Playing for Change Foundation

Analysis

Playing for Change Foundation is a registered charity in United States, based in Santa Monica, CA. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in August 2007, 19 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 December 2023, Playing for Change Foundation reported income of $4.0m and spending of $3.0m, leaving 24% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2019 to December 2023, income grew from $960k to $4.0m (+315%), an average of +43% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 191%. Over the whole period it spent 96% of the income it received.

Among 10,317 United States charities whose main cause is overseas aid and international and that reported income, Playing for Change Foundation sits at the 92nd percentile: it is larger than about 92% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 91st percentile, and in the 91st percentile within CA. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Children Incorporated ($4.0m), Junior Achievement of Greater St Louis ($4.0m) and Hands of Hope Northwest Inc ($4.0m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending December 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 106% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $307k (10% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $167k. At year end it held assets of $1.3m against liabilities of $701k, net assets of $570k. It reported 5 employees.