Page:Funding Free Knowledge the Wiki Way - Wikimedia Foundation Participatory Grantmaking.pdf/8

 The Funds Dissemination Committee (FDC) is considered a special advisory committee of the WMF Board. The FDC makes recommendations on grants, based on the Annual Plan Grant proposals to the WMF Board. The WMF Board approves all funding decisions, which are then implemented by staff, on the basis of the FDC's recommendations. Staff do not have a direct role in the decision-making process beyond due diligence in the form of the Executive Director's certification. FDC members also play an important role in communicating funding decisions to the wider movement.

Applicants begin the APG proposal process with a Letter of Intent. Organizations must meet eligibility requirements to apply, including formal recognition as a Wikimedia organization (unless exempted by the WMF Board), and completion of WMF grants and/or payment processing as well as compliance with any agreements with WMF. Proposals, including links to annual plans and budgets, are publicly available throughout the process, and the public is explicitly invited to comment on proposals for a 30-day period following the proposal submission deadline. Staff compile input from experts and members of the community and publish public assessments of each proposal. The FDC gathers for a four-day meeting in person, and publishes recommendations to the WMF Board of Trustees. The WMF Board makes the final decisions about Annual Plan Grants, and has the power to reverse or change the FDC's recommendations. Two Board representatives participate in FDC emails, calls, and in-person meetings.