Dear Wikimedia colleagues,
We have three spaces open on the Simple Annual Plan Grants Committee, and we are searching for qualified community members to fill these seats.
The Simple Annual Plan Grants Committee https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Simple/Committee is a group of volunteers who make recommendations about Simple Annual Plan Grants https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Simple. These are annual plan grants available to groups and organizations that need funding for their annual plans, but aren't a part of the FDC process. These grants may be up to 100,000 US dollars for twelve months, and include programs and operating expenses.
What do committee members do? In addition to reviewing new applications, committee members also support applicants and grantees throughout the application and the life of each grant. Serving on the committee requires a significant time commitment during the month of November, when we accept several applications at once, and for applications throughout the year. This committee does not meet in person, so decision making happens online. This is a small committee, and so each member's participation is important for making the process work!
Requirements (from membership criteria https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Simple/Committee#committee-criteria ):
- Sufficient *facility with English*, for reviewing and discussing grant proposals in English. - Experience with the Wikimedia movement, including experience contributing to *at least one Wikimedia project*. - Experience with *Wikimedia programs*, in addition to contributions to the online projects. - Committee members must *understand and value diversity*, including cultural, linguistic, and gender differences. - Commitment to the Friendly Space Expectations https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Friendly_space_expectations, and to *engaging in supportive dialogue* with applicants and grantees. - Consistent record of *constructive engagement in community discussions*, and an orientation toward collaborative problem solving. - Committee members must be volunteers who are not paid by the Wikimedia Foundation or any Wikimedia organization. No WMF or chapter staff may join the committee while they are serving in paid roles.
Nominees with these qualifications will be given preference (from membership criteria https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Simple/Committee#committee-criteria ):
- Experience in a *leadership role* with a volunteer-focused organization. - *Relevant expertise*, such as organizational development, institutional partnerships, or volunteer management. - *Experience reviewing annual plan grant proposals*, or significant experience reviewing other types of grant proposals. - A demonstrated commitment to sharing skills and experience, and *helping others *in the Wikimedia movement grow. Increasing geographic, gender, or age *diversity*, or experience with different Wikimedia projects not yet represented.
Please nominate yourself here https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Simple/Committee/Candidates, or spread the word to people you know who may be interested in joining. We need your help to recruit qualified candidates!
Let me know if you have any questions or ideas.
Thank you!
Winifred