Hello everyone,
The Wikimedia Foundation has submitted our annual Form 990 to the US Internal Revenue Service https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_Revenue_Service (IRS) and posted on-wiki[1]. The Form 990 is the annual financial reporting, known as an “information return,” which the federal government requires nonprofit organizations in the United States to file.
In addition to posting the Form 990 on-wiki, we have also posted an accompanying page with answers to frequently asked questions related to the form and information we reported.[2]
Here are a few key highlights on this year’s Form 990:
- The Wikimedia Foundation's total revenue in our fiscal year 2017-2018 was US $101,575,555. Our total expenses during this period were US $78,731,219 and our total net assets at the end of the fiscal year were US $134,949,570.
- During fiscal year 2017-2018, we experienced growth in our fundraising revenue and success that was attributed to our fundraising campaigns.
- We continue to invest in programmatic activities and evaluate to ensure that our allocation percentage is at or above the standard benchmark of 65%. During the fiscal year 2016-2017, we invested 74% in programmatic activities, 14% in Management & General activities, and 12% in fundraising activities.
- Our expenses increased due to the addition of 26 new staff and contractors which was reflective of the growth outlined in the Annual Plan https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2017-2018/Final .
- Our Governance, Management, and Disclosure practices are consistent with best practices for non-profit charitable organizations and meet the IRS requirements as applicable.
Through reports and discussions like these, the Wikimedia Foundation will continue to strive to provide a responsible level of transparency and accountability. I imagine there are other questions, and I invite you to review the on-wiki FAQ[2], or email me if your question is not answered there.
Thank you to the Foundation's Audit Committee for their oversight and our Staff for their work in developing this year's Form 990 and related communications for filing and public disclosure.
Saludos,
Jaime
[1] Link to PDF https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/3/31/Wikimedia_Foundation_FY2017-2018_Form_990.pdf
[2] 2017 (FY 2017-2018) Wikimedia Foundation Form 990 FAQs https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IRS_tax_related_information/2017_Wikimedia_Foundation_Form_990_Frequently_Asked_Questions
Jaime Villagomez
Chief Financial Officer
Wikimedia Foundation https://wikimediafoundation.org/
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