Words Without Borders

Analysis

Words Without Borders is a registered charity in United States, based in Brooklyn, NY. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in July 2009, 17 years ago. Its declared purposes cover international, foreign affairs and national security, which this site groups under overseas aid and international. 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 June 2023, Words Without Borders reported income of $702k and spending of $631k, spending 90% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income grew from $484k to $702k (+45%), an average of +9.7% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to June 2023, when income rose by 37%. Over the whole period it spent 94% of the income it received.

Among 10,317 United States charities whose main cause is overseas aid and international and that reported income, Words Without Borders sits at the 76th percentile: it is larger than about 76% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 75th percentile, and in the 71st percentile within NY. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Peruvian-American Endowment Inc ($701k), Surgi-Corps International ($702k) and Human Rights for Kids ($701k).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 98% and program service revenue 1.7% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $87k (14% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $258k. At year end it held assets of $388k against liabilities of $57k, net assets of $331k. It reported 6 employees.