CEE Hub Rapid Funds
CEE Hub Rapid Funds
Open call for funding for the communities across the CEE Region
CEE Hub Rapid Funds is a funding initiative established by the CEE Hub in collaboration with the Wikimedia Foundation. This programme has been developed following a joint decision to transfer the management of what was previously known as the Rapid Grants Program to the CEE Hub for the region of Central and Eastern Europe. In this year (2026) we are hoping that we will have a successful transition and the programme will start officially on April 1st, 2026.
The CEE Hub Rapid Funds programme is available to communities, affiliates, and individuals from the CEE region to conduct projects and activities that require funds from 700 to 5000 USD. The programme will be implemented continuously throughout the year with two administrative breaks (June and December), when the transfer of the funds will be limited.
The estimated processing time for project approval is 30 days and additional 15-30 days for administrative part where applicant will communicate with Wikimedia Foundation about the transfer of the funds and contract details.
The entire process will be streamlined by communicating the project intention with the CEE Hub Grants Specialist, and CEE Hub highly recommends to contact the grant specialist before submitting your application. Below you can schedule a meeting.
Evaluation of the grants will be made by the CEE Hub Grants Specialist. After the evaluation and based on the recommendation of the CEE Hub Grants Specialist, CEE Hub Regional Coordinator will decide about the grant proposal. In some case, grant committee will be involved in order to receive their opinion as well.
Who?
Individuals, groups, Wikimedia affiliates or organisations from Wikimedia movement across CEE Region
What?
For short-term, low-cost projects with Wikimedia focus (1-12 months)
When?
45-60 days processing time
How much?
700 - 5,000 USD [open until the quarterly budget is exhausted]
How to apply
[edit]- Read about what we fund and who can apply below.
- Go to Wikimedia Foundation Grantee Portal (Fluxx) and log in. (if you need support for Fluxx, check these video tutorials).
- If you do not have an account, click Register Now and provide the requested information. You will receive confirmation of your registration within two working days.
- Select the Apply for CEE Hub Rapid Fund button on the main page. Click Save and Continue or Save and Close to save the application.
- Follow the instructions on the application form. You will need to give information about your project and upload several documents.
- Click Submit to submit the application for review.
- We accept applications in English language.
- Applications will be published to Meta-Wiki automatically within two days. This is done for community review and feedback.
- You can prepare the application offline. Make a copy of the application form, answer the questions and copy the text to Fluxx.
- Application form (direct link to the document)
- Budget form (direct link to the document)
What we fund
[edit]Your project should support the achievement of Wikimedia's mission and strategic direction. And it should aim at improving one or more of Wikimedia projects.
- Individuals coordinating local events related to a global campaign in their community.
- Informal and formal community meetup.
- Wikimedia editathons and workshops.
- Education projects, for example, reading or editing training on Wikipedia, Wikidata or other Wikimedia projects.
- Cultural and heritage projects that support contribution of content, curation of the content and promote accessibility of that content.
- Gender and diversity projects, for example, bringing in and training women and gender diverse participants and editors. Also, creating content about women, gender diverse groups, underrepresented communities and their knowledge.
- Small-scale software development projects.
- Working space, services, prizes, outreach, and other common costs needed to support edit-a-thons, contests, photowalks, and promotional campaigns.
- Data costs to support access to online events.
- Project-related travel for organizers.
- Compensation for well-defined roles that do not replace volunteer activities, including (but not limited to) graphic design, training, childcare services, translation, project management, and Wikimedian-in-Residence roles.
- No funding for travel scholarships or conference participation. Rapid Funds are project-based resources and only fund travel related to the direct implementation of the project.
- Equipment purchase is allowed for groups, organizations, and affiliates. Equipment-based grants need to clearly demonstrate how the equipment will be shared with other community members. An equipment log or list must be publicly available for community members and included in the application. Examples of equipment funded with Rapid Funds are: laptops, cameras and projectors, routers, and external drives.
- Applications to complete proposed research related to the Wikimedia movement are not eligible. Please review the Wikimedia Research Fund for these funding opportunties.
- Applications for open access publication fees to publish completed research are not eligible at this time. We encourage researchers to review the WikiJournal User Group, which publishes a set of open-access, peer-reviewed academic journals with no publishing costs to authors.
