World Press Photo is run as an independent, non-profit organization with its office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where World Press Photo was founded in 1955.
W.P.P. is committed to supporting and advancing high standards in photojournalism and documentary photography worldwide.
W.P.P. strives to generate wide public interest in and appreciation for the work of photographers and for the free exchange of information.
W.P.P. activities includes organizing an annual contest , exhibitions, the stimulation of photojournalism through educational programs, and creating greater visibility for press photography through a variety of publications.(*)
(*) from W.P.P. website
http://www.worldpressphoto.org/