# Concept: The Drupal Project

## Prerequisite knowledge

[Concept: Drupal as a Content Management System](/link/681)
## What is Free and Open Source Software?

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is software that is developed by a
community of people, released under a non-commercial license, and whose _source
code_ (the program files that make up the software) is freely available. For
more information on the non-commercial license used by Drupal, see
[Concept: Drupal Licensing](/link/687).
## What is the Drupal project?

The Drupal project is a FOSS project whose purpose is to develop the core
content management system software, as well as add-on modules, additional
themes, translations, documentation, and special-purpose distributions. The
people who contribute their time and money to the Drupal project come from all
over the world, and are a diverse community that comes together for this common
purpose.

The community encompasses many smaller groups who perform many different tasks
such as developing a particular piece of Drupal-related software, writing
documentation, maintaining the security of Drupal software, translating Drupal
software into a particular language, using Drupal for some specific purpose,
and coming together to meet in person within a particular geographical area.

For more on how you can connect to and communicate with the world-wide
community, see [Connecting with the Community](/link/786) and [Getting Support](/link/787).
## What is the Drupal Association?

The [Drupal Association](https://www.drupal.org/association) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to supporting the Drupal project and community. Its main functions
are:

* Putting on large conventions around the world
* Maintaining the _Drupal.org_ websites and the servers that they run on
* Promoting Drupal as a web platform
* Supporting Drupal education and training
* Providing grants to the Drupal community in support of its mission
* Raising funds for these purposes
## Related topics

* [Concept: Drupal Licensing](/link/687)
* [Concept: Security and Regular Updates](/link/780)
* [Connecting with the Community](/link/786)
* [Getting Support](/link/787)
## Additional resources

* [Drupal project governance](https://www.drupal.org/governance)
* [Drupal Code of Conduct](https://www.drupal.org/dcoc)