Wikimedia Rapid Fund 2026, Cycle 3: grants for small tech projects
Wikimedia Rapid Fund gives 500 to 5,000 USD for short projects, including small software tools for Wikimedia. Cycle 3 deadline: 1 November 2026.
The Wikimedia Rapid Fund gives 500 to 5,000 USD for short projects that improve Wikimedia projects. It runs in cycles about every two months, and Cycle 3 of the 2026 to 2027 year closes on 1 November 2026. Small software development projects are one of the funded project types.
Projects last 1 to 12 months and must be for future work. An individual can receive up to 10,000 USD per fiscal year and can hold only one open Rapid Fund at a time. Groups and organisations can hold fewer than two open grants at once.
For tech projects, the Foundation asks for a focus on one specific component, such as an on wiki gadget or a Toolforge tool. Applications need a detailed implementation plan, a maintenance plan beyond the grant, a documentation plan and clear signs of demand from the local community. Discuss the project on wiki with the relevant communities before you apply. Tech applications are reviewed by the Community Resources team together with the Product and Technology department.
You must have current contribution history on the Wikimedia project you target and some organising or training experience, which team members can provide. Paid editing, lobbying and work aimed at third party websites are not funded. Applicants must also meet the conduct and legal rules on the program page.
Apply through the Wikimedia Foundation Grantee Portal on Fluxx and choose "Tech project" as the project type. Applications are published on Meta Wiki within two days for community review. The program page lists the Cycle 3 review stages, which run until the end of January 2027.
Quick answers
What kind of software projects qualify?
Small projects focused on one technical part, such as an on wiki gadget or a tool on Toolforge. Improving or translating an existing tool also counts.
What software work is not funded?
Work that needs review by Wikimedia Foundation engineers, such as a MediaWiki extension or changes to MediaWiki core, and work that needs a security review.
Can I apply in my own language?
Yes. Applications are accepted in any language, and the Foundation supports translation.