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Global Witness is a non governmental, not for profit organisation.  It is a company limited by guarantee and was incorporated (as Global Witness Limited) on 15 November 1993 under a Memorandum of Association that sets out its objects and powers. The company is unable to distribute any of its assets for the benefit of the directors or members.

The company has a Board of directors, who are the three original founders of the organisation and who have no beneficial interest in the company.

The Board meets quarterly to set strategy and oversee the direction of the organisation.  Day to day management is provided by the Management Team, which comprises the three founding directors, together with the Director of Campaigns and the Director of Finance & Resources. 

Global Witness also has an Advisory Board made up of prominent individuals with experience in areas relevant to Global Witness’ activities.  It provides advice to the Board of Directors and aims to meet three times a year. 

Global Witness’ activities in the USA are undertaken through Global Witness Publishing Inc., a company registered in Washington DC, USA.  Since this company has common directors with Global Witness Limited, its results are consolidated and reported together with Global Witness Limited. 

Although it is not a registered charity in the UK, Global Witness Limited has 501(c)(3) status with the US Internal Revenue Service. The Annual Report and Financial Statements are prepared under the UK Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities, in order to reflect best practice as a not for profit organisation. 

The Annual Report and Financial Statements for Global Witness can be viewed here. 

Global Witness has associated charitable entities in both the UK and the US:

Global Witness Trust

Global Witness Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity (no. 1117844 in England & Wales). It is governed by a board of voluntary trustees who are independent of Global Witness. 

The Trust supports initiatives that seek to expose and highlight the impact that natural resource exploitation and environmental damage have on the human rights of people in resource-rich countries.

The trustees have determined that the best way for the Trust to fulfil this objective is to support the charitable aspects of investigations and campaigns undertaken by Global Witness. 

The Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Trust can be viewed here.

Global Witness Foundation

Global Witness Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered charitable organisation based in the United States.

The Foundation has three directors, one of whom is also a director of Global Witness Limited.  

The Foundation supports research and investigations into the causes and effects of the exploitation of natural resources by public and private entities throughout the world, specifically where such exploitation is used to fund conflict, human rights abuses and corruption. 

These objectives are fulfilled by donating funds to Global Witness. 

The IRS form 990 can be viewed here.