Avaaz Foundation
Avaaz Foundation consistently directs funds to programs with zero reported officer compensation.
EIN: 205050267 · New York, NY · NTEE: R03 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Avaaz Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Avaaz Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Avaaz Foundation
Avaaz Foundation (EIN: 205050267) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY, classified under NTEE code R03. The organization reported total revenue of $26.6M and total assets of $27.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Avaaz Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Avaaz Foundation is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 19 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 11.8%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $28.7M |
| Total Expenses | $26.9M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$1.8M |
| Total Assets | $26.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $2.7M |
| Net Assets | $23.6M |
| Operating Margin | 6.1% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 10.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 11.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Avaaz Foundation reported a surplus of $1.8M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 11.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 10.2% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Avaaz Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +4.5% | +0.9% | +12.6% |
| 2022 | +1.8% | -10.5% | +3.4% |
| 2021 | -17.4% | +19.1% | -11.7% |
| 2020 | +54.1% | +22.2% | +43.6% |
| 2019 | -18.0% | -2.6% | +5.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2007 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Avaaz Foundation with a Mission Score of 92 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Avaaz Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $1.8M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 10.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Avaaz Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with annual revenues exceeding $20 million.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Avaaz Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low (0%) reported officer compensation, which, while seemingly positive, can sometimes indicate alternative compensation structures or a lack of transparency in reporting if not fully explained.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Avaaz Foundation:
- Consistent high program spending ratio, indicating efficient use of funds for its mission.
- Healthy asset growth, with assets increasing from $17.8 million in 2019 to $26.2 million in 2023, demonstrating financial stability.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a strong commitment to directing funds to programs.
- Revenue generally exceeding expenses, as seen in 2023 ($28.6M revenue vs. $26.9M expenses), allowing for reserve building.
- Strong financial reserves relative to liabilities, indicating good financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Avaaz Foundation
Is Avaaz Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Avaaz Foundation (EIN: 205050267) some concerns. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Avaaz Foundation spend its money?
Avaaz Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Avaaz Foundation tax-deductible?
Avaaz Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205050267). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Avaaz Foundation a good charity?
Based on its financial data, Avaaz Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It consistently allocates a high percentage of its expenses to program services, maintains healthy financial reserves, and reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to its mission and efficient use of donor funds.
How has Avaaz Foundation's revenue trended over the past five years?
Avaaz Foundation's revenue has fluctuated but generally remained strong over the past five years, ranging from $21.1 million in 2019 to a high of $32.6 million in 2020, and most recently $28.6 million in 2023, demonstrating a robust fundraising capacity.
What is the significance of 0% officer compensation?
The 0% officer compensation reported by Avaaz Foundation is highly significant as it means no funds are being used for executive salaries, which is an exceptional practice for an organization of its scale and suggests a strong dedication to maximizing program impact with donor contributions.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Avaaz Foundation showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Avaaz Foundation's revenue has grown by 281.3%, moving from $7.5M to $28.7M. Total assets increased by 848.9% over the same period, from $2.8M to $26.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 289.9%, from $6.9M to $26.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Avaaz Foundation reported a surplus of $1.8M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $2.7M in liabilities against $26.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 10.2%), resulting in net assets of $23.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $28.7M | $26.9M | $26.3M | $2.7M | — | — |
| 2022 | $27.4M | $26.7M | $23.3M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $26.9M | $29.8M | $22.6M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $32.6M | $25.0M | $25.6M | $1.2M | — | — |
| 2019 | $21.2M | $20.5M | $17.8M | $1.1M | — | — |
| 2018 | $25.8M | $21.0M | $17.0M | $945K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $20.3M | $17.1M | $11.8M | $532K | — | — |
| 2016 | $18.0M | $17.9M | $9.2M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $22.8M | $22.4M | $9.3M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $19.4M | $18.9M | $8.1M | $487K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $14.6M | $11.5M | $7.6M | $496K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $11.6M | $10.2M | $4.2M | $215K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $7.5M | $6.9M | $2.8M | $231K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $28.7M, expenses of $26.9M, and assets of $26.3M (revenue +4.5% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $27.4M, expenses of $26.7M, and assets of $23.3M (revenue +1.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $26.9M, expenses of $29.8M, and assets of $22.6M (revenue -17.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $32.6M, expenses of $25.0M, and assets of $25.6M (revenue +54.1% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $21.2M, expenses of $20.5M, and assets of $17.8M (revenue -18.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $25.8M, expenses of $21.0M, and assets of $17.0M (revenue +27.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $20.3M, expenses of $17.1M, and assets of $11.8M (revenue +12.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $18.0M, expenses of $17.9M, and assets of $9.2M (revenue -21.0% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $22.8M, expenses of $22.4M, and assets of $9.3M (revenue +17.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $19.4M, expenses of $18.9M, and assets of $8.1M (revenue +32.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $14.6M, expenses of $11.5M, and assets of $7.6M (revenue +26.2% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $11.6M, expenses of $10.2M, and assets of $4.2M (revenue +54.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $7.5M, expenses of $6.9M, and assets of $2.8M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Avaaz Foundation is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.