Another funding opportunity ā the current Wikimedia Rapid Grant cycle ends at the end of this month (July 1) and will cover events or programs after August 31, 2026. While this works well for Wiki Loves Monuments, it would also work for Wikidataās birthday party on October 29.
cheers,
Gaurav
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Lucy Iwuala via All-affiliates <all-affiliates(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
> Subject: [All-affiliates] Wiki Loves Monuments 2026 ā Rapid Grant Timeline & Organisers Office Hour
> Date: June 6, 2026 at 9:02:09āÆAM EDT
> To: wlm-announce(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> Cc: african-wikimedians(a)lists.wikimedia.org, wikilovesmonuments(a)lists.wikimedia.org, wikimedia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org, all-affiliates(a)lists.wikimedia.org, Lucy Iwuala <lucyiwuala(a)gmail.com>
> Reply-To: Wikimedia All-Affiliates <all-affiliates(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>
> Dear Wiki Loves Monuments Organisers,
>
> As preparations for Wiki Loves Monuments 2026 continue, we would like to remind organisers planning to apply for Wikimedia Rapid Grants that Cycle 1 is the most recommended timeline to ensure funds are received ahead of the competition period.
>
> Rapid Grant Cycle 1 Timeline
> Submission deadline: July 1, 2026
> Review period: July 2 ā July 29, 2026
> Compliance check & decision announcement: July 30 ā August 12, 2026
> Grant processing & payment: August 12 - August 26, 2026
> Earliest project start date: August 31, 2026
>
> Organisers are encouraged to review the timeline <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid#Timeline> carefully and begin planning early.
>
> For organisers who may not be able to access Rapid Grants or do not have Wiki Loves Monuments funding included in their Annual Plan, the Wiki Loves Monuments International Team also provides Micro-Grant <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Monuments_2026/Organiā¦> support ranging from 300-500 USD to support local organising efforts.
>
> In addition, as part of preparations for WLM 2026, the International Team is planning an upcoming Office Hour session where organisers can ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss concerns related to the competition, funding, and campaign planning.
>
> Please stay tuned for the Office Hour call details and participation information.
>
> We look forward to another successful edition of Wiki Loves Monuments with communities around the world.
>
> Best regards,
> Lucy Iwuala
> For: Wiki Loves Monuments International Team
> _______________________________________________
> All-affiliates mailing list -- all-affiliates(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to all-affiliates-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
Hi everybody,
Wikidata has lots of information [1] on organizing Wikidataās 14th birthday party on October 29, 2026, including funding opportunities: Wikimedia Deutschland micro grants (deadline June 30, needs to go through a registered US organization like Wikimedia NYC or Wikimedia DC) or WMF Rapid Funds (deadline September 1, can be received by an individual).
cheers,
Gaurav
[1] https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Fourteenth_Birthday/Run_an_event
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Mohammed Abdulai via Wikidata <wikidata(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
> Subject: [Wikidata] Re: Save the date: Wikidata turns 14 š„³
> Date: June 4, 2026 at 8:17:51āÆAM EDT
> To: Discussion list for the Wikidata project <wikidata(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
> Cc: wikimedia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org, Mohammed Abdulai <mohammed.abdulai(a)wikimedia.de>
> Reply-To: Discussion list for the Wikidata project <wikidata(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> A few quick reminders as we slowly gear up for Wikidata's 14th birthday <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Fourteenth_Birthday> on 29 October 2026.
>
> š Add your event to the global calendar <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Fourteenth_Birthday/Calendar>.
>
> š Apply for a microgrant <https://lime.wikimedia.de/index.php/897743?lang=en> from Wikimedia Deutschland to run your event. Deadline: 30 June 2026 UTC.
>
> š Prepare a birthday message <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Event:Wikidata_Fourteenth_Birthday/Presents_%ā¦> or "present <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Event:Wikidata_Fourteenth_Birthday/Presents_%ā¦>" (tool, video, documentation, etc) and add it to the list.