Eligibility criteria
[edit]This fund is for you if you:
- Are applying for funds between 700-5000 USD or its equivalent in another currency at the time of the application. Funds are distributed in your local currency.
- Are a Wikimedia community member, or part of a group or organisation from the Wikimedia movement across Central and Eastern Europe.
- Have a 1-12 months long project in mind. Projects must be for future, planned work.
- Are an individual who does not have any other open Rapid Funds. Before applying for a new Rapid Fund you will need to submit the report for the open Rapid Fund.
- The total fund amount an individual can access per fiscal year (e.g. January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025) is up to USD 10,000.
- Are an organisation or group with less than 2 open grants at any given time.
- The total fund amount an organisation or group can access per fiscal year (e.g. January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025) is up to USD 10,000. You are encouraged to have access to a joint bank account.
- Have current contribution history and experience on the target Wikimedia project(s) mentioned in your grant application. You also need to have organising experience or training experience. For example, if you are planning to train newcomers on Wikidata, you must demonstrate editing and training history on Wikidata.
- Have informed the team members about your grant and involved the community in discussing the proposal.
Specific criteria
[edit]- Applicant should be a Wikimedian who is part of the Central and Eastern Europe (Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Cyprus; Estonia; Georgia; Greece; Hungary; Kosovo; Latvia; Lithuania; Moldova; Montenegro; North Macedonia; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Turkey; Ukraine)
- Grant requests and reports should be submitted in English
- The final report should be submitted no later than 6 weeks after the end of project implementation (as stated in the grant application where duration and timing is explained by the applicant).
- The project you have in mind aims to improve third-party websites.
- The project includes paid editing.
- The project includes lobbying activities, as per United States Internal Revenue Service definitions.[1]
- Works and contributions are not published under ethical, open access agreements.
- You are a General Support Fund grantee partner.
- You are a board member, leader (including Wikimedia affiliate contacts submitted to the Affiliations Committee), president, bank account signatory[2], executive director, or other paid staff member or contractor of a Wikimedia affiliate, group, or organisation with existing General Support Fund or Rapid Fund awards. This criterion also applies to Wikimedia affiliates that have a fundraising agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation (Chapter Gifts).
- To request an exception to this criterion: Board or staff members of affiliates or allied organisations applying for the Rapid Funds are required to provide a formal board or organisational decision confirming that the board has reviewed and approved the individual's application, receipt, and use of funds from the same donor supporting the organisation. Applications without this documentation will not proceed to review and will be declined.
- You are an individual applying on behalf of different groups or organisations.
Primary and secondary contacts, agreement signatories, bank account signatories, and any individuals in roles that direct the implementation of grant activities, must:
- Follow the Universal Code of Conduct and Friendly Space Policies.
- Comply with all requirements and be in good standing for any current activities funded through the Wikimedia Foundation.
- Be in good standing in regard to ethical behavior within the community (e.g. social behavior, financial behavior, legal behavior, etc.), as determined through the due diligence process of the grant program.
- Have no recent or recurring violations:
- Must not be blocked on any Wikimedia project, even if the proposed work is unrelated to that project.
- Within the past year, must not have been blocked, banned, or flagged by Wikimedia Foundation staff or affiliates for violations of the Universal Code of Conduct, Friendly Space Policies, or other conduct issues.
- Must not have been repeatedly blocked or flagged for the same issue on a Wikimedia project.
- If prior issues or blocks have occurred, must demonstrate learning and understanding in regard to the cause for the issue, such that they are ready to serve as a role model for others as a grantee.
- Not appear on the United States Department of Treasury Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN).
- Be located in a country that can legally receive funding for the described activities and expenses in accordance with the laws governing the sending and receiving of funds in the United States and their respective country.
- Not be Wikimedia Foundation staff members or contractors working more than part time (over 20 hours per week). Please refer to the Policy:WMF staff eligibility for Wikimedia Foundation funding for further information and required steps if you request exceptions to this criterion.
- Provide all information and documentation needed to receive the funding from the Wikimedia Foundation.
Youth Safety Policy must be in place for any activity that involves underage community members.
