Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Conference Fund/Bangla WikiConference 2026
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Applicant details
[edit]- A. Are you applying as a(n)
Wikimedia Affiliate (chapter, thematic org., or user group)
- B. Full name of organization presenting the proposal.
Wikimedia Bangladesh Foundation
- F. Do you have an account on a Wikimedia project?
Yes
- F1. Please provide your main Wikimedia Username.
ROCKY
- F2. Please provide the Usernames of people related to this proposal.
N/A
- G. Are you legally registered?
Yes
If you are applying as an individual or your group is not a legally registered nonprofit in your country, we require that you have a fiscal sponsor.
- I. Fiscal organization name.
Kiwix
Objectives and Strategy
[edit]- 1. Please state the title of your proposal.
Bangla WikiConference 2026
- 2.1. When will the event begin? Please enter the event start date.
2026-10-23
- 2.2. When is the last day of your event?
2026-10-25
- 3.1. When will you begin preparing for your event?
2026-07-01T00:00:00Z
- 3.2. When will you expect to complete your last event payment?
2026-12-31T00:00:00Z
- 4. In which country will the conference take place?
Bangladesh
- 4.1. In which city will the conference take place?
TBD (Possibly in Rajshahi)
- 5. Is it a remote or in-person event?
Hybrid event (in person + streaming)
- 5.1. What will be the total number of participants at the event? (including scholarship recipients + organizing team + other guests + self funded guests) (required)
60
- 6. Please indicate whether your work will be focused on one country (local), more than one or several countries in your region (regional) or has a cross-regional (global) scope.
Regional
- 6.1. If you have answered regional, please write the country names and any other information that is useful for understanding your proposal.
The Bangla Wikimedia community extends beyond Bangladesh, particularly to West Bengal and nearby regions. As in the previous edition, we expect participation from related language communities. For example, in 2024, two Wikipedians from Assam and one from Nepal attended. In 2026, we plan to further expand this regional participation.
- 7. If you would like, please share any websites or social media accounts that your group or organization has.
- Facebook page of the conference: https://www.facebook.com/bnwikicon
- Website of the chapter: https://bd.wikimedia.org, https://wikimedia.org.bd
- Facebook & Instagram: WikimediaBD
- X: @WikimediaBD
- 8. Do you work with any thematic or regional platforms such as WISCom, CEE, Iberocoop, etc.
Yes
- 8.1. Please describe what platforms and your work with them.
We actively engage with Bangla WikiMoitree, the thematic hub for the Bengali-speaking Wikimedia community. Through this platform, we successfully organized two editions of “Wiki Loves Bangla,” an annual photo contest that promotes culture and heritage of Bangla through Wikimedia projects.
- 9. Please describe the target participants for this event.
Our event targets experienced Wikimedians who have been actively contributing in recent times. We are also planning to invite some non-Wikimedian individuals and institutions such as educators, researchers, cultural practitioners, and open knowledge advocates.
- 10. Please provide the link to the event's page if you already have one.
The following questions (11-14) will refer to the Community Engagement Survey which is required in order to submit a proposal. Here is the survey form that you can copy and use (if the link does not work): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ieEI8EFf2vxjD9wN_h8-srYeRCp4fhSp7_1_wiR2jh8/edit. This survey is required to access a Conference grant.
- 11. How many people did you send the community engagement survey to?
250
- 11.1. When did you conduct the survey, and for how long?
Survey ran from 2–21 Feb 2026. Due to some initial confusion about whether to apply under the GSF or the Conference Grant, the survey results were not ready before submission.
- 12. How many people responded to the survey?
15
- 13. What are the main objectives of the event?
Based on the community engagement survey (n=15), where over 70% of respondents prioritized strategic discussions and 67% prioritized community building, Bangla WikiConference 2026 will focus on the following specific objectives:
- Strengthen Strategic Alignment: Organize at least two structured discussions on sustainability, governance, contributor retention, and program planning, with 70% of participants identifying clear follow-up actions within four months.
- Enhance Community Collaboration: Facilitate networking and working sessions that lead to at least two documented cross-community or cross-border initiatives within six months of the conference.
