FAQs

Questions and Answers

The Wiki-Movement and the work of Wikimedia CH cause a lot of questions. On this page we try to answer the most recurrent ones. Thanks a lot for your interest. If our answers will not satisfy you, please don’t hesitate to revert to us.

All about donations

Will I receive a receipt for my donation?

Wikimedia CH is a non-profit association recognised by the tax authorities. Therefore, donations can be deducted from taxes throughout Switzerland. For cost reasons and in compliance with tax regulations, Wikimedia CH automatically issues donation receipts at the beginning of the following year for donations over CHF 200 (total donation amount per year). You can of course request a receipt for donations below this amount, but you can also simply print out the deposit slip and enclose it with your tax return.

Why do you need my address?

We are required to ask for your address in connection with the following payment methods: credit card and payment slip. In addition, we need your address to send your donation receipts for your tax return (for a total annual donation of CHF 200 or more).

How can I hide the donation banners?

The banner can be closed at any time by clicking on the cross in the upper right corner. The banner is then deactivated for a period of two weeks.

Is anonymous donation possible?

Yes, it is. If you want to make an anonymous donation, you must do it via our partner, the online philanthropy portal StiftungSchweiz, who will transfer your amount to Wikimedia CH but not your personal data. Fill in Wikimedia CH’s donation form at StiftungSchweiz’s website and tick the box “Ich möchte anonym spenden”. This page currently exists only in German. Please note that we will not be able to issue a tax receipt for anonymous donations.

Why is Wikipedia financed by donations and not by advertising?

Access to free and unbiased knowledge is more important than ever in today’s world of fake news and misleading information. Wikipedia, Switzerland’s 5th most visited website, represents a collective resource that belongs to all of us. Donations help us to stay independent, to maintain and further develop the online encyclopedia and our different Wiki projects to promote free knowledge.

How can I order multiple payment slips?

To order multiple payment slips please write an e-mail to info@wikimedia.ch. We will send them to you. Maybe you should consider to set up recurrent payments with your bank. Therefore please contact your bank.

How can I donate regularly?

There are several ways to make regular donations: Either you click on “I would like to donate regularly” in the online donation form and select your preferred donation interval, or set up a standing order with your bank. The latter is the simpler option for us. The regular donation can be adjusted or terminated at any time.

Where does my money go?

Wikimedia CH carries out a variety of programs in collaboration with institutions and other partners. On one hand, we offer basic training in the use, creation and editing of content for Wikipedia and other Wiki-Platforms. On the other, we organize projects and workshops on the topics of life-long learning, working with net-based information, teaching of digital skills as well as online collaboration. Your donation helps us to continue our engagement. Donations which are generated by banner campaigns on Wikipedia go directely to the global wikimedia movement. All other donations will support Wikimedia CH projects.

Can I mention Wikimedia CH in my will?

Yes, you can. Remembering Wikimedia CH in your will is easy to do. In this way, your support for the values of free knowledge will live on after you. Your generosity will help to guarantee that the association Wikimedia CH remains effective and independent.

How can I increase my recurrent donation?

If you have set up your recurrent donation through our donation platform, open your last confirmation e-mail and click on the link “Cancel my donation”. You will be sent to the donation platform, where you can cancel your existing recurrent donation and set up a new one with a different amount. Then, set up a new recurrent donation with another amount. If you have set up a standing order through your bank, you can modify the amount of the order through your e-banking portal or however you create standing payments. If you want to support us with a new recurrent donation, we recommend choosing a standing order as the payment method. Our bank details are: Wikimedia CH, 8008 Zürich / IBAN: CH61 0900 0000 1530 5990 7.

About the Wikiverse

What is the difference between Wikipedia and Wikimedia?

Wikimedia is the non-profit movement behind the project Wikipedia and runs this project, supports the work of volunteer authors and photographers and simplifies this work through technical development. Wikimedia is an international movement, with the US Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) at its centre. WMF is the operator of Wikipedia and, for example, carries out the international fundraising campaigns. There are also about 40 country representatives of Wikimedia who promote free knowledge locally. Wikipedia is the international project; Wikimedia is the collective term for the organisations behind Wikipedia and its sister projects.

Does Wikimedia CH control the content of Wikipedia articles or other Wiki-pages?

Wikimedia CH promotes the work of the contributors, provides advice and opens doors for further research. The community of contributors works independently and is responsible for compliance with the guidelines.

Who is responsible for the content?

The community of volunteering contributors edits and moderates the content of the Wiki-platforms itself. Wikimedia CH is not involved in the content creation, but we take care that the community members have access to resources and get support when needed.

How can you guarantee that the content is correct?

First of all, Wikipedia doesn’t require that all facts mentioned are right at 100%. The big advantage of the Wiki-system is that everybody who discovers a mistake or a gap has the chance to modify the article. But don’t forget to mention the source of what you are adding. If this is missing, your modification will be deleted quickly. Better you contact the community of this article via the “Discussion” page (on top left, you can access). In case of questions, contact our Community programme.

What are you doing against extreme political influence or bad online behaviour?

This is a delicate topic. As we have already been notified of and observed attempts of influencing contents, we have launched the pilot project “Care Forward”. Read more:

Where do I learn to edit Wikipedia?

The easiest way to learn how to edit Wikipedia and the other Wiki-Platforms is to participate in workshops or other events

(LINK TO THE NEW PAGE EVENTS). Or you ask the community for a mentor who guides you. Have a look into the Community portal. There, you find a lot of very good tips. All you need is a bit of courage.

Why does Wikimedia CH consider diversity so important?