Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute shows strong financial growth and asset accumulation with no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 133795391 · New York, NY · NTEE: B82 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $35.4M |
| Total Expenses | $10.3M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $66 |
| Net Assets | $64.6M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History (EIN: 133795391) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY, classified under NTEE code B82. The organization reported total revenue of $35.4M and total assets of $73.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 31 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -8.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $12.0M |
| Total Expenses | $10.3M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$1.7M |
| Total Assets | $66.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $1.5M |
| Net Assets | $64.6M |
| Operating Margin | 14.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 2.3% |
| Months of Reserves | 76.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History reported a surplus of $1.7M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 76.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 2.3% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +13.7% | +13.6% | +8.9% |
| 2022 | +17.5% | +12.0% | -10.2% |
| 2021 | -43.1% | -29.7% | +18.7% |
| 2020 | -1.8% | -19.3% | +7.6% |
| 2019 | -34.3% | +13.4% | +3.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1995 |
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 Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History with a Mission Score of 90 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, Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History 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 $1.7M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 2.3%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with assets exceeding $66 million. This could indicate that executive leadership is compensated through a related entity, or that the organization relies on volunteer leadership, which would be a significant strength in terms of donor perception.
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 Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low (0%) reported officer compensation for an organization of this size, which may obscure actual executive remuneration if paid through a related entity.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History:
- Consistent asset growth, from $35.3 million in 2014 to $66.1 million in 2023, indicating strong financial management.
- Healthy operating surpluses in most years, such as $1.68 million in 2023 ($12.02M revenue - $10.33M expenses).
- Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating strong financial health and low risk.
- No reported officer compensation, which, if truly volunteer-led, is a significant positive for donor confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History
Is Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History a legitimate charity?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History (EIN: 133795391) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 90/100. It has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $35.4M. 1 red flag identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History spend its money?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History tax-deductible?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133795391). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History CEO make?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History's highest-compensated officer earns $66 annually. The organization reported $35.4M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History's spending goes to programs?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History is above average for NTEE category B82 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History located?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History is headquartered in New York, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 133795391. It is classified under NTEE code B82.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History have?
Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History has 12 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 $35.4M in total revenue.
Is the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History financially stable?
Yes, the organization is financially stable, demonstrating consistent revenue growth and significant asset accumulation from $35.3 million in 2014 to $66.1 million in 2023, with low liabilities.
How has the organization's revenue trended over the past decade?
Revenue has shown a generally upward trend, with fluctuations, from $6.3 million in 2014 to $12.0 million in 2023, and a peak of $24.5 million in 2018.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
The organization reports 0% officer compensation in all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size and suggests either volunteer leadership or compensation through other, unreported channels.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History's revenue has declined by 62.4%, moving from $32.0M to $12.0M. Total assets increased by 82.5% over the same period, from $36.2M to $66.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 35.4%, from $7.6M to $10.3M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History reported a surplus of $1.7M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1.5M in liabilities against $66.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 2.3%), resulting in net assets of $64.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $12.0M | $10.3M | $66.1M | $1.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $10.6M | $9.1M | $60.7M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $9.0M | $8.1M | $67.6M | $994K | — | — |
| 2020 | $15.8M | $11.6M | $57.0M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $16.1M | $14.3M | $52.9M | $821K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $24.5M | $12.6M | $51.1M | $766K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $13.7M | $9.0M | $38.6M | $689K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $8.3M | $7.9M | $34.2M | $1.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $3.8M | $6.4M | $32.7M | $473K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $6.3M | $6.1M | $35.3M | $530K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $5.3M | $6.6M | $34.9M | $756K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $32.0M | $7.6M | $36.2M | $779K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $12.0M, expenses of $10.3M, and assets of $66.1M (revenue +13.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $10.6M, expenses of $9.1M, and assets of $60.7M (revenue +17.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $9.0M, expenses of $8.1M, and assets of $67.6M (revenue -43.1% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $15.8M, expenses of $11.6M, and assets of $57.0M (revenue -1.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $16.1M, expenses of $14.3M, and assets of $52.9M (revenue -34.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $24.5M, expenses of $12.6M, and assets of $51.1M (revenue +79.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $13.7M, expenses of $9.0M, and assets of $38.6M (revenue +64.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $8.3M, expenses of $7.9M, and assets of $34.2M (revenue +117.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $6.4M, and assets of $32.7M (revenue -39.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $6.3M, expenses of $6.1M, and assets of $35.3M (revenue +20.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $5.3M, expenses of $6.6M, and assets of $34.9M (revenue -83.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $32.0M, expenses of $7.6M, and assets of $36.2M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Gilder Lehrman Institute Of American History 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.