>
> š Mark the date for the online celebration call <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Event:Wikidata_Fourteenth_Birthday/Presents_%ā¦> (29 October at 17:00 UTC) and add it to your calendar.
>
> If you need help with anything feel free to get in touch with me directly.
>
> Cheers,
>
> -Mohammed
>
> On Tue, Apr 14, 2026 at 7:17āÆPM Mohammed Abdulai <mohammed.abdulai(a)wikimedia.de <mailto:mohammed.abdulai@wikimedia.de>> wrote:
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> Wikidata turns 14 this October, and itās time to start thinking about birthday celebrations. Since we launched on 29 October 2012, Wikidata has grown into a thriving open-source knowledge base, thanks to all of you.
>>
>> Each year, we come together to mark this milestone. Events and contributions will happen throughout October and November 2026, across regions and languages, online and offline.
>>
>> Why we celebrate:
>>
>> To recognize the work and impact of the Wikidata community
>> To connect and engage with others who care about open knowledge
>> To share Wikidata with new audiences and grow the movement
>>
>> How you can take part:
>>
>> š Host Your Own: Organize something with your local community. A short Wikidata intro, an editathon, or even a cake-cutting meetup. š Visit the birthday page for support and resources <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Fourteenth_Birthday/Run_an_event> to help you promote it.
>>
>> š Join an Event: Whether youāre after a hands-on editathon or an informal hangout, there are many ways to get involved. š Keep an eye on the list of events <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Fourteenth_Birthday/Calendar> and find one near you.
>>
>> š Prepare a Birthday Gift: Every year, volunteers create ābirthday presentsā for the community; new features, playful content, documentation, and more. š Take a look at previous gifts <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Thirteenth_Birthday/Presents_%26_mesā¦> and add your idea to this yearās list.
>>
>> š¬ Join the Online Call On October 29: weāll host a call where people can present their gifts, share updates, and celebrate live with the global community. Details will be published closer to the event date.
>>
>> š” Need support for your event or gift idea? Microgrants are available through Wikimedia Deutschland to help cover costs. You can apply until June 30th via this Lime Survey form <https://lime.wikimedia.de/index.php/638517?lang=en>.
>>
>> For questions, feel free to reply here, leave a note on the talk page or contact me directly <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata_talk:Fourteenth_Birthday>.
>>
>> Looking forward to celebrating together again.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> --
>> Mohammed S. Abdulai
>> Community Communications Manager, Wikidata
>>
>> Wikimedia Deutschland e. V. | Tempelhofer Ufer 23-24 | 10963 Berlin
>> Phone: +49 (0) 30 577 116 2466
>> https://wikimedia.de <https://wikimedia.de/>
>>
>> Grab a spot in my calendar for a chat: cal.com/masssly <http://cal.com/masssly>.
>>
>> A lot is happening around Wikidata - Keep up to date! <https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Wikidata:Status_updates> Current news and exciting stories about Wikimedia, Wikipedia and Free Knowledge in our newsletter (in German): Subscribe now <https://www.wikimedia.de/newsletter/>.
>>
>> Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. Help us to achieve our vision!
>> https://spenden.wikimedia.de <https://spenden.wikimedia.de/>
>>
>> Wikimedia Deutschland ā Gesellschaft zur Fƶrderung Freien Wissens e. V. Eingetragen im Vereinsregister des Amtsgerichts Charlottenburg, VR 23855 B. Als gemeinnĆ¼tzig anerkannt durch das Finanzamt fĆ¼r Kƶrperschaften I Berlin, Steuernummer 27/029/42207. GeschƤftsfĆ¼hrende VorstƤnde: Franziska Heine
> _______________________________________________
> Wikidata mailing list -- wikidata(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> Public archives at https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/wikidata@lists.wikimedia.org/meā¦
> To unsubscribe send an email to wikidata-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
Looks like an interesting challenge about water and sanitation in Africa!