- Build Priority Skills: Deliver at least three targeted capacity-building workshops responding to identified needs, with 75% of participants reporting improved confidence in practical Wikimedia-related skills.
- Increase Post-Conference Engagement: Ensure that at least 60% of attendees participate in one Wikimedia activity (campaign, meetup, edit-a-thon, or collaboration) within six months after the event.
- Strengthen Regional and Institutional Partnerships: Engage 05 GLAM or educational representatives and 15 international participants, with at least two partnership discussions or pilot collaborations initiated within six months.
These objectives are measurable, time-bound, and directly informed by community feedback.
- 14. Based on survey responses, what are the most important things your community should do at the conference to achieve these objectives?
Based on the survey responses, the conference should prioritize structured discussions, community networking, and practical skill-sharing sessions. Participants expressed a strong interest in strategic conversations about community sustainability, contributor retention, and future program planning. The program will therefore include facilitated discussions and working sessions to help identify priorities and develop actionable plans.
The conference will also emphasize community building through networking opportunities and collaborative sessions that encourage cross-community and cross-border engagement. In addition, participants highlighted the need for capacity building; therefore, targeted workshops and presentations will focus on practical skills related to Wikimedia contributions, partnerships, and community organizing. These activities will help participants develop ideas and collaborations that can continue after the conference.
- 15. Please state if your proposal aims to work to bridge any of the identified CONTENT knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select up to THREE that most apply to your work.
Not applicable
- 15.1. In a few sentences, explain how your work is specifically addressing this content gap (or Knowledge inequity) to ensure a greater representation of knowledge. (optional recommended).
N/A
- 16. Please state if your proposal includes any of these areas or THEMATIC focus. Select up to THREE that most apply to your work and explain the rationale for identifying these themes.
Education, Advocacy, Culture, heritage or GLAM , Diversity
- 17. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities?
Not applicable
- 18. Do you intend to invite or engage with non-Wikimedian individuals or organizations? If so – can you explain your intention for this outreach?
Yes. We plan to engage non-Wikimedian individuals and institutions such as educators, researchers, cultural practitioners, and open knowledge advocates. The intention is to build partnerships, introduce Wikimedia projects as platforms for preserving Bangla culture and heritage, and encourage institutional collaboration that can support content development, research contributions, and long-term community growth.
- 19. What will you do to make sure participants continue to engage in your activities after the event?
We will sustain momentum through a structured post-conference engagement plan that combines thematic campaigns, mentorship, and regular online and offline meetups. All participants will be connected to existing community channels and working groups immediately after the conference, with clear pathways to join ongoing projects related to Bangla culture, heritage, and knowledge development across Wikimedia platforms.
Our approach builds on experience from the first Bangla WikiConference in 2024. Following that event, we observed a significant increase in activity and collaboration. In 2024, we organized 35 events; in 2025, this increased to 65 events, an 86% rise reflecting expanded volunteer engagement and stronger coordination. The conference played an important role in bringing contributors together on a single platform, which strengthened collaboration and continuity throughout the year.
We also advanced cross-border collaboration. In November 2025, a ten-day Assamese–Nepali–Bangla Interwiki Collaborative Editing Fair was organized under the initiative of Wikimedia Bangladesh, in partnership with contributors from the Assamese, Nepali, and Bangla Wikipedia communities. This demonstrated how conference connections can translate into sustained regional initiatives.
For 2026, we will intentionally design follow-up mechanisms to ensure similar or greater post-event engagement, with particular emphasis on cross-community and cross-border collaboration.
- Chapter’s Activity report of 2025
- https://w.wiki/HbDB
- 20. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select a maximum of THREE options that most apply.
Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement, Ensure Equity in Decision-making, Coordinate Across Stakeholders, Invest in Skills and Leadership Development, Identify Topics for Impact, Evaluate, Iterate, and Adapt
Logistical Aspects
[edit]- 21. Do you have any proposed venue for the event?
The venue is not yet finalized. We plan to host the event in a northern city of Bangladesh, most likely Rajshahi. The city is well connected by rail, road and air to Dhaka and other regions, making it accessible for participants. Final venue selection will consider capacity, logistics, and proximity to major transport hubs.
