Communication Workers Of America

Communication Workers Of America faces persistent operating deficits and declining assets despite revenue growth, with a recent surge in liabilities.

EIN: 131105115 · New York, NY · Updated: 2026-03-28

$7.2MRevenue
$7.7MAssets
55/100Mission Score (Fair)
Communication Workers Of America Financial Summary
MetricValue
Total Revenue$7.2M
Total Expenses$6.8M
Program Spending70%
Net Assets$2.9M
Transparency Score55/100

Is Communication Workers Of America Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
GoodSpending Efficiency
ModerateTransparency
4 FoundRed Flags

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

Communication Workers Of America directs 70% of its spending to programs. This meets the industry benchmark of 65% for efficient nonprofits.

About Communication Workers Of America

Communication Workers Of America (EIN: 131105115) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY. The organization reported total revenue of $7.2M and total assets of $7.7M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Communication Workers Of America's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

Organization Overview

76Years Operating
Mid-SizeSize Classification
13Years of Filings
GrowingRevenue Trajectory

Communication Workers Of America is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 76 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 6.1%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Total Revenue$6.7M
Total Expenses$6.8M
Surplus / Deficit$-101,403
Total Assets$7.2M
Total Liabilities$4.3M
Net Assets$2.9M
Operating Margin-1.5%
Debt-to-Asset Ratio59.2%
Months of Reserves12.6 months

Financial Health Grade: C

In 2023, Communication Workers Of America reported a deficit of $101K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 12.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 59.2% (high leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Communication Workers Of America's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.

YearRevenue ChangeExpense ChangeAsset Change
2023+21.8%-1.6%+132.2%
2022+34.4%+19.9%-34.2%
2021+13.2%+7.7%-17.7%
2020+10.9%+10.0%-21.5%
2019+8.8%+5.5%-16.8%

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

IRS Classification Codes1000
IRS Ruling Date1950

Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.

AI Transparency Report

Communication Workers Of America (CWA) has experienced significant fluctuations in its financial health over the past decade. While revenue has shown an upward trend, increasing from $3,163,876 in 2014 to $6,718,304 in 2023, the organization has consistently operated at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in every reported period. For instance, in 2023, expenses were $6,819,707 against revenues of $6,718,304, indicating a net loss. This consistent deficit spending has led to a substantial decline in assets, which have fallen from a high of $11,320,809 in 2014 to $7,188,741 in 2023, though there was a recovery from a low of $3,095,543 in 2022. The organization's liabilities have also seen a notable increase, particularly in 2023, reaching $4,258,735, which is significantly higher than previous years, raising concerns about its long-term financial stability. The organization's spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, which are not provided in the summary data. However, the consistent operating deficits suggest that the current revenue streams are insufficient to cover ongoing expenditures. The lack of reported officer compensation across all filings indicates a potential for high transparency in this specific area, or that compensation is structured in a way that isn't captured by 'Officer Comp' as a percentage of expenses. The significant increase in liabilities in the latest period warrants closer examination to understand the nature of these obligations and their impact on the organization's financial flexibility. Overall, CWA demonstrates a pattern of increasing revenue but also increasing expenses, leading to persistent deficits and a decline in net assets over the long term. While the absence of reported officer compensation is a positive sign for transparency in that specific area, the overall financial picture suggests a need for strategic adjustments to achieve financial sustainability. The recent surge in liabilities is a critical area for further investigation to understand the underlying causes and potential risks.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Communication Workers Of America with a Mission Score of 55 out of 100 (Fair). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

According to IRS 990 filings, Communication Workers Of America allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 20%, programs: 70%, fundraising: 10%. Approximately 70% goes to programs, indicating moderate mission focus.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

$6.7MTotal Revenue
$6.8MTotal Expenses
$7.2MTotal Assets
$4.3MTotal Liabilities
$2.9MNet Assets

Executive Compensation Analysis

The IRS 990 filings consistently report 0% for Officer Compensation, suggesting that executive compensation is either not paid, or is structured in a way that is not categorized under 'Officer Comp' as a percentage of total expenses, which could indicate strong financial stewardship or a need for more detailed disclosure.

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 Communication Workers Of America's IRS 990 filings:

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Communication Workers Of America:

Frequently Asked Questions about Communication Workers Of America

Is Communication Workers Of America a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Communication Workers Of America (EIN: 131105115) some concerns. Mission Score: 55/100. 4 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.

How does Communication Workers Of America spend its money?

Communication Workers Of America directs 70% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.

Are donations to Communication Workers Of America tax-deductible?

Communication Workers Of America is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 131105115). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What percentage of Communication Workers Of America's spending goes to programs?

Communication Workers Of America directs 70% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This meets the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.

Where is Communication Workers Of America located?

Communication Workers Of America is headquartered in New York, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 131105115.

How many years of IRS 990 filings does Communication Workers Of America have?

Communication Workers Of America has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $7.2M in total revenue.

Why has Communication Workers Of America consistently operated at a deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue in every reported period?

The provided data shows that expenses have consistently outpaced revenue. For example, in 2023, expenses were $6,819,707 while revenue was $6,718,304. This indicates that the organization's operational costs are higher than its income, leading to a net loss each year.

What caused the significant increase in liabilities from $462,757 in 2022 to $4,258,735 in 2023?

The data indicates a dramatic increase in liabilities in the most recent filing period. This surge in liabilities, from less than half a million to over four million dollars, is a critical financial event that would require a deeper dive into the full IRS 990 form to understand the specific nature of these new obligations (e.g., loans, deferred revenue, or other payables).

How does the organization plan to address the long-term decline in assets, which fell from over $11 million in 2014 to $7.1 million in 2023?

The consistent operating deficits have directly contributed to the erosion of assets over the past decade. While there was a recovery in assets from 2022 to 2023, the overall trend is downward. Addressing this would likely require a strategy to either increase revenue significantly or reduce expenses to achieve a surplus.

What is the detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses to assess spending efficiency?

The provided summary data does not offer a detailed breakdown of how expenses are allocated across programs, administration, and fundraising. Without this information, it is challenging to fully evaluate the organization's spending efficiency and how much of its budget directly supports its mission.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Communication Workers Of America showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:

Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Communication Workers Of America's revenue has grown by 103.9%, moving from $3.3M to $6.7M. Total assets decreased by 31.8% over the same period, from $10.5M to $7.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 107%, from $3.3M to $6.8M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Communication Workers Of America reported a deficit of $101K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $4.3M in liabilities against $7.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 59.2%), resulting in net assets of $2.9M.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp. %PDF
2023 $6.7M $6.8M $7.2M $4.3M View 990
2022 $5.5M $6.9M $3.1M $463K View 990
2021 $4.1M $5.8M $4.7M $263K View 990
2020 $3.6M $5.4M $5.7M $265K
2019 $3.3M $4.9M $7.3M $353K View 990
2018 $3.0M $4.6M $8.7M $259K View 990
2017 $2.9M $4.0M $10.3M $396K View 990
2016 $3.1M $3.3M $11.2M $338K View 990
2015 $3.2M $3.4M $11.1M $212K View 990
2014 $3.2M $3.2M $11.3M $137K View 990
2013 $3.5M $3.4M $11.1M $93K View 990
2012 $3.2M $3.4M $10.8M $92K View 990
2011 $3.3M $3.3M $10.5M $91K View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Communication Workers Of America:

2023 Filing 2022 Filing 2021 Filing 2020 Filing 2019 Filing 2018 Filing 2017 Filing 2016 Filing 2015 Filing 2014 Filing 2013 Filing 2012 Filing 2011 Filing

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Communication Workers Of America 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.

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