Media Matters for America

Analysis

Media Matters for America is a registered charity in United States, based in Washington, DC. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in May 2004, 22 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education, which this site groups under education and training. 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, Media Matters for America reported income of $19.6m and spending of $20.8m, spending 106% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2019 to December 2023, income grew from $14.2m to $19.6m (+38%), an average of +8.4% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2020, when income rose by 27%. Over the whole period it spent 95% of the income it received.

Among 66,972 United States charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, Media Matters for America sits at the 96th percentile: it is larger than about 96% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 97th percentile, and in the 93rd percentile within DC. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include San Jose Charter Academy ($19.5m), Legacy College Preparatory Charter School ($19.6m) and Saint Edwards School ($19.5m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending December 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 94% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $2.2m (10% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $7.0m. It paid $2.2m in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $20.0m against liabilities of $12.6m, net assets of $7.4m. It reported 122 employees.