Transparency is a core principle of the Wikimedia Foundation and we are proud to be recognized as one of the most transparent non-profit organizations in the world. Our annual plan and operating budget are developed through open processes, subject to community feedback and Board approval, and always available to the public for full review.
We have broken down our efforts into three key areas: how donor contributions support the Wikimedia websites, the Wikimedia community, and the free knowledge ecosystem. These are supported by our administrative, governance, and fundraising efforts.
Direct support to websites
Keeping the Wikimedia websites online is about more than just servers and electricity. It also includes ongoing engineering improvements, product development, design and research, and legal support.
$27,449,233 (42%)
Direct support to Communities
The Wikimedia projects exist thanks to the communities that create and maintain them. We strengthen these communities through grants, projects, and tools to build capacity of contributors and support the legal defense of editors.
$17,489,545 (26%)
Support of Free Knowledge
Wikimedia is a part of a larger free knowledge movement. An estimated 4% of our operating expenditure supports policy, advocacy, education, and partnerships to strengthen and share our mission.
$2,924,817 (4%)
Fundraising
Donors support the Wikimedia mission. The fundraising team engages these remarkable individuals to ensure the Wikimedia Foundation and communities have the resources they need.
$7,619,631 (12%)
Admin & governance
Our core values include transparency and accountability. We manage funds and resources responsibly and recruit and support skilled, passionate people to advance our mission.
$10,464,238 (16%)
Balance sheet
From July 1st, 2015 – June 30th, 2016
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
46,735,297
Current-portion of contributions receivable
500,000
Short-term investments
31,851,807
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,982,960
Total current assets
81,070,064
Property, plant, and equipment, net
5,012,496
Long-term investments
11,066,552
Noncurrent portion of contributions receivable
493,623
Total Assets
$97,642,735
Liabilities and net assets
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
1,246,302
Accrued expenses
4,024,542
Other liabilities
589,096
Total current liabilities
5,859,940
Total liabilities
$5,859,940
Net assets
Unrestricted
87,680,104
Temporarily Restricted
4,102,691
Total net assets
91,782,795
Total liabilities and net assets
$97,642,735
Statement of activities
From July 1st, 2015 – June 30th, 2016
Unrestricted net assets
Support and revenue
Donations and contributions
77,748,287
In-kind service revenue
1,065,523
Foreign currency losses
(110,751)
Other income, net
70,356
Investment income, net
813,377
Release of restrictions on temporarily restricted assets
2,275,932
Total support and revenue
$81,862,724
Expenses
Salaries and wages
31,713,961
Awards and grants
11,354,612
Internet hosting
2,069,572
In-kind service expenses
1,065,523
Donations processing expenses
3,604,682
Professional service expenses
6,033,172
Other operating expenses
4,777,203
Travel and conferences
2,296,592
Depreciation and amortization
2,720,835
Special event expense, net
311,313
Total Expenses
65,947,465
Increase in unrestricted net assets
$15,915,259
Temporarily restrict net assets
Contributions
323,170
Release of restrictions on temporarily restricted net assets
