The Free Software Foundation is working to develop a set of libraries and programs that implement the PDF file format. Even non-developers can contribute to the cause.

The Free Software Foundation has initiated an effort to offer Free Software implementations of the PDF file format. According to the web page setup for donations, "The GNU PDF project is developing a free, high-quality and fully functional set of libraries and programs that implement the PDF file format and associated technologies to the coming ISO standard, ISO 32000."

Jose Marchesi told Blue GNU the Free Software Foundation has set up a web page where supporters can donate money to help pay the developers for their work. "The donated money will be invested in hiring developers. As with the general donations to the Free Software Foundation the donor is able to benefit from tax-deductions if in the USA.", he said.

Donations are tax-deductible (in the USA), and Charity Navigator rates the foundation as a 4-star organization. Supporters contributing $500 or more also get listed on the Thank GNUs page. Additionally, the Free Software Foundation/GNU Project requires that developers provide a statement acknowledging that the code they contribute is their own, which helps to ensure clean code is used in the programs written.