Human Rights First
Human Rights First maintains strong assets but has experienced slight operating deficits in recent years.
EIN: 133116646 · New York, NY · NTEE: Q700 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $14.0M |
| Total Expenses | $15.1M |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $14 |
| Net Assets | $12.7M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Human Rights First Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Human Rights First directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Human Rights First
Human Rights First (EIN: 133116646) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY, classified under NTEE code Q700. The organization reported total revenue of $14.0M and total assets of $8.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Human Rights First's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Human Rights First is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 44 years, with 14 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2010–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 6.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $14.7M |
| Total Expenses | $15.1M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-374,794 |
| Total Assets | $16.9M |
| Total Liabilities | $4.2M |
| Net Assets | $12.7M |
| Operating Margin | -2.5% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 25.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 13.4 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Human Rights First reported a deficit of $375K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 13.4 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 25.0% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 14 years of filings (2010–2023), Human Rights First's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +1.6% | -5.2% | +4.4% |
| 2022 | +4.3% | +17.5% | -12.4% |
| 2021 | +7.9% | +30.1% | +0.7% |
| 2020 | -10.2% | +-0.0% | +31.3% |
| 2019 | -13.2% | +1.4% | +42.7% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1982 |
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 Human Rights First with a Mission Score of 85 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: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Human Rights First allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% 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 deficit of $375K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 25.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Human Rights First consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting either a volunteer leadership model or that executive salaries are categorized differently, which is unusual for an organization of its size with revenues exceeding $14 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 Human Rights First's IRS 990 filings:
- Expenses exceeded revenue in 2022 ($15.9M vs $14.4M) and 2023 ($15.0M vs $14.7M), indicating recent operating deficits.
- The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is unusual for an organization of this scale and could indicate compensation being reported in other categories, potentially obscuring a full picture of executive pay.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Human Rights First:
- Strong and growing asset base, reaching $16.8 million in 2023, providing financial stability.
- Consistent revenue generation, typically in the $12-16 million range, indicating stable donor support.
- Long history of IRS 990 filings (14 periods), demonstrating transparency and accountability.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting a highly efficient use of funds at the executive level or a volunteer leadership model.
Frequently Asked Questions about Human Rights First
Is Human Rights First a legitimate charity?
Human Rights First (EIN: 133116646) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 85/100. It has 14 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $14.0M. 2 red flags identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Human Rights First spend its money?
Human Rights First directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Human Rights First tax-deductible?
Human Rights First is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133116646). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Human Rights First CEO make?
Human Rights First's highest-compensated officer earns $14 annually. The organization reported $14.0M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Human Rights First's spending goes to programs?
Human Rights First directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Human Rights First compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Human Rights First is above average for NTEE category Q700 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Human Rights First located?
Human Rights First is headquartered in New York, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 133116646. It is classified under NTEE code Q700.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Human Rights First have?
Human Rights First has 14 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 $14.0M in total revenue.
Is Human Rights First a good charity?
Based on its consistent revenue, strong asset base ($16.8M in 2023), and apparent commitment to minimizing reported officer compensation (0% across all filings), Human Rights First appears to be a well-established and financially sound organization. Its mission alignment with its NTEE code (Human Rights) and long filing history are positive indicators.
What is the trend in Human Rights First's financial health?
Human Rights First has shown significant growth in assets, from $3.9 million in 2017 to $16.8 million in 2023. While revenue has been stable, expenses have slightly outpaced revenue in 2022 and 2023, leading to minor operating deficits. This trend warrants monitoring, but the strong asset base provides a buffer.
How does Human Rights First manage executive compensation?
The organization consistently reports 0% for officer compensation in its IRS 990 filings. This is a highly unusual and positive indicator for donor confidence, suggesting either a volunteer executive leadership or that compensation is reported under other expense categories, which would require further detail to fully understand.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Human Rights First showing financial trends over 14 years of public records:
Over 14 years of IRS 990 filings (2010–2023), Human Rights First's revenue has grown by 126.5%, moving from $6.5M to $14.7M. Total assets increased by 84% over the same period, from $9.2M to $16.9M. Total functional expenses rose by 209.4%, from $4.9M to $15.1M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Human Rights First reported a deficit of $375K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $4.2M in liabilities against $16.9M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 25.0%), resulting in net assets of $12.7M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $14.7M | $15.1M | $16.9M | $4.2M | — | — |
| 2022 | $14.5M | $15.9M | $16.2M | $2.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $13.9M | $13.5M | $18.5M | $2.1M | — | — |
| 2020 | $12.9M | $10.4M | $18.3M | $2.6M | — | — |
| 2019 | $14.3M | $10.4M | $14.0M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $16.5M | $10.3M | $9.8M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $7.7M | $11.5M | $4.0M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $10.9M | $12.9M | $7.7M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $11.5M | $14.1M | $9.7M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $9.3M | $13.3M | $12.0M | $1.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $12.0M | $11.5M | $15.8M | $986K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $10.6M | $10.0M | $15.3M | $858K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $13.7M | $8.5M | $14.4M | $610K | — | View 990 |
| 2010 | $6.5M | $4.9M | $9.2M | $586K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $14.7M, expenses of $15.1M, and assets of $16.9M (revenue +1.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $14.5M, expenses of $15.9M, and assets of $16.2M (revenue +4.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $13.9M, expenses of $13.5M, and assets of $18.5M (revenue +7.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $12.9M, expenses of $10.4M, and assets of $18.3M (revenue -10.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $14.3M, expenses of $10.4M, and assets of $14.0M (revenue -13.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $16.5M, expenses of $10.3M, and assets of $9.8M (revenue +115.7% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $7.7M, expenses of $11.5M, and assets of $4.0M (revenue -29.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $10.9M, expenses of $12.9M, and assets of $7.7M (revenue -5.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $11.5M, expenses of $14.1M, and assets of $9.7M (revenue +23.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $9.3M, expenses of $13.3M, and assets of $12.0M (revenue -22.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $12.0M, expenses of $11.5M, and assets of $15.8M (revenue +13.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $10.6M, expenses of $10.0M, and assets of $15.3M (revenue -23.0% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $13.7M, expenses of $8.5M, and assets of $14.4M (revenue +111.5% year-over-year).
- 2010: Revenue of $6.5M, expenses of $4.9M, and assets of $9.2M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Human Rights First:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Human Rights First 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.