cheers,
Gaurav
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Jael Boateng via GLAM <glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
> Subject: [GLAM] Join the launch of Africa Wiki Challenge 2026 ā Water for Life in Africa
> Date: May 19, 2026 at 7:21:33āÆAM EDT
> To: Mailing list for African Wikimedians <african-wikimedians(a)lists.wikimedia.org>, Wikimedia Mailing List <wikimedia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>, glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> Cc: Information Center <info(a)ofwafrica.org>, Jael Boateng <jboateng(a)ofwafrica.org>
> Reply-To: "Wikimedia & GLAM collaboration [Public]" <glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> We are excited to announce the Africa Wiki Challenge (AWC) 2026 <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Africa_Wiki_Challenge_2026>, a continental open knowledge campaign dedicated to amplifying Africaās presence in the global digital space.
>
> This yearās theme, āWATER FOR LIFE IN AFRICA ā Liquid Heritage: Documenting Africaās Water Resources and Sanitation Systems,ā focuses on one of the continentās most vital yet underrepresented areas. Read more about the campaign on diff <https://diff.wikimedia.org/2026/05/18/africa-wiki-challenge-2026water-for-lā¦>.
>
> Join the Launch
>
> The Africa Wiki Challenge 2026 will officially launch on Thursday, 28 May 2026 as a virtual event. Register <https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81070652031?pwd=utMO6xYTa0yh2bRGc9GKLJ898x4qi7.1> to join the launch to learn more about the campaign theme, participation guidelines, contribution areas, and available support for editors and first-time contributors.
>
> How to Participate
>
> Register to join the campaign here <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Africa_Wiki_Challenge_2026>. Participants can contribute in multiple ways, including creating new Wikipedia articles on water and sanitation topics in Africa, improving existing content across Wikimedia platforms, uploading images and videos to Wikimedia Commons, adding structured data to Wikidata to improve visibility and access, and documenting local water systems, innovations, and community practices.
>
> Weekly Virtual Office Hours
>
> To support participants throughout the campaign, we will host weekly virtual office hours. These sessions will provide guidance on editing and contributions, technical support for Wikimedia platforms, topic suggestions and collaboration opportunities, and space for questions and peer learning. Details for each weekly session, including dates, times, and access links, will be shared via this mailing list and our community channels.
>
> Remember to register <https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81070652031?pwd=utMO6xYTa0yh2bRGc9GKLJ898x4qi7.1> for the launch and contribute <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Africa_Wiki_Challenge_2026>!!
>
>
> On behalf of the organisers,
> --
> Jael Serwaa Boateng
> Executive Director
> Open Foundation West Africa
> _______________________________________________
> GLAM mailing list -- glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to glam-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
The results for the 2025 Wikimedia Commons Picture of the Year contest are out!
cheers,
Gaurav
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: "Md. Zillur Rahman via Commons-l" <commons-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
> Subject: [Commons-l] Announcing the Winners of Picture of the Year 2025!
> Date: May 3, 2026 at 9:37:16āÆAM EDT
> To: commons-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> Cc: commons-poty(a)lists.wikimedia.org, "Md. Zillur Rahman" <zi.jony93(a)gmail.com>
> Reply-To: Wikimedia Commons Discussion List <commons-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I am so pleased to finally announce the winners for this year's Picture of the Year contest! We had some truly incredible finalists to choose from, but the community has spoken.
>
> Here are your top three winning images:
>
> š„ First Place: Damage in the Gaza Strip
> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Damage_in_Gaza_Strip_during_the_Octā¦
>
> š„ Second Place: Baby cape fur seal sleeping at Cape Cross
> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:014_Baby_cape_fur_seal_sleeping_at_ā¦
>
> š„ Third Place: Gigantic jet photographed from the International Space Station
> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gigantic_jet_photographed_by_Nicholā¦
>
> You can view the full results and see where all your favorite images placed here:
> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Picture_of_the_Year/2025/Resultsā¦
>
> I also want to highlight what an incredible turnout we had. In the second round, we saw a massive jump in both the number of users voting and the total votes cast. We had exactly 13,979 votes cast by 3,509 users! To put that in perspective, last year we had 7,403 votes from 2,837 users. It is amazing to see that level of growth and community engagement.
