[Foundation-l] Fwd: Wikimedia India Program Trust

[Theo10011]

I meant to ask earlier, since the fundraiser already started and this is
being announced now.

Is this trust set-up to participate in the annual fundraiser? processing
donations on-behalf of WMF internally? or would it seek to do so in future?
I know you mention FCRA and external funding after approval but what about
internal funding through the annual fundraiser.

Theo

On Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 10:41 AM, Hisham <hmundol at wikimedia.org> wrote:

> cross-posting to foundation-l & internal-l from India Community list;
> apologies if you've read this already.
>
> hisham
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> > From: Hisham <hmundol at wikimedia.org>
> > Subject: Wikimedia India Program Trust
> > Date: November 11, 2011 9:55:00 AM GMT+05:30
> > To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l at lists.wikimedia.org
> >
> >
> > Hi Folks,
> > I'm writing to share an update with you on certain developments of
> relevance to the Wikimedia movement in India.
> >
> > Announcement of Wikimedia India Program Trust
> > For some time, efforts have gone into creating an organization that
> would provide an appropriate structure to support Wikimedia program
> activities in India.  Aspects such as the current regulatory framework
> (regarding funding, taxation, etc.) as well as the legal protection for the
> India team have been considered to determine this structure. In this
> context, a host of options (e.g. subsidiary, branch, Section 25) were
> evaluated and a determination was made towards an independent non-profit
> public trust. Legal advice has been taken at every stage in this decision.
> >
> > A new entity, the “Wikimedia India Program Trust”, has now been formed
> and registered (in Delhi.) This will be the organization that will
> eventually drive India programs and house the team in India.
> >
> > Why an Independent Public Trust?
> > The Trust will provide an effective vehicle within India to marshal
> resources to support programs and partner with local institutions. The
> objective of the Trust is to promote the objectives of the Wikimedia
> movement and work closely with the Wikimedia community on various projects
> with an India focus. It is important to understand that the Trust will not
> have any editorial control over content on any of the Wikimedia projects.
> The Trust is a not for profit organization.
> >
> > Introduction of Trustees
> > Trustees have been identified based upon their support for Wikimedia
> movement's principles and plans in addition to having reputations for good
> governance and management.
> >
> > Sunil Abraham and Rahul Matthan have been requested to be the initial
> Trustees.  Both are friends of Wikipedia and have extensive experience.
> >
> > Sunil is Executive Director of the Centre for Internet & Society (CIS),
> is a long term advocate of free software and IP reform and has been
> supporting the Wikimedia community and movement for some time now.
> >
> > Rahul is a partner and heads the technology practice at Trilegal. He
> brings deep expertise and relationships that will be valuable for the Trust.
> >
> > These initial Trustees will serve for a term of three years at the
> maximum.  All additional or subsequent Trustees will serve on rotation in
> accordance with a trustee selection plan that will be prepared.
> >
> > Trustees will not be compensated for their services.
> >
> > Governance, Funding, Financial Standards & Communications of the Trust
> > The Trust will be governed by Trustees who will provide oversight and
> guidance regarding the operations and governance of the Trust.
> >
> > Since the Trust is an independent organization, it will require funding
> for its operations which is in compliance with the legal and regulatory
> framework in India. It will seek funding from private donors within India
> as well as external sources.
> >
> > The Trust has the support of the Wikimedia Foundation which is a United
> States based non-profit foundation. However, in India all non-profit
> organizations need to be in existence for 3 years before they can receive
> funding from sources outside India. In the interim, they can apply for
> prior-permission under the FCRA regulations to help expedite the process.
> As a result, the Trust will shortly be applying for approval to receive
> funds from the Wikimedia Foundation in the future.
> >
> > As a Trust, we are required to have an independent external auditor. We
> have appointed KPMG. KPMG is experienced in auditing non-profit companies
> and are also auditors for the Wikimedia Foundation.
> >
> > Annually, the Trust will publicly disclose it's independently audited
> financial statements.
> >
> > The Trust will publish a monthly newsletter outlining its current
> activities and future plans. This will commence in December 2011.
> >
> > Operations of the Trust
> > The trust deed under which the Trust must operate clearly states that
> the purpose of the Trust is to independently promote the growth of
> volunteer activities within India in support of effective and unrestricted
> dissemination of free knowledge to the public.
> >
> > I will serve as the Executive Director of the Trust. Once it is
> possible, additional employees will be brought on to the Trust
> >
> > The Trust will eventually have an office in Delhi.
> >
> > In the interim, I have personally secured temporary office space to
> facilitate establishing the Trust and its mission. It is located at Top
> Floor, G-15, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110 016. It's a couple of minutes walk
> away from IIT Flyover and Hauz Khas Metro. Do drop in! It's a small but
> cozy place and we'd love to have you over!
> >
> > Conclusion
> > We continue to make progress in setting up program activities to support
> the growth of Wikimedia in India. We have a long way to go, but are glad
> that we are starting to build a solid foundation.
> >
> > The following link is for FAQs on this (and related) topics:
> http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/FAQ_India_Programs/FAQ_Wikimedia_India_Program_Trust
> >
> > As always, do reach out if you have any comments or questions.
> >
> > Warm Regards,
> >
> > hisham
> >
>
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