Although it is possible to organize a local contest without financial means, having some funding for promotion and prizes would help draw attention to the contest.
The international team does not have a budget for financing local contests. You can apply for Rapid Funds from the Wikimedia Foundation for Wiki Loves Earth in your country specifically. The WMF disburses funding for between 500 to 5,000 USD in this program.
See a detailed guide: https://w.wiki/CwdN
When to apply?
For 2025, there are two available cycles for submitting proposals:
- Cycle 4: 15th February – 11th April 2025, deadline: 15.02.2025.
- Cycle 5: 1st May – 27th June 2025, deadline: 01.05.2025.
It is better to apply as soon as possible. Please note that applications take some time to get reviewed and approved, and then there will be some time for the money to be actually transferred to your account.
So, if you are planning to start contest activities in May or June, it is recommended and needed that you submit an application by February 15th, 2025.
Where to apply?
Check the page: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
As well, consider other possible ways of funding:
- You can develop partnerships and work with sponsors to receive financial and in-kind donations that would fund your local contest.
- If the contest is organized by a Wikimedia chapter or user group that applies for an annual grant from the Wikimedia Foundation or has other sources of funding, you can include Wiki Loves Earth in your budget.
Good luck and we are waiting for your country to take part in 2025!
