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$45,617 of Paypal fees noted.  I'm not exactly sure what all of these fees are
for as they could be transaction fees, or currency exchange fees, et cetera...
However, if they are transaction fees, I believe you could save a lot of money
by using Google Checkout.  They are offering a free transactions until December
31, 2007.  This would literally make all people's donations, 100%, going
straight to the organization.  Also a GREAT marketing point to offer to
potential donors.
 
I have asked Google Checkout if they would let Wikimedia have free transaction
processing post 2007, and they basically said they are not in a position to make
a decision like that at the moment, however they are up for suggestions.  So I
put in a formal request to have them consider it.
 
b. Change the ask - "Your continued donations keep Wikipedia running!"
 
People move their eyes in an S motion depending the location of the most
significant starting point.
 
Wikimedia Analysis
All Wikimedia pages have their main titles at the top left, therefore people's
eyes will move in a backwards S down the page.  This makes the "Your continued
donations...." text probably the least seen item on the page, especially since
it is so very small, giving a feeling of being shy or timid in asking for a
donation.  After clicking on the featured article of the day which was also
available in audio, it seems as though the ASK text (Your continued..) is
interfering with the audio graphic and there is a lock there as well.

Suggestion:
1)  Move the ASK all the way over to the left or center.
2)  Make the font bigger, possibly adding a little color or something to it.
 
I love the Wikimedia foundation because of its amazing projects, mission, and
goals.  Chair Nibart-Devouard's letter on the goals of the foundation are very
powerful as she states how the organization needs to improve, but you are
already Wikimedia!  You are a fantastic organization already!  You should be
expecting people to donate, and there should be an easy way to do so.
 
A huge factor in donations is visibility.  If people aren't asked to donate,
most often they won't.  That's why the position and style of the ask is so
important.

Thanks,

Alexander

Alexander Keely
MPA - Nonprofit Management and
MA - Philanthropic Studies Candidate
SPEA & Center on Philanthropy
IUPUI
301.523.2778