Rock The Vote

Rock The Vote experiences significant revenue and expense fluctuations, with recent years showing deficit spending and 0% reported officer compensation.

EIN: 20767157 · Washington, DC · NTEE: R40 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$11.3MRevenue
$3.8MAssets
75/100Mission Score (Good)
R40
Rock The Vote Financial Summary
MetricValue
Total Revenue$11.3M
Total Expenses$1.7M
Program Spending80%
Net Assets$707K
Transparency Score75/100

Is Rock The Vote Legit?

Some Concerns

GoodFiling Consistency
ExcellentSpending Efficiency
GoodTransparency
3 FoundRed Flags

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

Rock The Vote directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.

About Rock The Vote

Rock The Vote (EIN: 20767157) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, classified under NTEE code R40. The organization reported total revenue of $11.3M and total assets of $3.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Rock The Vote's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

Organization Overview

20Years Operating
LargeSize Classification
13Years of Filings
MixedRevenue Trajectory

Rock The Vote is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 2.6%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Total Revenue$1.3M
Total Expenses$1.7M
Surplus / Deficit$-455,073
Total Assets$807K
Total Liabilities$99K
Net Assets$707K
Operating Margin-35.6%
Debt-to-Asset Ratio12.3%
Months of Reserves5.6 months

Financial Health Grade: B

In 2023, Rock The Vote reported a deficit of $455K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 5.6 months of operating reserves (adequate), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 12.3% (very low leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Rock The Vote's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6%.

YearRevenue ChangeExpense ChangeAsset Change
2023-44.8%-35.5%-38.9%
2022+73.8%-3.8%-24.0%
2021-74.8%-27.7%-44.4%
2020+294.5%+184.7%+82.8%
2019-43.7%-0.2%-2.3%

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

IRS Classification Codes1000
IRS Ruling Date2006

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

AI Transparency Report

Rock The Vote exhibits fluctuating financial health, with significant swings in revenue and expenses over the past decade. For instance, revenue peaked at $5,280,903 in 2020 but dropped to $1,277,715 in 2023, while expenses often exceeded revenue in recent years, such as $1,732,788 in expenses against $1,277,715 in revenue in 2023. This indicates a reliance on prior year reserves or other funding sources to cover operational costs. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a strong indicator of transparency and efficient use of funds at the executive level, as it suggests that top leadership is either unpaid or compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation on the 990. However, the consistent deficit spending in recent years (e.g., 2021, 2022, 2023) raises questions about long-term financial sustainability if not addressed by increased fundraising or reduced expenditures. Spending efficiency is difficult to fully assess without a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses from the 990 filings. However, the consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is a positive sign regarding executive overhead. The organization's assets have also shown volatility, from a high of $3,210,079 in 2015 to $806,946 in 2023, reflecting the dynamic nature of its funding and operations. The relatively low liabilities compared to assets in most years suggest a generally healthy balance sheet, though the declining asset base in recent years warrants attention. Transparency appears to be strong regarding executive compensation, with consistent 0% reported. However, a more detailed breakdown of functional expenses would provide greater insight into how funds are allocated across programs, administration, and fundraising. The organization's mission, focused on voter engagement, is clear, and its financial activities align with the cyclical nature of election years, often showing higher revenue and expenses during those periods (e.g., 2020, 2016).

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Rock The Vote with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). 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: 80%
  • fundraising: 10%

According to IRS 990 filings, Rock The Vote allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 10%. 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:

$1.3MTotal Revenue
$1.7MTotal Expenses
$807KTotal Assets
$99KTotal Liabilities
$707KNet Assets
  • The organization reported a deficit of $455K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
  • Debt-to-asset ratio: 12.3%.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Rock The Vote consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a highly efficient use of funds at the executive level or that executive roles are filled by unpaid volunteers or compensated through other non-officer means.

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 Rock The Vote's IRS 990 filings:

  • Consistent deficit spending in recent years (2021, 2022, 2023)
  • Significant decline in assets from $3.1M in 2020 to $0.8M in 2023
  • High volatility in annual revenue and expenses, making financial planning challenging

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Rock The Vote:

  • Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating efficient executive overhead
  • Clear mission alignment with voter engagement, showing increased activity in election years
  • Relatively low liabilities compared to assets in most periods, suggesting good debt management

Frequently Asked Questions about Rock The Vote

Is Rock The Vote a legitimate charity?

