Why is wikipedia asking for donations

Fundraising campaigns are carried out at specific times every year in most parts of the world. Given the readership garnered in India, it is rather surprising that Wikipedia launched its first full fledged fundraising drive in India only this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, which seems to have brought life to a grinding halt for millions across the world, Wikipedia was forced to delay the fundraising campaign it had scheduled for spring, this year.

Click here to join our channel indianexpress and stay updated with the latest headlines. Rahel Philipose Rahel Philipose writes for the indianexpress. Home Explained Explained: Why is Wikipedia seeking donations from its users? Explained: Why is Wikipedia seeking donations from its users? For millions across the world, Wikipedia is the first stop for answers to some of their most pressing questions.

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Trending 'One last heist A six and a caught behind Opinion Hunger isn't about biology. According to reports, the website for million views from India in According to analytics tool SimilarWeb, Wikipedia ranks number 14 amongst the most visited websites in India.

The three websites above it include pornographic websites, Xvideos and Xnxx, and WhatsApp. Google and YouTube are the top websites in the country, according to SimilarWeb. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! It'll just take a moment. Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. But why is one of the biggest websites in the world asking for donations?

Wikipedia is asking users to donate any amount they can to make sure they can continue "thriving for years to come". Hosted by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, Wikipedia uses volunteer contributors, editors and engineers to provide information for free.

The website does not carry any advertisements, meaning it relies on donations made by millions of readers around the world. A small portion of the website's total revenue comes from merchandise - such as T-shirts, notebooks and pencils with Wikipedia's branding.