Public Broadcasting Service

Analysis

Public Broadcasting Service is a registered charity in United States, based in Arlington, VA. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in December 1970, 56 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts, culture and humanities, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. 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, Public Broadcasting Service reported income of $544.0m and spending of $541.7m, spending 100% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income grew from $463.3m to $544.0m (+17%), an average of +4.1% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to June 2020, when income rose by 19%. Over the whole period it spent 98% of the income it received.

Among 45,478 United States charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Public Broadcasting Service sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile, and in the 100th percentile within VA. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Noblis Inc ($535.7m), Future of Life Institute ($549.5m) and Association of Universities for ($420.9m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 50% and program service revenue 40% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $6.0m (1.1% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $71.2m. At year end it held assets of $641.2m against liabilities of $229.5m, net assets of $411.7m. It reported 657 employees.