People for the American Way Foundation

Analysis

People for the American Way Foundation is a registered charity in United States, based in Washington, DC. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in July 1981, 45 years ago. Its declared purposes cover civil rights, social action and advocacy, which this site groups under human rights and equality. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending September 2023, People for the American Way Foundation reported income of $3.7m and spending of $5.0m, spending 134% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2019 to September 2023, income fell from $5.4m to $3.7m (-31%), an average of -8.8% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to September 2023, when income dropped by 35%. Over the whole period it spent 110% of the income it received.

Among 9,611 United States charities whose main cause is human rights and equality and that reported income, People for the American Way Foundation sits at the 91st percentile: it is larger than about 91% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 90th percentile, and in the 76th percentile within DC. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Louisiana Center for Childrens Rights ($3.7m), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition Inc ($3.7m) and African American Policy Forum ($3.7m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending September 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 89% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $765k (15% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $974k. At year end it held assets of $9.3m against liabilities of $2.0m, net assets of $7.3m. It reported 58 employees.