What is the Wikimedia Foundation and how is it related to Wikipedia?

The Wikimedia Foundation is the non-profit organization that operates Wikipedia and various other free knowledge projects. It was established in 2003 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger with the goal of supporting the collaborative creation and dissemination of free knowledge worldwide. The foundation is responsible for providing the technical infrastructure, financial resources, and legal support necessary to ensure the sustainability and growth of Wikipedia. While Wikipedia is the most well-known project of the Wikimedia Foundation, it also oversees and supports other projects like Wikimedia Commons, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons. The foundation relies on donations from individuals and institutions to fund its operations and maintain its commitment to keeping knowledge free and accessible to all.