Grants:APG/Funds Dissemination Committee/Pledge of Commitment and Conflict of Interest Questionnaire

It is important to emphasize the significance of participating as a member of the FDC. As a result, the Pledge of Personal Commitment (“Pledge”) has been created. This document fundamentally mirrors the personal commitment of all WMF Board of Trustees as well as other general principles of governance. The Pledge is simply a statement to be signed by each member of the FDC which sets forth their promise to:

• Act in the best interests of the Wikimedia movement,
• Abide by the WMF Conflict of Interest Policy,
• Disclose, and abstain from any discussions or decisions that could be a conflict of interest,
• Act in good faith and fairly with other members of the FDC, and,
• Be guided by the Board of Trustee’s principles for funds distribution.

In addition, potential FDC members should complete the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (below) to disclose upfront any potential conflicts of interest. This again mirrors the form the existing WMF Board of Trustees must complete on an annual basis. Questionnaires of this sort are very standard for boards and their committees. They protect both the company and the individual from later allegations that something was not disclosed. The completed questionnaire will be held in confidence and securely by the Executive Director and will not be shared other than with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer, and WMF’s legal counsel. We think that both of these forms will help emphasize to the community and the members of the FDC the importance of being a part of the FDC and the key strategic role and commitment members of the FDC play in the funds dissemination process.

WIKIMEDIA FOUNDATION INC. FUNDS DISSEMINATION COMMITTEE PLEDGE OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT

As a member of the Funds Dissemination Committee, organized under the Board of Directors of the Wikimedia Foundation I, _______________________, pledge to faithfully pursue the mission and goals of the Wikimedia movement, namely to empower and engage people around the world to collect and develop educational content under a free license or in the public domain, and to disseminate it effectively and globally. This committee will make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the allocation of funds, and I therefore recognize my responsibility to maintain the highest level of public confidence and trust.

I have personally committed to follow the standards set out below, including the Wikimedia Foundation’s conflict of interest policies:

I understand that the Committee is to be guided by the Board of Trustee’s principles for funds distribution (as laid out in the Board’s January 2012 resolution) to protect core operations, assess impact, promote transparency and stability, support decentralized programs, promote responsibility and accountability, and make decisions openly and collaboratively. I also agree to adhere to the charter of the Funds Dissemination Committee [link to be provided].

I agree to treat others with respect and be honest and ethical in my interactions and to respect the confidentiality of other member of the Committee.

I will conduct my activities with the Funds Dissemination Committee so that I do not advance or protect my own interests, or the private interests of others with whom I have a relationship, in a way that is detrimental to the interests or fundamental mission of the Wikimedia movement.

In all matters put before the Funds Dissemination Committee that may favorably impact my own financial interests, or the private interests of others with whom I have a financial relationship, or other organization of which I am a part, including a chapter or affiliate organization, I will reveal that relationship and abstain from any discussion or decision on the matter. I agree that, in my capacity as an FDC member, I will not accept compensation or payment in any form (including travel and lodging expenses) from persons or entities that have or will likely have activites before the FDC, including requests for grants.

When a conflict of interest arises, or when a potential conflict of interest emerges, I will promptly disclose that conflict, or potential conflict, to the Chair of the Funds Dissemination Committee, the Chair of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation and seek a resolution of that issue.

Entered into on this the ______ day of _______, 20__.

___________________________ Member, Funds Dissemination Committee Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.

WIKIMEDIA FOUNDATION INC. FUNDS DISSEMINATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

The Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees requires each each member of the Funds Dissemination Committee annually to:

1. Review the WMF's Conflict of Interest Policy (the “Policy”);
2. Disclose any possible personal, familial, or business relationship that reasonably could give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire; and
3. Acknowledge by his or her signature that he or she is acting in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Pledge of Personal Commitment.

The information provided on this form shall be available for inspection by members of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer, and WMF’s legal counsel, but shall otherwise be held in confidence except when, after consultation with the applicable signatory, the Board of Trustees determines that WMF’s best interest would be served by disclosure.

Please respond to the following questions to the best of your knowledge.

1. Please list any Wikimedia affiliate organizations with which you are involved and describe your relationship to each entity. These include any Movement Partners, National or Sub-National Chapters, Thematic Organizations, or User Groups.

1. Please disclose any compensation you’ve received from a Wikimedia affiliate organization within the past two years.

1. Please list all business dealings that you, your family members, or entities have had with WMF or other Wikimedia affiliate organizations in the past two years.

1. If you aware of any other relationships, arrangements, transactions, or matters which could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, please describe the situation.

I have read the WMF conflict of interest policy and my pledge of personal commitment and I am currently, and agree to remain, in compliance with both.

Entered into on this the ______ day of _______, 20__.

___________________________ Member, Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee