Global Witness is a non governmental, not for profit organisation. It is a company limited by guarantee (registered in England no. 2871809) and was incorporated 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, including the original co-founders of the organisation, who have no beneficial interest in the company. The Board meets quarterly to set strategy, ensure financial sustainability, and oversee the direction of the organisation.
Day to day management is provided by the Leadership Team, which comprises the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Development, the Directors of Communications, and the Director of Campaigns.
Global Witness also has an Advisory Council made up of prominent individuals with experience in areas relevant to Global Witness’ activities. It provides advice and support to the staff and meets three times a year.
Global Witness’ activities in the USA are undertaken through Global Witness Inc. (previously Global Witness Publishing Inc.), a company registered in Washington DC, USA. This company's results are consolidated and reported together with Global Witness.
Although it is not a registered charity in the UK, Global Witness 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 Report and Financial Statements for Global Witness can be viewed here.
The IRS form 990 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, registered in England & Wales). It is governed by a voluntary board of 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 fulfill this objective is to support the charitable aspects of investigations and campaigns undertaken by Global Witness.
The Report and Financial Statements of Global Witness Trust can be viewed here.
The registered address for Global Witness and the Global Witness Trust is:
2nd Floor
55 Ludgate Hill
London
EC4M 7JW
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.
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.
All USD donations made to the Global Witness Foundation will be tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Global Witness Foundation will provide acknowledgement of the donation for the donor's tax records. If you would like to send a USD tax-deductible donation to the Global Witness Foundation please send any checks to:
Global Witness Foundation
855 El Camino Real
Suite 13A-410
Palo Alto, California 94301
United States
The IRS form 990 for Global Witness Foundation can be viewed here.