>
> Thank you to everyone who voted, helped organize, and generally made the contest such a huge success this year.
>
>
>
> Regards,
> User:ZI Jony
> POTY Commitee
> _______________________________________________
> Commons-l mailing list -- commons-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to commons-l-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
A scholarship and conference that looks interesting!
cheers,
Gaurav
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: "Meta-Wiki" <wiki(a)wikimedia.org>
> Subject: Queering Wiki 2026 - Scholarship open!
> Date: April 14, 2026 at 1:20:04āÆPM EDT
> To: "Gaurav" <gaurav(a)ggvaidya.com>
> Reply-To: "Vic Sfriso (WMLGBT)" <vic(a)wmlgbt.org>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Our Queering Wiki 2026 Scholarship application is now open, until May 1st. More information and application survey available here: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Queering_Wiki_2026
>
> The 2026 edition will take place 23ā25 October in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, bringing together participants from around the world, both within local communities and the diaspora.
>
> We hope to see you there,
> Vic Sfriso
> Wikimedia LGBT+
>
> --
> This email was sent by Vic Sfriso (WMLGBT) to Gaurav, a registered participant of the following event: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Queering_Wikipedia_Conference_2025. If you reply to this email, your email will be sent directly to the original sender, revealing your email address to them.
> To manage email preferences for user āŖVic Sfriso (WMLGBT)ā¬, please visit the following URL:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:Mute/Vic_Sfriso_(WMLGBT)
>
> Visit the Collaboration list to find more events and communities on the wikis: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:AllEvents
Hi everybody,
The Wikimedia Foundation is asking for feedback on their proposal on how Wikimedia Affiliates should work going forward.
cheers,
Gaurav
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: "Quim Gil" <qgil(a)wikimedia.org>
> Subject: Draft proposal for a Future Affiliate Landscape
> Date: March 5, 2026 at 6:17:31āÆAM EST
> To: Gaurav Vaidya <gaurav(a)ggvaidya.com>
>
> Dear Gaurav,
>
> The pilot on the ecosystem of Wikimedia organizations <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Updating_the_ecosystem_of_Wikimedia_organizā¦> has published a draft proposal for a Future Affiliate Landscape <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Updating_the_ecosystem_of_Wikimedia_organizā¦>. It welcomes your review and feedback <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Updating_the_ecosystem_of_Wikimedia_orā¦>. The purpose of this proposal is to provide a basis for future conversations around movement organizations and advance the process towards action and implementation of needed changes. The main goal is to achieve clarity regarding the structure of movement organizations, especially the purpose, role, rights, and expectations related to each organization type, as well as how different organization types are connected to each other.
>
> This draft proposal follows the publication of the paper Towards a Health Ecosystem of Wikimedia Organizations <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Towards_a_Healthy_Ecosystem_of_Wikimedia_Orā¦>. It has been produced by a focus group <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Updating_the_ecosystem_of_Wikimedia_organizā¦> formed in December 2025 to come up with a proposal for next steps on that paper. This proposal is the outcome of this work.
>
> Please share this invitation among your affiliate as you see fit. Your feedback will help us improve our work.
>
> Best regards,
>
> --
> Quim Gil (he/him)
> Principal Community Relations Specialist @ Wikimedia Foundation
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Qgil-WMF
> You are receiving this email because, according to our records, you have an official role in a Wikimedia affiliate, hub, or movement partner. If this information is wrong, or you want to opt out from the Ecosystem pilot updates, please reply to this message and we will correct it.