- 22. Is the event venue and hotel accessible for people with physical disabilities?
Yes
- 23. How many scholarships would you like to offer?
We plan to offer 55 scholarships in total. Of these, 15 will be allocated for international participants from India, Nepal, and other relevant countries, while the remaining 40 will support participants and volunteers from different regions of Bangladesh.
- 24. What expenses will the scholarship cover?
The scholarship will cover travel-related expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, and visa fees if required.
- 25. How will scholarship recipients be selected?
Scholarship recipients will be selected through an open application process reviewed by a diverse selection committee from the Bangla Wikimedia community. Selection will be based on contribution history, potential to contribute after the event, regional and community representation, and alignment with the conference themes. We will prioritize active contributors, emerging community leaders, participants from underrepresented regions, and individuals working on Bangla culture and heritage topics. We will also consider diversity in terms of geography, gender, experience level, and potential for post-conference engagement. International applicants will be selected based on their relevance to the Bangla or closely related language communities and their expected contribution to the conference objectives.
- 26. In which ways can Wikimedia Foundation staff support your event onsite?
We would appreciate onsite support from Wikimedia Foundation staff, particularly to help uphold Trust and Safety during the conference. Having a Wikimedia Foundation staff member present would be very helpful in addressing any concerns promptly and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for all participants.
- 26.2. Do you intend to invite any WMF staff members to your event? (please note that all WMF staff travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the foundation). Please indicate what is the limit number of WMF staff members you would like to welcome at your event.
We have not made a decision yet. After finalizing the program plan, we will assess the need and invite WMF staff members accordingly.
- 27. Please outline the roles and responsibilities of the organizing team for the conference.
The Core Organizing Team (COT) contains the following members. They will overseeing overall organization of the conference.
- Shabab: Conference Program
- Delwar: Communications and Volunteer Coordination
- Shakil: Scholarships
- Nahid Sultan: Trust and Safety
- Rocky: Logistic and Coordination
The following dedicated team will be formed for effective coordination and management.
Logistic and Local Coordination: Manages logistical aspects: accommodation, transportation, reception, layout, rooms, technical services, catering, etc.
Conference Program: Ensures quality and credibility of conferences and presentations.
Scholarships: Evaluates applications and manages the scholarship program.
Communications: Directs activities related to event promotion and communications.
Volunteer Coordination: Manages volunteer recruitment, well-being, and satisfaction.
Safe Space Committee: Ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
- 28. Do you have plans to co-organize the event with other Wikimedia communities, groups or affiliates?
No
- 28.1. If yes, can you please explain how you are going to co-organize the event and what responsibilities each partner will have.
- 29. What kind of risks do you anticipate and how would you mitigate these?
- Timing and Location Rationale
Rajshahi has been selected as the primary location due to its strong and active Wikimedia community base, prior experience hosting Wikimedia events, and comparatively manageable logistical environment. The city is well connected by air, rail and road to Dhaka and other regions, while being less congested and lower-cost than the capital, which reduces financial and operational risks.
The proposed timing avoids major national examinations, religious holidays, and peak political periods to minimize travel disruption and ensure broader participation.
- Contextual Risks
We have considered several contextual risks, including:
- Political or civic uncertainty: Potential demonstrations or transportation disruptions.
- Public health concerns: Seasonal illnesses or unexpected outbreaks.
- Environmental factors: Weather-related travel disruptions.
- Social risks: Harassment, code of conduct violations, or participant conflicts.
- Digital risks: Online harassment or unauthorized access to communication platforms. We uphold the Digital Safety Considerations for Wikimedians.
At present, no major national elections or high-risk events coincide with the proposed timeline, but we will continue monitoring the local context as the event approaches.
- Safety Measures
To ensure participant safety before, during, and after the event, we will implement:
- A clearly communicated Friendly Space Policy and Code of Conduct.
- A dedicated reporting and escalation mechanism available onsite and digitally.
- Controlled venue access and coordination with venue authorities.
