had a quick chat with @ptomato who pointed out that it isn't immediately obvious to all incoming #gnome directors that their responsibilities while sitting on the board are very different from those of a contributor. one of these aspects is donations:

directors are required to fundraise. as a consequence, they are expected to donate.

(it's very hard to ask for money for an organization you do not support financially yourself.)

we'll make this expectation clearer in next year's election announcement — both directly, and by linking more visibly to the policies directors are required to sign:

https://handbook.gnome.org/foundation/board-of-directors.html

if you are thinking about running for elections next year, please start reading these documents now. :)