WMF Grantmaking also includes Travel and Participation Support[1] which supports active participation of Wikimedians in mission-aligned events. In addition, WMF offers Scholarships to the annual Wikimania Conference and Partnership Grants to support allied organizations that partner with Wikimedia communities in expanding reach and participation, particularly in the Global South.[2]
The WMF grantmaking process is founded on the WMF's Guiding Principles[3], and is based on many norms that are part of most Wikimedia communities (also referred to by interviewees as "the wiki way"). These are: Freedom and open source; Sewing every human being; Transparency; Accountability; Stewardship; Shared power; Internationalism; Free speech; and Independence.
The Wikimedia Foundation uses a variety of participatory grantmaking methods across its grantmaking programs. Grantmaking decisions about which proposals to fund and how much funding to offer are made publicly on wikis, in cooperation with volunteers and Wikimedia organizations. WMF grantmaking staff also participate in the execution and analysis of grant-funded projects by providing mentorship and guidance to grantees, connecting them with like-minded individuals and organizations, and by helping them spread awareness of their work through blog posts, learning patterns[4], and case studies.[5]
At this time, WMF is in the process of shifting its support models, including the following changes, in alignment with WMF values and WMF's strategic plan:[6]
- From primarily providing support through funding to providing a range of support and resources, including mentorship, training, and tools, in addition to funding.
- From primarily funding established organizations, to funding more small groups and individuals.
- From primarily funding grantees in the Global North, to funding and intentionally developing communities in the Global South.
- From a male-dominated culture, to funding programming that increases participation and representation of women and trans people.
Above image from Grantmaking Overview, June 2014.
- ↑ Travel and Participation Support is reviewed by a three—member committee consistin of staff from the donororganization. Wikimania Scholarships are reviewed by a nine-member committee of vo unteers. Partnership Grants are reviewed by a committee of two staff and two volunteers.
- ↑ 2014-15 Wikimedia Foundation Plan. Page 16. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/e/e0/2014-15_Wikimedia_Foundation_Plan.pdf
- ↑ https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Resolution:Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles. Approved by Board of Trustees on May 30, 2013.
- ↑ https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Learning_patterns
- ↑ https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Start/Approach#approach1
- ↑ Grantmaking Overview, June 2014. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Grantmaking_Overview_for_Lila_June_2014.pdf
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