Wikipedia "thank you" letter, January 2023 (no endorsement by poster is implied)

Thank you so much! Fortunately, we did it once again, despite the current crisis.

 

Roughly 360.000 fantastic people have reacted to our appeal for donations over the past 57 days and showed how much they appreciate our project. We are particularly grateful considering the times we live in: We are all seriously affected by energy prices going through the roof, a double-digit inflation and the economy in free fall. Yet we were able to reach our fundraising target once again. We would like to wholeheartedly thank all of you!

 

Like so many other people, we also find our world more unsettling than ever. Whether it is the Covid-19 pandemic, global economic problems or the strained global political situation – we are often overly challenged by the complexity of how events unfold. How fortunate that Wikipedia offers reliable, neutral and well-documented information – completely free of charge and without advertising, in a comfortingly rational and calm style. It is the solid rock in an environment of fake news, propaganda and targeted (dis)information guided by special interests.

 

However, Wikipedia’s independence is increasingly under pressure, for example when states attempt to censor unwanted facts – as it is currently the case on the Russian-language Wikipedia in the context of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. But there are also ongoing attempts in our country to put legal pressure on volunteers who write for Wikipedia under their own name, or by attacking their chosen username.

 

As a global community, we defend Wikipedia and its volunteers against such attacks with all the resources available to us. To achieve this, we depend on regular support, particular in these uncertain times of crisis. In Germany, around 102,000 people currently show their commitment to Wikipedia with a supporting membership and an average annual contribution of €55 – which are still not that many considering how popular Wikipedia is and how much it contributes to general knowledge.

 

You can change that today: Please feel invited to join this group of extraordinary people as a new sustaining member – starting with just 2 euros per month. Help us to strengthen Wikipedia’s independence and to secure its long‑term existence.

 

Become a sustaining member and support Wikipedia – especially now!

 

Membership fees are tax-deductible

A donation receipt is issued automatically

No risk: You can cancel your donation at any time without notice

 

At your request: Our exclusive Wikipedia tote bag

 

For more information, please visit our website

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