[Osmf-talk] Seeking your input on the Microgrant program

[Pete Masters]

Hi Mikel and all,

I'd be interested to know what prompted the OSM microgrants initiative? I
don't mean this in a challenging way, but it would be easier to think about
if I know what problem the initiative is trying to solve or what barrier
it's trying to remove...

I run an internal innovation fund [1] within MSF and so have some thoughts
on how these things can work. In this case the make up of the committee is
pretty important. Because it's an early stage innovation thing, the
committee needs to include decision makers (to make sure that, if a project
is successful, there is some buy in for resourcing further development or
scaling), and subject matter experts (to be able to assess the feasibility,
potential impact and ambition of proposals). However, it is also important
that in those selection discussions, the 'softer' aims of the fund are not
forgotten (democratisation of opportunity, cultural change, etc). I am not
suggesting this as a model for OSM microgrants - just making the point that
the committee and the selection process need to be designed to meet the
objectives of the initiative.

In terms of reporting, I agree this should not be laborious.

On the admin side, I would suggest a simple template for recording expenses
to make sure there is transparency around where the money is spent (this
maybe just shared back with the committee).

In terms of sharing outcomes, lessons learnt, etc I think it should depend
on what the microgrant was for. What we have learnt is that project leads
and the wider MSF community benefit more when communication happens
throughout the process rather than just at the end (has leveraged increased
collaboration, expertise and buy in). This is usually done through blogs
[2]. Maybe an OSM diary at the start by each grantee to set the scene?

Hope that helps.... Happy to continue the conversation...

Pete

[1] https://www.msf.org.uk/sapling-nursery-grow-your-ideas
[2] http://blogs.msf.org/en/staff/blogs/msf-innovation



On Fri, Sep 28, 2018 at 8:32 AM Simon Poole <simon at poole.ch> wrote:

> I'm very confused by the document.
>
> I was expecting to be able to give constructive feedback on at least a
> semi-complete plan containing a couple of high level goals and a rough
> delineation of the groups/people/projects that could be potential grant
> recipients. As is, it essentially boils down to a "somebody should write a
> Microgrant programme document for us" plea. Your e-mail has more substance
> that the document, and aiming to let manna rain in a months time is lets
> say, optimistic, based on the current state of things. You may be able to
> charter a plane for the throwing out of the window bit by then.
>
> Simon
>
> Am 20.09.2018 um 22:49 schrieb Mikel Maron:
>
> Hello
>
> The OSM Foundation Board has been exploring a new Microgrant program, and
> we are seeking your feedback on the design of this new initiative.
>
> The overall objective is to enable individuals and teams with actionable
> ideas for moving OpenStreetMap forward, but need financial support to fully
> execute those ideas. Grants could cover events, travel, development,
> teaching, outreach, community engagement, documentation, to give just a few
> examples. We are looking at programs like Wikimedia RapidGrants [1] and
> HOT Microgrants [2] as a model: a quick, transparent process with low
> barriers to entry, open to OSMF members. We are targeting a €50k total
> budget for the inaugural round.
>
> We have written up some of our thinking at this time on the OSMF wiki [3].
> Some topics that have generated a lot of thinking and could use more input
> are:
>
>    -
>
>    What is the composition of the selection committee? What criteria and
>    process should we use to form it?
>    -
>
>    What criteria and process should we use to rate and select proposals?
>    -
>
>    Is there a role for Local Chapters in the selection process?
>    -
>
>    What shapes can reporting on microgrants take, that is not overly
>    laborious but informative for the OSM Community.
>
>
> Look forward to reading your thoughts and ideas. The Board will be
> collecting feedback over the next couple weeks, and working to finalize
> guidelines over the next month. We plan to launch microgrants applications
> next month. Applications would be open for 1-2 months (tbd). Our aim would
> be to complete selection process and begin dispersals before the end of
> 2018.
>
> Thank you
>
> Mikel and OSMF Board of Directors
> 1) https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
> 2) https://www.hotosm.org/projects/microgrants_and_community_development
> 3) https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Microgrants_Consultation_document
>
>
> * Mikel Maron * +14152835207 @mikel s:mikelmaron
>
>
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-- 
*Pete Masters*

*@pedrito1414* <https://twitter.com/TheMissingMaps>
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