- Clear emergency procedures and contact information shared with participants.
- Scholarship and travel coordination to reduce travel-related risks.
- Digital security guidance will be prepared for participants before the event with the help of WMF’s Human Rights Team.
- Responsibility and Escalation
The Trust and Safety Specialist, Nahid Sultan, will support safety planning and risk management (voluntarily). The local organizing team will designate a focal person responsible for onsite coordination.
- Any safety-related concern will follow a documented escalation pathway
- Immediate response by the designated safety focal person.
- Escalation to Nahid Sultan and relevant Foundation channels when required.
- Documentation and follow-up to ensure appropriate resolution.
This structure ensures preparedness, clear accountability, and alignment with Wikimedia Foundation Trust and Safety practices.
- 30. Friendly space policy - Please add the link to the friendly space policy that your community will be using for this event.
We will follow chapter's friendly space policy: https://bd.wikimedia.org/s/2ku
Learning, Sharing, and Evaluation
[edit]- 31. What do you hope to learn from your work organising this conference?
We aim to strengthen our network within the Bangla community while also expanding collaboration with other communities. We seek to build stronger partnerships that can support future events, initiatives, and research projects, and to further encourage Wikimedia activities in and around Bangladesh. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to engage with Wikimedia projects, and everyone will learn from the presentations and discussions shaped by both speakers and attendees.
- 32. Main open metrics
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Attendees | Last conference had around 55 attendees. This year, we plan to keep the total number similar, while increasing international participation from 10 to 15 participants. | 55 |
| Number of Submissions | Community-driven submissions for sessions, lightning talks, panels, and posters, reflecting active ownership of the conference agenda. | 25 |
| Local community partners | Engage at least five representatives from GLAM or educational institutions during the conference, with follow-up meetings scheduled within three months to explore collaboration. | 5 |
| Community Initiative | At least three cross-cultural or cross-border initiatives developed during or immediately after the conference, with documented action plans and follow-up activities within six months. These may include joint edit-a-thons, thematic campaigns, research collaborations, or partnership projects. Progress will be tracked through event documentation and contribution monitoring. | 3 |
| Sustained Participation | At least 60% of attendees participate in at least one Wikimedia activity (campaign, meetup, collaboration, or content initiative) within six months after the conference. Engagement will be tracked through event records and on-wiki contributions. | 0 |
Financial Proposal
[edit]- 33. What is the amount you are requesting from Wikimedia Foundation? Please provide this amount in your local currency.
2626759
- 34. Select your local currency.
BDT
- Requested amount in USD
- 21539.42 USD [note 1]
- ↑ a b The following amount in US dollars was calculated by Wikimedia Foundation staff using the fixed currency rates. This amount is approximate and may not reflect the actual currency exchange rates on the day of submission or distribution. If the application is funded, the funding will be sent in the recipient’s local currency.
- 35. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it.
Budget of Bangla WikiConference 2026
- 36. Do you expect to receive funding for this conference from other organizations to support your work?
No
- 36.1. If yes, what kind of resources are you expecting to get?
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.
Yes
- Please use this optional space to upload any documents that you feel are important for further understanding your proposal.
- Other public document(s):
Endorsements and Feedback
[edit]Please add endorsements and feedback to the grant discussion page only. Endorsements added here will be removed automatically.
Community members are invited to share meaningful feedback on the proposal and include reasons why they endorse the proposal. Consider the following:
- Stating why the proposal is important for the communities involved and why they think the strategies chosen will achieve the results that are expected.
- Highlighting any aspects they think are particularly well developed: for instance, the strategies and activities proposed, the levels of community engagement, outreach to underrepresented groups, addressing knowledge gaps, partnerships, the overall budget and learning and evaluation section of the proposal, etc.
- Highlighting if the proposal focuses on any interesting research, learning or innovation, etc. Also if it builds on learning from past proposals developed by the individual or organization, or other Wikimedia communities.
- Analyzing if the proposal is going to contribute in any way to important developments around specific Wikimedia projects or Movement Strategy.
- Analysing if the proposal is coherent in terms of the objectives, strategies, budget, and expected results (metrics).