The Million Wiki Project/FAQ

1. What is the main goal of this initiative? (click to expand or collapse)

The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance Wikimedia projects by adding both quantitative and qualitative content related to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This includes creating new articles, media, and structured data on topics relevant to MENA countries, communities, and diaspora, while using any of the six official UN languages.

2. Who can participate in this initiative? (click to expand or collapse)

Participation is open to all registered Wikimedians, regardless of their country, background, or experience level. However, eligibility requirements may vary depending on the Wikimedia project and the language version. We strongly recommend reviewing the specific requirements before participating.

3. Are organizations eligible to apply for grants? (click to expand or collapse)

Yes, organizations actively involved in Wikimedia projects can apply for grants. Please note that a financial check based on the applicant’s country will be conducted before moving to the second phase, which involves the grant committee's review.

4. What are the accepted languages for contributions? (click to expand or collapse)

All contributions must be made in one or more of the six official UN languages: Arabic, Chinese (currently not supported due to a technical issue), English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Once the technical issue with Chinese is resolved, it will also be accepted.

5. What types of content are accepted on Wikimedia Commons? (click to expand or collapse)

Accepted contributions on Wikimedia Commons include:

Original media (photos, audio, video) created by the uploader.
Properly licensed third-party media (public domain or compatible Creative Commons license).
Media that depicts MENA-related topics, such as historic sites, culture, languages, and daily life.

All media must meet minimum quality standards (not blurry or incomplete) and include accurate metadata (title, description, author, date, location, categories). We also recommend reading the Freedom of Panorama policy to avoid deletion due to copyright issues.

6. How should I categorize my uploads on Wikimedia Commons? (click to expand or collapse)

All media uploads must be categorized under a specific project-related category. For example, if your project is named "WikiCollection 2024", all related photos should be under "Category:Images from WikiCollection 2024", which in turn should be a subcategory of "Category:Images from the Million Wiki Project".

The project-specific category should be a hidden category and is intended for statistical purposes.

7. What types of Wikidata contributions are accepted? (click to expand or collapse)

Accepted contributions include:

Creation of new items on MENA-related topics.
Adding statements, qualifiers, and references from reliable sources.
Including interwiki links to articles in UN languages.

Items must meet Wikidata’s notability criteria, use consistent and accurate properties, and contain multilingual labels and descriptions where possible.

8. What kind of content is suitable for Wiktionary? (click to expand or collapse)

Wiktionary entries should focus on:

Words and phrases originating from the MENA region.
Terms from MENA dialects or languages.
Relevant terms in UN languages that are connected to MENA.

Entries must include accurate definitions, pronunciation (IPA or audio), part of speech, usage examples, etymology, and, where possible, translations into other languages.

9. What types of contributions are not accepted? (click to expand or collapse)

The following contributions are not accepted:

Content in languages outside the six official UN languages.
Submissions that lack a clear connection to the MENA region.
Low-quality uploads (e.g., blurry images, copyright violations).
Articles or items that do not meet notability or quality standards.
Vandalism, spam, biased or personal content.
AI-generated content without human verification or reliable sources.

By adhering to the acceptance criteria, contributors help maintain the quality and integrity of MENA-related content across Wikimedia platforms.

10. Why can my contribution be rejected or deleted? (click to expand or collapse)

Contributions may be rejected if they do not meet the minimum quality or notability criteria of the Wikimedia project. Additionally, files may be deleted if they violate copyright rules or do not comply with Freedom of Panorama policies.

To avoid rejection, make sure to read the eligibility and formatting guidelines of each Wikimedia project you are contributing to.

11. Why is Chinese not currently accepted as a contribution language? (click to expand or collapse)

Due to a technical issue related to the project setup, contributions in Chinese are not currently accepted. We are actively working to resolve this issue, and once it is fixed, Chinese will be included as one of the accepted languages for contributions, in line with the six official UN languages.

12. What kind of projects and activities can receive funding? (click to expand or collapse)

Funding can be granted for:

Contest prizes and awards (monetary or in-kind).
Compensation for time and expertise (e.g., jury members, verified contributors).
Organizing Wikimedia activities (e.g., edit-a-thons, Competitions).

13. Are there any restrictions on funding? (click to expand or collapse)

Yes, the following are not funded:

Personal hardware (laptops, smartphones, cameras).
General-purpose salaries not directly tied to Wikimedia contributions.
Travel or accommodation unrelated to Wikimedia events.
Vague or unverified funding requests.
Leisure travel or personal expenses.

14. Can I receive funding if I live in a country under financial sanctions? (click to expand or collapse)

Direct funding to individuals in restricted countries is not possible. You may:

Appoint a trusted representative in a legally eligible country.
Coordinate with another Wikimedia participant who can legally receive funds.
Suggest an alternative legal and verifiable method.

15. How are grants disbursed? (click to expand or collapse)

Grants are released in two installments:

First Installment: Upon project approval, covering 25-50% of the grant.
Second Installment: After completion, once the final report is reviewed and approved.

16. What should the final report include? (click to expand or collapse)

The final report must detail:

Completed tasks and outcomes.
Metrics, links, and supporting materials (e.g., photos, receipts).
Failure to submit a complete report may result in withheld funds and ineligibility for future funding.

17. What happens if my request lacks details or justification? (click to expand or collapse)

Unclear or unsupported requests will be rejected. Make sure your funding proposal clearly outlines deliverables, timelines, and aligns with Wikimedia’s goals.

18. What does the word "million" refer to in the project's title? (click to expand or collapse)

The word million refers to the main goal of the project: reaching one million contributions across various Wikimedia platforms. A contribution can be:

an article on Wikipedia,
a word on Wiktionary,
a book page on Wikisource,
a media file (photo, video, etc.) on Wikimedia Commons,
a Wikidata item.

Each addition, as long as it meets quality standards and project guidelines, counts as a contribution under this initiative.

19. Wikimedia projects are based on volunteer work. Why are you funding this project? (click to expand or collapse)

While Wikimedia projects are indeed driven by volunteers, funding is justified in certain cases to support impact, diversity, and accessibility. According to our funding guidelines, funds are used to:

cover logistical expenses (e.g., events, workshops, travel),
support underrepresented groups or communities with limited access to resources,
encourage innovative initiatives and organize targeted contribution campaigns.

This support is transparent and limited, aiming to maximize the benefits for the Wikimedia movement while preserving the spirit of volunteer collaboration.