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

Source: How is Wikipedia funded? (2025-11-26)

Wikipedia, the world’s largest free knowledge repository, has become an indispensable resource for billions of people worldwide. As of 2025, it boasts 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. This funding model has allowed Wikipedia to remain independent, neutral, and accessible to all, fostering trust and credibility. The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind Wikipedia, directs these donations toward maintaining and expanding the platform’s technology, supporting volunteer efforts, and ensuring the integrity of its content. Recent developments highlight the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, including investments in AI-driven fact-checking tools, enhanced multilingual support, and increased transparency in financial reporting. Notably, Wikipedia’s funding approach has inspired a global movement toward sustainable, community-driven knowledge sharing, with over 100 million active donors contributing annually. Furthermore, the Foundation has launched targeted campaigns to engage younger audiences and underrepresented communities, ensuring the platform’s relevance and inclusivity. As Wikipedia continues to evolve, its funding model exemplifies how collective generosity can sustain a free, open, and reliable source of information in the digital age. This model not only preserves the platform’s independence but also sets a precedent for other nonprofit tech initiatives aiming to democratize knowledge worldwide.

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