[Lerc]

It's just a recognition of things done.

If there is a greater message, most people could probably put a similar amount of work on a project for the community.

Not many can write a lege cheque for a cause. Many who can, do so and consider their job done.

It's a credit for someone to be able to do one but choose to do both.

[pelasaco]

Is this really recognition for what Zig has already achieved, or is it simply another way of financing its future development?

Mitchell clearly benefits from Zig succeeding. Well, some of his products depend on it. From a cynical point of view, donating nearly a million dollars is also a way to gain soft power over the language's future direction...

I'm not suggesting that's his motivation though... I'm just asking whether someone who funds such a large share of a language's development inevitably ends up influencing its direction, even if he don't formally control the project.