Content Partnerships Hub/Helpdesk/Establishing a partnership
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Establishing a partnership
What this means
[edit]The road towards a content partnership might seem long and difficult. How do I find a good potential partner? How do I reach out to them? How do I pitch the importance of working with the Wikimedia movement to them? And if they are finally convinced, should we formalize our work – and in that case, how?
This page aims to help you if you want to start the journey towards a successful content partnership.
How the Helpdesk can help
[edit]The Helpdesk can support in various ways:
- By helping draft, compile or find material that can help you, be it:
- Slidedecks
- Agreements
- By putting you in contact with Wikimedians who have been in similar situations and have previous experiences
How to make a request
[edit]To start a new request to the Helpdesk, send an email to helpdesk
wikimedia.se. In the request, it is great if you try to respond to these questions:
- Describe your problem in as much detail as you can
- Have you identified any possible solutions? In that case, which?
- If we would succeed in achieving the change you want to see, what possibilities would open up then?
Resources
[edit]Slidedecks
[edit]-
Helpdesk presentation at Wikimania 2024 -
Poster at Wikimania 2025
Agreement templates
[edit]The way an agreement works and looks can differ in many ways, and might depend on the nature of the collaboration, and if the partner you want to sign the agreement with has any certain requirements (which can sometimes be the case). Agreements can be:
- Memorandum of Understanding (often abbreviated MoU)
- Partnership agreement
Here are a few examples of what it could look like:
| Type | Partner Institution | Language | In original language | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorandum of Understanding | National Museum of Sweden | Swedish | "Användbara auktoriteter för | Link to Google Drive |
| Partnership Agreement | Grupo de Pesquisa Representações do Lugar (RELU) at Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL) | Portuguese | Partnership Agreement | Link to Google Drive |
Frequently Asked Questions
[edit]- Do I need to have an agreement in place to start a partnership?
Not always. Many partnerships start informally and agreements can be introduced later if needed.
- What types of institutions can I approach for a partnership?
Museums, archives, libraries, NGOs, universities, or any organization holding knowledge resources.
- I don’t have prior experience negotiating partnerships. Can the Helpdesk still support me?
Yes. The Helpdesk can connect you with Wikimedians who have gone through similar processes.
- What if the partner requests conditions that don’t align with Wikimedia’s principles?
The Helpdesk and Expert Committee can help review and advise on possible compromises or alternatives.
- How long does it usually take to establish a partnership?
It depends on the institution, but having prepared material (slide decks, examples, agreements) can speed up the process.
- Can partnerships be international, or should they always be local?
Both are possible. The Helpdesk can provide support regardless of the geographic scope of the partnership.
- Do I need legal expertise to sign an agreement?
Not necessarily. The Helpdesk can provide example templates and advice, but for complex cases, local legal review may be recommended.
How you can be involved
[edit]Do you want to help out in the support for more content partnerships? Read more on the involvement page!