Grants:Conference/Apply
Conference & Events grant program updates
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, we are sorry to inform that the Wikimedia Foundation is cancelling the planned March 2020 round of applications for conference grants. This latest update follows our earlier request to all Project, Rapid, Conference, and Annual Plan grantees to cancel or reschedule all public programs and conferences. We know that it is very important to the Wikimedia movement to come together in person and connect with one another. However, our first priority is the health and safety of the Wikimedia community, and the general public. Global public health guidance continues to emphasize the importance of staying home, canceling public gatherings, and minimizing in-person contact. In order to safeguard free knowledge, we must also prioritize the well-being of the people who make it possible.
What does this mean for 2020 community events?
We have already cancelled all public Wikimedia events through September 15, 2020. Now, we are extending these cancellations. We are suspending the application process for all in-person Wikimedia conferences until further notice. When the WHO declares that the pandemic is over, and it is once again safe to gather in-person, we will commit to offering support for smaller community events through a rapid grants process.
In the meantime, all conference grant proposals requesting to host an event as part of the 2nd round of proposals for 2019/2020 will be pushed back to the 1st round of 2020/2021. The new deadline for submissions will be 7 September 2020, for events planned to take place between February - July 2021.
We want to be here to support you and your communities right now. If you have any questions about this notice or your grant, please contact Conference grants program officer at calmog@wikimedia.org
_________
Please note that starting September 9, 2019 all recent temporary restrictions for Conference & Events grants have been lifted, and all grant proposals will be welcomed and considered.
However, as aligned with the Wikimedia Movement’s strategic direction, striving to be a robust and Thriving movement, we will highly welcome and prioritize proposals:
- From emerging and underrepresented communities from all parts of the world, that demonstrate growth and capacity building as core goals and outcomes.
- That consider partnering with affiliates and creating regional/thematic coalitions within the movement, to align agendas, enhance equity and to invest in movement leadership infrastructure, for a greater strategic impact.
- That include an outreach component by partnering with open knowledge allies, to expand our global footprint.
- That welcome and empower new participants and contributors in the Wikimedia movement, that will include a clear and scalable newcomers engagement plan.
For detailed information please review the Wikimedia Foundation Conference and Event Grants Eligibility criteria, and the Wikimedia Foundation’s Medium-term plan goals.
How to Apply
- Preview the grant application early in your planning process.
- Create your application by typing a name for your page in the format of YourName/Conference name in the input box below. You can use your real name or your username. If you are applying as a WMF Affiliate, please enter your affiliate abbreviation rather than a user name.
- Follow the instructions that appear when you create the application.
Next Steps
- Committee review: The Conference Grants Committee will review proposals within 2 weeks of submission. They will post feedback on the discussion page of the proposal.
- Proposal finalized: The applicant will have two weeks to make changes to the request based on committee feedback. Phone calls with the program officer or committee members may be scheduled to discuss the feedback, if necessary.
- Funding decision posted: The grant program officer will post a funding decision within 4 weeks of submission.
- Check in calls scheduled: After approval, monthly check in calls will be scheduled with the program officer.
