Software Collaboration for Wikidata/Open Call

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OPEN CALL[edit]

Wikidata is a treasure trove of data — data we would love to be brought to light and used for the benefit of the Wikimedia community and beyond!

This Call for Software Contributions aims to promote collaboration within the Wikimedia Movement by inviting affiliates to develop software solutions leveraging the power of the Wikidata REST API. Through this, Wikimedia Deutschland will support software contributions that feature the Wikidata REST API (anything from mobile apps to desktop apps to websites or services) that provide value not only to the Wikimedia community but also to broader audiences.

With the Software for Collaboration program Wikimedia Deutschland wants to explore ways to create a distributed software development environment within the Wikimedia Movement. Wikimedia Deutschland believes that software is best built by the communities in which the needs for digital tools arise. With this call, Wikimedia Deutschland aims to support projects that make Wikidata's data more accessible and usable for a wider audience.

The call has been closed. Submissions are currently under review. For a short summary, see here.


FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the Call for Software Contributions?
Official entities within the Wikimedia movement, including User Groups and Wikimedia Chapters, are eligible to apply.

I am interested in submitting my project idea, however I am not part of a User Group or a Wikimedia Chapter. How can I still participate?
The Call for Software Contributions is open to Wikimedia affiliates only. Natural people can not apply. However, if you do have a fitting idea, feel free to reach out to Wikimedia affiliates and inquire about the possibility of providing fiscal sponsorship.

What kind of projects are you looking for?
We are seeking projects (anything from mobile apps to desktop apps to websites or services) that leverage the Wikidata REST API to develop software solutions that benefit the Wikimedia community and beyond. If you do have a project proposal that you are excited about, however it does not use the REST API, please reach out to us still. We are open for other ideas and are ready to talk!

Is prior experience with software development required to apply?
Yes, applicants should have some experience with software development to participate in the program. We would like to see that people know which efforts are involved in developing software and won't be disappointed or surprised if it doesn't work out as they planned. As we are looking for desirable, viable, and feasible software, people need a certain level of prior experience. However, it is fine if certain roles are covered by freelancers or other contributors. Please indicate your plans in your application.

What does a complete call submission look like?
In order for a submission to be considered, we ask applicants to fill out the submission form and upload it to the submission folder. Additionally, please add the name of the applying affiliate and a short project description in the corresponding section on the Submission-page.

What is the available budget for the project?
We can fund projects of various (budget) sizes within the given timeframe. Projects need to be finished by December 2024. We are looking forward to your budget plan and will get back to you about this with more details.

How much funding is available for selected projects?
Funding allocations will be determined based on the specific needs and scope of each project. Details regarding funding support will be communicated to selected applicants.

What are the key criteria for evaluating project proposals?
Projects will be evaluated based on factors such as desirability, viability, feasibility, team composition, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and maintenance requirements.

What support will Wikimedia Deutschland provide to selected projects?
Wikimedia Deutschland will offer guidance, support, and resources to selected projects, including financial support.

What is the timeline for project submission and selection?
The deadline for project submissions is April 21th, 23:59 (GMT+1) (check local time). After the submission period, projects will undergo evaluation, and selected applicants will be notified accordingly. Applicants will be notified by Wikimedia Deutschland by the 7th of May.

Can projects focus on specific areas or topics within Wikidata?
Yes, projects can focus on specific areas or topics within Wikidata as long as they align with the program's objectives.

Are there any restrictions on the type of software or tools that can be developed?
Projects should adhere to Wikimedia's principles and guidelines. Any software or tools developed should be openly licensed and accessible to the Wikimedia community.

Will there be opportunities for ongoing collaboration or support beyond the initial project period?
Selected projects may have opportunities for ongoing collaboration and support, for example potential future funding if available.

Will the Wikidata REST API be covered by the Stable interface policy at the time of the projects?
The REST API is not covered by the stable interface policy at the moment. Wikimedia Deutschland will be releasing an official stable version 1 only after June. Therefore, depending on the roadmap of the project proposal, the REST API won't be covered during the start of the projects.