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Wikipedia’s Funding: How Donors Power the Free Knowledge Revolution

Source: How is Wikipedia funded? (2025-11-27)

Wikipedia, the world’s largest free knowledge repository, has become an indispensable resource for billions worldwide. As of 2025, it hosts over 65 million articles across more than 300 languages, maintained by nearly 250,000 dedicated volunteers. Unlike many online platforms, Wikipedia operates entirely without advertising, relying solely on donations from its global community of users. The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind Wikipedia, channels these contributions into maintaining and expanding the platform, ensuring free and open access to information. Recent developments highlight that Wikipedia’s funding model continues to evolve, with increased emphasis on transparency, community engagement, and technological innovation. In 2025, the Foundation announced a record-breaking donation year, with over $150 million raised, enabling the deployment of advanced AI tools to improve content accuracy and accessibility. Additionally, the Foundation has launched new initiatives to diversify its volunteer base, including targeted outreach in underrepresented regions, and has expanded its partnerships with educational institutions to integrate Wikipedia into curricula worldwide. Furthermore, the Foundation is investing in cybersecurity measures to protect against misinformation and malicious edits, ensuring the integrity of its content. As Wikipedia approaches its 25th anniversary, its funding model exemplifies a sustainable, community-driven approach to knowledge dissemination, emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and technological advancement. This model not only sustains Wikipedia’s operations but also sets a precedent for other digital knowledge platforms aiming to balance independence with financial stability. With ongoing innovations and a committed global community, Wikipedia remains a beacon of free, reliable information in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

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