Call for Applications: Rapid Fund for Wikimedia Projects

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Rapid Fund provides grants to individuals, groups, and Wikimedia affiliates to implement short-term, low-cost projects that support the Wikimedia movement and advance Wikimedia’s mission. The fund is designed to help Wikimedia contributors respond quickly to emerging needs and opportunities while encouraging experimentation, innovation, content creation, outreach, and community engagement. Eligible projects can run for 1 to 12 months, with grants ranging from USD 500 to USD 5,000 per project.

About the Wikimedia Rapid Fund

The Rapid Fund was established to provide flexible support for smaller Wikimedia projects that can be implemented over a relatively short period. It enables individuals, groups, and organizations within the Wikimedia community to develop and test ideas without requiring large-scale or long-term funding. The fund particularly supports agile responses to emerging community needs and opportunities, making it suitable for projects involving experimentation and innovation. What Types of Projects Can the Rapid Fund Support? Applicants can propose a wide range of short-term activities that benefit Wikimedia projects.

Examples include:

- Organizing Wikimedia-related events - Conducting research - Developing educational resources - Piloting new initiatives - Creating or improving Wikimedia content - Outreach activities - Community engagement projects - Experimental initiatives that benefit Wikimedia projects Proposed activities should contribute to Wikimedia’s mission and demonstrate a clear benefit to the relevant Wikimedia project or community. Project Duration Rapid Fund projects can last between 1 and 12 months. This makes the fund suitable for both very short activities and projects that require several months of implementation. Applicants should select a realistic project period based on the activities they intend to carry out and the results they expect to achieve. How Much Funding Is Available?

The Rapid Fund provides between:

- USD 500 minimum per project - USD 5,000 maximum per project There is also a maximum of USD 10,000 available per individual or organization per fiscal year. Funds are distributed in the applicant’s local currency equivalent at the time of application. Applicants should therefore consider the applicable local-currency value when preparing their project budget. Rolling Application Process The Rapid Fund operates on a rolling basis, providing one application round every two months. Applications are processed within approximately two months. This recurring application structure allows applicants to submit proposals according to their project timelines rather than waiting for a single annual funding deadline. Who Can Apply?

The Rapid Fund is open to:

- Individuals - Groups - Wikimedia affiliates - Organizations meeting the relevant eligibility requirements Applicants should be active contributors to Wikimedia projects or involve relevant Wikimedia community members within their teams. Applicant Experience Requirements Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience connected to the Wikimedia projects they intend to support.

Applicants should have:

- Relevant experience in the target Wikimedia project or projects - Experience organizing activities - Experience conducting training activities - Appropriate involvement in the Wikimedia community This helps ensure that funded projects are led by applicants who understand the Wikimedia environment and can effectively implement their proposed activities. Community Involvement Applicants who are not themselves active contributors can still be considered when their project teams involve relevant Wikimedia community members. Community involvement can help ensure that proposed activities are connected to actual Wikimedia needs and that the project benefits the communities and projects it is designed to support. What Makes a Strong Rapid Fund Project? A strong proposal should clearly explain the Wikimedia need or opportunity being addressed and how the proposed activities will contribute to Wikimedia’s mission.

Applicants should consider explaining:

- The problem or opportunity - The target Wikimedia project or community - The proposed activities - The expected benefits - The project timeline - The requested budget - Relevant applicant experience - Community involvement - How the project encourages innovation or experimentation where applicable The proposal should focus on future, planned work rather than activities that have already taken place. Future Work Requirement Rapid Fund applications must be for future and planned work. Applicants should not use the fund to request support for projects or activities that have already been completed. This means proposals should be submitted before the planned activities take place, allowing the grant to support implementation rather than reimburse completed work. Limits on Open Grants Applicants must also comply with the applicable limits on open grants. Applicants must not have more than the allowed number of open grants at any time. Before applying, individuals and organizations should therefore consider their existing grant commitments and ensure that they meet the Rapid Fund requirements regarding open grants. How the Rapid Fund Supports Wikimedia Innovation One of the important features of the Rapid Fund is its ability to support experimentation. Small grants can allow Wikimedia contributors to test new approaches, pilot activities, develop educational materials, conduct research, or experiment with new forms of outreach and engagement. Successful small-scale initiatives can potentially provide useful learning for future Wikimedia activities. Examples of Potential Rapid Fund Activities A Wikimedia contributor or group could potentially use the Rapid Fund for activities such as: - A short-term Wikimedia community event - Research supporting a Wikimedia project - Development of educational materials - A pilot outreach initiative - A community