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Giovanna Fontenelle via GLAM <glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
> Subject: [GLAM] Re: Celebrate Women 2026: welcome session and new materials
> Date: March 4, 2026 at 12:00:00āÆPM EST
> To: glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> Cc: Giovanna Fontenelle <gfontenelle(a)wikimedia.org>
> Reply-To: "Wikimedia & GLAM collaboration [Public]" <glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>
> Hello,
>
> This is a kind reminder that our Celebrate Women 2026 Welcome Session is happening tomorrow! Let's kick off the campaign together š
>
> - Date: March 5 (Thursday)
> - Time: 13:00-14:00 UTC (check your timezone here <https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1771851600>)
> - Registrations: here <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women_2026_Welcome_Session>
> - Live interpretation: French, Spanish, and Portuguese
>
> Attendees will:
> - Understand more about the 2026 campaign and how it was organized.
> - Learn about the events being organized by the Wikimedia community in March 2026.
> - Participate in a movement reflection and understand Wikimedia's Gender Gap milestones.
> - Get an overview of the previous training sessions and learn about two new tools that help organizers with small but powerful edits during events: Wikipedia Microtask Generator <https://microtask-generator.toolforge.org/> and Gender Bias Detector <https://nethahussain.github.io/wikipedia-gender-bias-detector/>.
>
> Please help us publicize this event by sharing it with your friends, communities, and networks.
>
> Best,
> Giovanna
>
> Giovanna Fontenelle (she/her)
> Program Officer, Content Enablement <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation/Advancement/Community_ā¦>
> Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 12:15āÆPM Giovanna Fontenelle <gfontenelle(a)wikimedia.org <mailto:gfontenelle@wikimedia.org>> wrote:
>> [Apologies for cross-posting]
>> Hello,
>>
>> A few weeks ago, we shared the upcoming Celebrate WomenĀ 2026 <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women> campaign. Now, we want to use this opportunity to talk about its Welcome Session <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women_2026_Welcome_Session> and some materials we put together.
>>
>> Celebrate Women <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women> is a campaign that runs from March 1st to 31st. Every year, in celebration of International Womenās Day, Wikimedia organizers use this campaign to list gender-related events happening during the month.
>>
>> š» How to participate
>> To take part, check this page <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women#Events> for all events. Register for them individually by choosing those that suit your interests. More events will be added to the page in the next few days and weeks.
>>
>> And don't forget to register here <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women> (using the registration at the top of the page) to keep track of information relevant to the overall campaign.
>>
>> ā Welcome session
>> Kick off the Celebrate Women campaign with us! ThisĀ <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women_2026_Welcome_Session>session <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women_2026_Welcome_Session> will share logistical information on how to participate, highlight different gender activities happening throughout the month, and discuss the Wikimedia gender community and its milestones.
>>
>> - Date: March 5 (Thursday)
>> - Time: 13:00-14:00 UTC (check your timezone here <https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1771851600>)
>> - Registrations: here <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women_2026_Welcome_Session>
>> - Live interpretation: French, Spanish, and Portuguese
>>
>> This will be aimed at anyone who wants to take part in the campaign.
>>
>> š New materials
>> We are happy to share that we published a Diff post about the campaign. Please share it with your networks: Celebrate Women* 2026 is coming! <https://diff.wikimedia.org/2026/02/24/celebrate-women-2026-is-coming/>
>>
>> And we also created a press toolkit <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Celebrate_Women/Press> for gender organizers who might want to contact journalists and media outlets, and need quick access to stories, materials, numbers and facts about Wikimedia + Gender in one place.
>>
>> Join us for Celebrate Women 2026 <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Celebrate_Women> and help us make the Wikimedia movement and projects more equitable!
>>
>> Best,
>> Giovanna
>>
>> Giovanna Fontenelle (she/her)
>> Program Officer, Content Enablement <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation/Advancement/Community_ā¦>
>> Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>
> _______________________________________________
> GLAM mailing list -- glam(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to glam-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
