Alliance Defending Freedom

Analysis

Alliance Defending Freedom is a registered charity in United States, based in Scottsdale, AZ. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in July 1993, 33 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 June 2023, Alliance Defending Freedom reported income of $101.8m and spending of $97.1m, spending 95% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income grew from $60.9m to $101.8m (+67%), an average of +14% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to June 2022, when income rose by 33%. Over the whole period it spent 88% of the income it received.

Among 9,611 United States charities whose main cause is human rights and equality and that reported income, Alliance Defending Freedom 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 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within AZ. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Native American Heritage Association ($101.5m), Justice Innovation Inc ($102.6m) and American Jewish Committee ($88.1m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 94% and program service revenue 2.9% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $3.2m (3.3% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $37.2m. It paid $1.0m in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $97.6m against liabilities of $15.1m, net assets of $82.5m. It reported 439 employees.