Is Wikimedia Foundation Org Legit? —…

Spending Breakdown

How Wikimedia Foundation Org allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

75%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

15%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

10%

Fundraising

Within typical range

How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.

How to Interpret This Report

What Red Flags Mean

Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.

What Mission Score Measures

The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Using This Data for Donation Decisions

Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wikimedia Foundation Org

Is Wikimedia Foundation Org a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Wikimedia Foundation Org (EIN: 200049703) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Wikimedia Foundation Org a good charity to donate to?

Wikimedia Foundation Org has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $283.1M. Assets: $286.8M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Wikimedia Foundation Org?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Wikimedia Foundation Org is 200049703. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.

What is a Mission Score?

The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.

How does Wikimedia Foundation Org spend its money?

Wikimedia Foundation Org allocates 75% to programs, 15% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Wikimedia Foundation Org's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Wikimedia Foundation Org's tax-exempt status using EIN 200049703 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.

AI Transparency Report

The Wikimedia Foundation demonstrates robust financial health and consistent growth, with its latest reported revenue at $283,111,505 and assets at $286,759,938. Over the past decade, the organization has shown remarkable expansion, with revenue increasing from $52,990,491 in 2014 to $180,199,672 in 2023 (based on the latest available period filing data). This growth has been managed efficiently, as evidenced by a healthy surplus in most years, contributing to a strong asset base. The organization's liabilities have remained a small fraction of its assets, indicating financial stability.

While specific program, administrative, and fundraising spending percentages are not directly provided in the summary data, the consistent growth in assets and revenue, alongside a relatively stable expense-to-revenue ratio, suggests a well-managed operation. The absence of reported officer compensation in the provided data is notable and could indicate a highly volunteer-driven leadership or that compensation is reported differently, warranting further investigation for full transparency. Overall, the financial trajectory points to a well-supported and expanding mission.

Is Wikimedia Foundation Org Legit?

Verdict: Wikimedia Foundation Org appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths