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Hardware donation program

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Abstract

MDWiki laptops as of Aug 2026: 10
Next distributions:
Language Diversity Conference

This page describes a combined hardware donation program, operated by Wikimedia Germany (WMDE) and Wiki Project Med Foundation (WPMF). Previously they were two separate programs; however, to simplify things for applicants they were merged in August of 2026.

Prior to July 2025 one of the programs was run by the Wikimedia Foundation (WMF). They, however, stopped until further notice, due to changes in the Foundation's IT practices, and the work was taken on by Wiki Project Med in 2026.

Below are the distribution criteria and process for this program. This page describes who can receive donated laptops, and how.

Organizations

Wiki Project Med

WPMF have secured used laptops for Wikimedia volunteers via low cost distributors. Partners include:

They offer used machines at 50 USD/30 pounds each to NGOs, which is covered by WPMF.

Wikimedia Deutschland

WMDE periodically upgrades its hardware and is interested in donating hardware, still in good condition and usable for another few years, to volunteer communities to help support our mission. The donated laptop is provided with a Ubuntu Linux installation and a Type F power plug.

Criteria

Requirements

To request a laptop, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  • Applicants must have at least one year of meaningful contributions to the Wikimedia movement as an editor, researcher, tool or software developer, or trainer/organizer
  • Applicants must agree to identify themselves to WPMF or WMDE, and to sign an agreement stating the intended use of the laptop.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate need for the hardware and show that it will be used to support their activity within the Wikimedia movement.
  • Applicant cannot be a citizen of Iran, or appear in the United States Treasury's blacklist ("Specially Designated Nationals"). This is unfortunately imposed on Wiki Project Med Foundation as a United States non-profit, and is not an internal decision.

Additional considerations

The following considerations will increase (but not guarantee) the likelihood of a laptop:

  • Applicants have a history of working on health content (WPMF)
  • Applicants have a history of working on Wikidata (WMDE)
  • Applicants from low-income countries. No proof of income is required or considered.
  • Applicants able to demonstrate accountable group ownership of hardware, e.g. a Wikimedia affiliate with adequate, public, and explicit procedures for determining allocation of hardware within the group.
  • Applicants with a successful record of putting Wikimedia Movement resources (e.g. grants, scholarships) to impactful use.

Process

Applying

To apply for a laptop, type your username in the edit box below and click the "Apply for laptop" button. Then fill out the on-wiki form:


Your request may be endorsed by other volunteers, and feedback may be posted on the request talk pages. However, endorsements or lack thereof do not guarantee the fulfillment of a request.

If the inputbox below doesn't work for you, create a page manually named Hardware donation program/YOUR_USERNAME (with your own user name instead of "YOUR_USERNAME"), and paste into it the contents of this page.

Decision-making

  • Members of WPMF (currently James Heilman) or WMDE (currently Mohammed, Alan, Ruky Wunpini), reviews requests as time permits, and makes decisions.
  • If your request is approved, you will be notified and provided with instructions on how to receive the laptop.
  • In case of doubt, additional information may be requested by WMDE or Wiki Project Med staff and your application would be reevaluated in the next evaluation cycle.
  • If your request is rejected, you may not appeal the decision, but can reapply after 1 year.

Overall, the decision-making process may take time due to the limited capacity of the program.

Delivery

Delivery details will be arranged via private communication after the agreement letter is signed and a suitable mode of delivery determined.

  • Equipment delivery will be done by movement members serving as couriers at international or regional events where they meet the applicant or their delegate.
  • Shipping may be considered if costs are low and there is minimal risk of customs delays or additional fees.

Some deserving requests may go unfulfilled due to high delivery costs or unavailable couriers at events.

Completion

After the equipment is delivered, recipients must publicly confirm receipt on their application wiki page.

Once confirmed, the donation is closed. Recipients are encouraged to document the use of the equipment on the request page or on social media. This can motivate others to request equipment and encourage the WMDE team to continue providing it.

Admin

See also

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