- If the proposal indicates direct contact with children or youth, it also outlines compliance with international and local laws for working with children and youth, and provides documentation of the local laws in the annex.
- The proposal demonstrates how they will ensure the safe engagement of young people in all of the project’s activities.
- The proposal demonstrates that any adults who will be working in close contact with young people have been properly vetted and trained.
- The proposal outlines an action protocol in the case that incidents occur relating to the physical and psychological safety of young people.
- Applicants implementing projects involving underage community members are encouraged to complete the Safety for Young Wikimedians course: Safety for young Wikimedians on WikiLearn.
Additional note: We recommend applying for micro-funding programs and other similar opportunities in local communities where they are available, and where you can coordinate and work with other groups in your geography.
Timeline
[edit]April 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Official start of the programme
June 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Disbursement of the funds is limited (WMF regulations)
December 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Disbursement of the funds is limited (WMF regulations)
How to submit report
[edit]If your Rapid Fund is approved, you will need to send a report. Send the report within 45 days after you complete the project.
- Go to Wikimedia Foundation Grantee Portal (Fluxx) and log in.
- Find the Reports section on the left sidebar. Select the Upcoming link and you will see all upcoming reports.
- Select the Rapid Fund report and click Edit. Answer the questions in the form. You can write it in any preferred language.
- When your report is complete, click Submit to send it for review.
- You can prepare the report offline. Make a copy of the report form, answer the questions and copy the text to Fluxx.
Resources
[edit]- Grantee Portal (Fluxx) video tutorials.
- Review all applications and reports in the WMF Rapid Funds
- Request merchandise from Wikipedia Store
Contact us
[edit]If you those time slots are not good for you, then please contact the Grant Specialist directly at toni.ristovski@wmceehub.org.
FAQ
[edit]- Why is the process changing for CEE communities?
From 1 April 2026, the CEE Hub will take on reviewing Rapid Fund applications for Central and Eastern Europe. This change is designed to bring support closer to the communities. By having the CEE Hub involved, we can provide guidance before you submit your application, respond more quickly, and make decisions based on a better understanding of the challenges in our region.
- 2. I am from Central Asia. Does this change affect me?
No. The CEE Hub Rapid Funds are only for communities in Central and Eastern Europe. If you are in a Central Asian country, your process stays the same: you should continue to apply directly through the Wikimedia Foundation.
- 3. Can I apply for technical or software projects through the Hub?
No. The CEE Hub Rapid Funds do not cover technical or software-focused projects. If your project is technical, you should reach out to the Wikimedia Foundation directly to find the right funding opportunity.
- 4. Who do I contact about contracts or fund transfers?
The CEE Hub handles the review and guidance for your application, but the Wikimedia Foundation remains responsible for contracts and transferring funds. For questions about payments, contracts, or other administrative details, you will still communicate with WMF staff, particularly with the Grants team (grantsadmin@wikimedia.org).
- 5. Why should I meet with the Grant Specialist before applying?
We encourage a short pre-application meeting to help clarify your idea and make your application stronger. A conversation with our Grant Specialist can guide you through the new application form, check eligibility, and help your project be ready for submission in Fluxx. Meetings can be scheduled via this link.
- 6. Why are there delays in June and December?
Some administrative cycles at the Wikimedia Foundation mean that fund transfers are limited in June and December. We encourage you to submit your applications in advance to avoid long waits. You can still submit your application at any time, but please plan your project knowing that payments might take longer during these months.
- 7. How much can I apply for?
You can request between 700 USD and 5,000 USD (or equivalent in local currency). There is also a maximum of 10,000 USD per fiscal year per individual, group, or organization.
- 8. What if the budget runs out?
Rapid Funds is an open call, but funding is subject to availability each quarter. If a quarter’s budget is used up, we will clearly communicate this on the Meta page. To avoid delays, it’s best to apply as soon as your project is ready.
- 9. I am part of a Central Asian community. Am I still eligible for the CEE Hub Microgrants?
Yes. This change only affects Rapid Funds for Central and Eastern Europe. It does not change the eligibility for the CEE Hub Microgrants. Central Asian communities can continue to apply for microgrants as before, and your participation in that program remains fully supported.
References
[edit]- ↑ https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/lobbying.
- ↑ Individuals who have access to the organisational bank account.