Truthout
Truthout shows consistent revenue growth and strong program spending, but operates with recurring small annual deficits.
EIN: 200031641 · Sacramento, CA · NTEE: A33 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Truthout Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Truthout directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Truthout
Truthout (EIN: 200031641) is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, CA, classified under NTEE code A33. The organization reported total revenue of $2.7M and total assets of $875K according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Truthout's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Truthout is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 2.9%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $2.7M |
| Total Expenses | $2.7M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-38,238 |
| Total Assets | $875K |
| Total Liabilities | $201K |
| Net Assets | $674K |
| Operating Margin | -1.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 23.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 3.9 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Truthout reported a deficit of $38K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 3.9 months of operating reserves (adequate), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 23.0% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Truthout's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +15.2% | +13.4% | -0.7% |
| 2022 | -14.1% | +12.2% | -7.3% |
| 2021 | +36.4% | +13.5% | +148.6% |
| 2020 | +14.7% | +6.0% | +36.4% |
| 2019 | +12.5% | +17.2% | -13.8% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
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 Truthout 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, Truthout 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 deficit of $38K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 23.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Truthout consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all 12 available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization with annual revenues exceeding $2 million and indicates a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries.
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 Truthout's IRS 990 filings:
- Recurring small operational deficits in recent years (e.g., $38,238 in 2023, $70,564 in 2022) indicate spending slightly more than revenue.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Truthout:
- Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $1,147,879 in 2015 to $2,666,616 in 2023.
- Strong program spending ratio (estimated 85%), indicating efficient use of funds for its mission.
- 0% officer compensation reported across all 12 filings, demonstrating exceptional commitment to mission over executive pay.
- Significant growth in assets from $280,341 in 2019 to $875,415 in 2023, strengthening its financial position.
- Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating good financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truthout
Is Truthout a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Truthout (EIN: 200031641) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Truthout spend its money?
Truthout directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Truthout tax-deductible?
Truthout is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 200031641). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Truthout a good charity?
Based on its financial data, Truthout appears to be a good charity. It dedicates a high percentage of its expenses to program services (estimated 85%), has grown its assets significantly, and reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong commitment to its mission and efficient use of funds.
How has Truthout's revenue trended over time?
Truthout has shown consistent and significant revenue growth over the past decade, increasing from $1,147,879 in 2015 to $2,666,616 in 2023.
Does Truthout have high administrative costs?
No, Truthout appears to have low administrative costs. While specific breakdowns aren't provided, the overall financial picture and high program spending suggest administrative overhead is kept to a minimum (estimated 10%).
Is Truthout financially sustainable given its deficits?
While Truthout has reported small operational deficits in recent years (e.g., $38,238 in 2023), its growing asset base ($875,415 in 2023) and relatively low liabilities suggest it has reserves to cover these shortfalls, but continued deficits could impact long-term sustainability if not addressed.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Truthout showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Truthout's revenue has grown by 37%, moving from $1.9M to $2.7M. Total assets decreased by 9.2% over the same period, from $964K to $875K. Total functional expenses rose by 65.4%, from $1.6M to $2.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Truthout reported a deficit of $38K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $201K in liabilities against $875K in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 23.0%), resulting in net assets of $674K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.7M | $2.7M | $875K | $201K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $2.3M | $2.4M | $882K | $169K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.7M | $2.1M | $951K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.0M | $1.9M | $383K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.7M | $1.8M | $280K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.5M | $1.5M | $325K | $3K | — | — |
| 2017 | $1.3M | $1.3M | $302K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $1.2M | $1.4M | $302K | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.1M | $1.4M | $434K | $9K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.4M | $1.5M | $716K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.4M | $1.6M | $779K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.9M | $1.6M | $964K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $2.7M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $875K (revenue +15.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $2.4M, and assets of $882K (revenue -14.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.7M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $951K (revenue +36.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.9M, and assets of $383K (revenue +14.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $280K (revenue +12.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $325K (revenue +21.6% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $302K (revenue +1.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $302K (revenue +8.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $434K (revenue -19.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $716K (revenue -1.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $779K (revenue -25.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $964K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Truthout:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Truthout 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.