How to Access and Use 990 Information for Nonprofit Research

When it comes to researching nonprofits, accessing their Form 990 tax returns can provide valuable insight into their financial health and mission. Form 990 is a document that tax-exempt organizations must file annually with the IRS. This document contains information about the organization’s programs, finances, and governance.

What is Form 990?

Form 990 is the tax return that tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits, foundations, and charities, must file with the IRS each year. This document provides information about the organization’s mission, activities, governance, and finances. The public can access this information to learn more about a nonprofit’s operations and make informed decisions about charitable donations.

How to Access Form 990

The IRS makes Form 990 publicly available, and there are several ways to access it. Nonprofits are required to provide copies of their Form 990 to anyone who requests it in person, by mail, or by email. Additionally, several websites provide free access to Form 990 documents, including GuideStar and Charity Navigator. These websites compile and organize nonprofit information, including Form 990, to make it easier for people to research and evaluate nonprofits.

How to Use Form 990

Form 990 provides a wealth of information that can help you evaluate the financial health and mission of a nonprofit. Here are some key pieces of information to look for:

Program Expenses

Form 990 breaks down a nonprofit’s expenses into several categories, including program expenses, which relate to the organization’s mission. Evaluating the percentage of program expenses compared to total expenses can help you determine whether a nonprofit is fulfilling its mission.

Executive Compensation

Form 990 provides information about the compensation of the nonprofit’s top executives. This can be helpful in determining whether the organization is paying its leaders fairly and responsibly.

Grantmaking Activities

If the nonprofit makes grants to other organizations, Form 990 will include information about those grants, including the recipients and the amount of money awarded. This can provide insight into the nonprofit’s priorities and impact.

Conclusion

Accessing and using Form 990 can provide valuable information for researching nonprofits. By evaluating a nonprofit’s program expenses, executive compensation, and grantmaking activities, you can make informed decisions about charitable donations. Remember to check websites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator for free access to Form 990 and other useful nonprofit information.

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