Dear all,
I am delighted to share this exciting news: public policy advocacy work is now (effective
immediately) eligible for funding as part of the Wikimedia Foundation's General
Support Fund [1]. Full details below the line, including recommendations for public policy
advocacy projects [2].
Please note this is the Foundation's first iteration of making funds available for
advocacy that furthers the Wikimedia movement's public policy goals. It will be
imperfect, but the lessons we learn along the way will help us continue to improve this
service. Thank you to the Wikimedians on this list whose input helped us start and shape
this project, and thank you all in advance for your patience with us in the meantime.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
Ziski
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[1]
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Programs/Wikimedia_Community_Fund/Ge…
[2]
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Programs/Wikimedia_Community_Fund/Re…
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WHY: Advocacy is most effective when it is locally-led and contextually relevant. To
bolster this approach, we'll start providing financial support for the public policy
actions and goals that many of you have shared with us. We know this has been a key
barrier preventing many of you from engaging more in advocacy activities. We hope that
this adjustment will support movement members who wish to protect and promote free
knowledge.
WHEN: Active effective immediately.
HOW IT WORKS: Same process as usual. The rough steps are:
1. Fill out the General Support Fund grant application. In question 9, applicants can
select public policy advocacy if they have related activities. A new section will appear
which provides guidance and prompts applicants to provide details about their plans.
2. The Global Advocacy Team and Grants Program Officers will co-review these activities.
They may also provide support to grantees.
WHAT ABOUT USA LOBBYING LEGISLATION? Don't worry about that for now! First, just send
us your ideas. The WMF team will assess how your plans relate to USA lobbying rules.
However, each applicant is responsible for ensuring that their plans align with national
legislation.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Please review this Meta-Wiki page [2] to learn more about what we
consider as public policy advocacy for Wikimedia and what initiatives we can support.