Rock The Vote (EIN: 20767157) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Washington DC. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 75/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $11.3M. 3 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.

How does Rock The Vote spend its money?

Rock The Vote directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 10%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.

Are donations to Rock The Vote tax-deductible?

Rock The Vote is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 20767157). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What percentage of Rock The Vote's spending goes to programs?

Rock The Vote directs 80% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.

How does Rock The Vote compare to similar nonprofits?

With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), Rock The Vote is above average for NTEE category R40 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.

Where is Rock The Vote located?

Rock The Vote is headquartered in Washington, Washington DC and files with the IRS under EIN 20767157. It is classified under NTEE code R40.

How many years of IRS 990 filings does Rock The Vote have?

Rock The Vote 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 $11.3M in total revenue.

Is Rock The Vote financially sustainable given recent deficit spending?

Rock The Vote has experienced deficit spending in recent years (e.g., 2021, 2022, 2023), with expenses exceeding revenue. For example, in 2023, expenses were $1,732,788 against $1,277,715 in revenue. This trend raises concerns about long-term financial sustainability if not offset by future fundraising or strategic reductions in expenses.

How does Rock The Vote manage its executive compensation?

Rock The Vote consistently reports 0% officer compensation in its IRS 990 filings. This suggests that the organization either has unpaid officers or compensates its leadership through mechanisms not categorized as officer compensation on the 990 form, indicating a very low executive overhead.

What caused the significant revenue drop from 2020 to 2023?

Revenue for Rock The Vote was $5,280,903 in 2020, a presidential election year, but dropped to $1,277,715 in 2023. This significant decrease is likely attributable to the cyclical nature of voter engagement organizations, which typically see higher funding and activity during major election cycles.

Are Rock The Vote's assets declining significantly?

Yes, Rock The Vote's assets have shown a notable decline in recent years, from a high of $3,125,542 in 2020 to $806,946 in 2023. This reduction in assets, alongside deficit spending, suggests the organization may be drawing down reserves to cover operational costs.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Rock The Vote showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:

Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Rock The Vote's revenue has grown by 35.3%, moving from $944K to $1.3M. Total assets increased by 20.4% over the same period, from $670K to $807K. Total functional expenses rose by 13.9%, from $1.5M to $1.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Rock The Vote reported a deficit of $455K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $99K in liabilities against $807K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 12.3%), resulting in net assets of $707K.

YearRevenueExpensesAssetsLiabilitiesOfficer Comp. %PDF
2023 $1.3M $1.7M $807K $99K
2022 $2.3M $2.7M $1.3M $68K View 990
2021 $1.3M $2.8M $1.7M $118K View 990
2020 $5.3M $3.9M $3.1M $46K View 990
2019 $1.3M $1.4M $1.7M $41K View 990
2018 $2.4M $1.4M $1.7M $73K View 990
2017 $998K $1.3M $833K $171K View 990
2016 $4.2M $6.2M $1.2M $166K View 990
2015 $3.2M $1.6M $3.2M $223K View 990
2014 $3.1M $2.2M $1.6M $202K View 990
2013 $1.4M $1.3M $812K $296K View 990
2012 $3.1M $3.0M $692K $202K View 990
2011 $944K $1.5M $670K $205K View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

  • 2023: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $807K (revenue -44.8% year-over-year).
  • 2022: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +73.8% year-over-year).
  • 2021: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $2.8M, and assets of $1.7M (revenue -74.8% year-over-year).
  • 2020: Revenue of $5.3M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $3.1M (revenue +294.5% year-over-year).
  • 2019: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $1.7M (revenue -43.7% year-over-year).
  • 2018: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $1.7M (revenue +138.2% year-over-year).
  • 2017: Revenue of $998K, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $833K (revenue -76.3% year-over-year).
  • 2016: Revenue of $4.2M, expenses of $6.2M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +30.5% year-over-year).
  • 2015: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $3.2M (revenue +4.6% year-over-year).
  • 2014: Revenue of $3.1M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +127.3% year-over-year).
  • 2013: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $812K (revenue -55.8% year-over-year).
  • 2012: Revenue of $3.1M, expenses of $3.0M, and assets of $692K (revenue +224.9% year-over-year).
  • 2011: Revenue of $944K, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $670K.

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Rock The Vote:

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 Rock The Vote 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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