Wikimedia CEE Hub/What we do

CEE Hub activity pillars

The work of the Wikimedia CEE Hub is structured around three main pillars that guide how the Hub supports communities across the region.

Administration

Simplifying administrative processes and improving access to funding and resources for communities in the region. Ensuring that communities are supported in navigating grant systems, coordinating regional processes, and connecting with relevant partners.

Key activities:

Support and simplification of administrative processes
Regional grant support, including brainstorming sessions and learning opportunities
Pre-screening and commenting on grant applications before submission
Collecting feedback from communities and advocating towards the Wikimedia Foundation
Coordination and completion of regional surveys
Documentation of regional processes (e.g. Wikimedia CEE Meeting, CEE Spring)
Supporting organisation of events, including the annual Wikimedia CEE Meeting and Hub general meetings
Enabling cooperation and connecting communities and individuals for joint projects
Supporting adaptation of global campaigns to local contexts (guidelines)
Providing graphic design and branding support (e.g. banners, materials)
Creating and distributing CEE community materials

Programs

Strengthening collaboration, capacity, and program development across the region. Supporting communities in creating and implementing impactful projects, while encouraging knowledge sharing and participation in regional and global initiatives.

Key activities:

Supporting programmatic cooperation and sharing thematic knowledge across the region
Contributing to regional projects (e.g. CEE Spring) through content, coordination, and design
Facilitating participation in regional and global initiatives and connecting communities
Supporting adoption of technical innovations and Wikimedia tools (including localisation and onboarding support)
Organising capacity-building workshops based on identified regional needs
Providing onboarding and leadership training for volunteers, board members, and staff
Maintaining a database of regional and global projects
Facilitating workshops and connections to support smaller communities
Supporting development of new initiatives and collaboration models

Communication

Ensuring effective communication, knowledge sharing, and strong connections within the CEE region. Supporting communities by providing access to information, learning opportunities, and safe spaces for collaboration and dialogue.

Key activities:

Managing communication channels (Meta pages, CEE Newsletter, social media, mailing lists, and community calls)
Organising Hub open hours and maintaining a community events calendar
Coordinating and developing the CEE Newsletter
Maintaining contact lists and supporting communication between communities
Documenting the work of the Hub and sharing outputs regularly
Supporting knowledge exchange
Facilitating and supporting joint regional projects
Sharing updates about Hub activities and broader Wikimedia developments
Supporting conflict facilitation and creating safe spaces for discussion
Providing learning opportunities and training for different Wikimedia stakeholders

Initiatives

Ongoing and regular initiatives led or supported by the Hub
Category	Name	About	Frequency
Grants	Microgrants programme	Funding for short-term, low-cost projects by Wikimedia contributors in CEE, Central Asia, and Persian-speaking communities. Focused on community value, not individual-only benefit.	Continuous (year-round, until 12,000 EUR budget is exhausted)
Grants	CEE Hub Rapid Funds	Funding programme for community projects, transferred from Wikimedia Foundation Rapid Grants. Includes structured evaluation and support from Grants Specialist.	Continuous (year-round)
News/updates	CEE Newsletter	Community-written publication covering Wikimedia activities in the CEE region, including original reporting and bylined articles.	Quarterly
Meeting	CEE Hub Status Meetings	Open online meetings where staff and Steering Committee share updates, progress, and plans, and collect feedback.	Monthly
Meeting, Regional exchange	CEE Catch Up	Regional online meetings with Wikimedia Foundation covering Wikimedia movement updates, initiatives, and community discussions in CEE and Central Asia.	Quarterly
Meeting	CEE Hub Office Hours	Open online sessions presenting opportunities, answering questions, and enabling direct interaction with staff.	Twice per year
Meeting	Wikimedia CEE Meeting	Annual regional conference focused on Wikimedia projects, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in Central and Eastern Europe.	Annual
Meeting, Regional exchange	Russian language events	Online thematic meetings for Russian-speaking Wikimedia communities covering key regional and movement topics.	Few times a year
Meeting	Community Check-in	Structured meetings with individual communities to understand needs, challenges, and provide tailored Hub support.	Once per community per year
Regional exchange	CEE Youth Group	Initiative connecting young Wikimedians for capacity building, peer learning, and leadership development.	Ongoing
Regional exchange	Wikimedia CEE Spring	Annual writing campaign creating Wikipedia content about countries in CEE across language editions.	Annual
Regional exchange	CEE Women campaign	Short-term campaign addressing the gender gap through content creation and participation around International Women’s Day.	Pilot edition in 2026
Regional exchange	CEE Wiki Peer Learning Exchange	In-person exchange programme connecting experienced and emerging communities for hands-on learning.	Pilot edition in 2026

These are the regular activities that form the core of the Wikimedia CEE Hub’s work in the region. Alongside them, we continuously support communities across Central and Eastern Europe in organizing their local events, contests, and programs. We are also actively engaged in regional and global Wikimedia efforts, representing both the Hub and the CEE region, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you think we could add value to your work.