Each Participant in GBIF is responsible for the funding of its participation at the national or organisational level with respect to the establishment of a Participant Node, digitisation programmes, national meetings, workshops etc.

The Secretariat, the Advisory Committee Structure and the Work Programme are funded by GBIF’s Voting Participants though an annual Basic Financial Contribution (dues) in accordance with the provisions in Paragraph 9 of the Memorandum of Understanding.

The basic financial contribution for a new Voting Participant is determined by its GDP and the year in which it becomes a Voting Participant. The World Bank website  provides the latest GDP information for all countries.

Budgeting, financial reporting and administration of funds by the Secretariat take place in accordance with a set of Financial Regulations approved by the Governing Board.

GBIF uses the calendar year as its financial year.

The Governing Board approves the budget 2–3 months in advance of the financial year, typically in October. The budget is revised in April/May the following year by the Executive Committee, when the draft Financial Report has identified the financial result to be considered in the Budget revision.

In addition to the Basic Financial Contributions, both Voting and Associate Participants may make Supplementary Financial Contributions to fund specific parts of the Work Programme or for other specific purposes agreed to by the Governing Board.

The Secretariat may also accept other income from additional sources (e.g. foundations, agencies, research councils and private companies) offered for the purposes set out in the Memorandum of Understanding and the GBIF Strategic Plan (2007–2011).

The GBIF Annual Report includes details on the use of the Supplementary Fund.

GBIF finances are audited by an international auditing company.