skills

The board members of PDPC are:

• Christel Dahlskjaer - Member (Head of Staff, freenode)
• Peter D. Colley - Member
• Martin Buckland - Member
• Martin D. Peeks - Member
• Richard Hartmann - Member (Senior Staff, freenode)

Its corporate officers are:

• Christel Dahlskjaer - President
• Peter D. Colley - Treasurer
• Martin Buckland - Secretary

PDPC is run on your donations. If you find freenode useful, please help support the not-for-profit org that runs it. For further information, you can email board at pdpc dot org dot uk.

Alternatively, the PDPC's telephone number is +44 (0)207 043 3815, and our postal address is:
Peer-Directed Projects Center Ltd
2nd floor
145-157 St John Street
London, EC1V 4PY
.