United States Japan Foundation
United States Japan Foundation maintains substantial assets despite fluctuating revenues and reports no officer compensation.
EIN: 133054425 · Washington, DC · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is United States Japan Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
United States Japan Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About United States Japan Foundation
United States Japan Foundation (EIN: 133054425) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. The organization reported total revenue of $14.2M and total assets of $102.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of United States Japan Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
United States Japan Foundation is a large nonprofit that has been operating for 45 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -1.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $3.5M |
| Total Expenses | $4.0M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-577,695 |
| Total Assets | $97.7M |
| Total Liabilities | $513K |
| Net Assets | $97.1M |
| Operating Margin | -16.7% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.5% |
| Months of Reserves | 289.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, United States Japan Foundation reported a deficit of $578K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 289.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.5% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), United States Japan Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +46.1% | -9.1% | +10.2% |
| 2022 | -50.1% | -5.6% | -16.5% |
| 2021 | -32.4% | +51.9% | +8.0% |
| 2020 | -55.0% | -38.0% | +18.1% |
| 2019 | +82.8% | -33.7% | +2.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1981 |
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 United States Japan Foundation 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: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, United States Japan Foundation 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 $578K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.5%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with over $100 million in assets. This suggests either that executive roles are entirely volunteer-based, compensation is paid through a related entity, or it is categorized differently on the 990, requiring further scrutiny for a complete understanding of executive remuneration.
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 United States Japan Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and could mask executive remuneration.
- Significant year-over-year revenue volatility, making financial planning potentially challenging without a strong endowment.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for United States Japan Foundation:
- Substantial asset base (over $100 million in 2021) provides strong financial stability and resilience.
- Consistently low liabilities relative to assets, indicating sound financial management and low debt risk.
- Expenses generally well-managed, typically staying within a $3-5 million range despite revenue fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions about United States Japan Foundation
Is United States Japan Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, United States Japan Foundation (EIN: 133054425) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does United States Japan Foundation spend its money?
United States Japan Foundation directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to United States Japan Foundation tax-deductible?
United States Japan Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133054425). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does the United States Japan Foundation manage to report 0% officer compensation?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings is highly unusual. It could indicate that executive roles are entirely volunteer, compensation is paid by a related entity, or it's categorized under other expenses on the 990, which would require reviewing the full 990 forms for detailed expense breakdowns.
What is the primary source of the United States Japan Foundation's revenue given its significant fluctuations?
The significant fluctuations in revenue, from $2.3 million to $15.6 million, suggest reliance on grants, investment income, or large individual donations rather than consistent program service fees. A deeper dive into the 990's revenue schedules would clarify the specific sources.
How does the organization maintain such a large asset base despite periods of expenses exceeding revenue?
The organization's substantial asset base, consistently over $80 million, likely includes a significant endowment or investment portfolio. This allows it to absorb periods where expenses exceed revenue, such as in 2022 ($4.4M expenses vs. $2.3M revenue) and 2023 ($4.0M expenses vs. $3.4M revenue), by drawing from these reserves.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for United States Japan Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), United States Japan Foundation's revenue has declined by 13%, moving from $4.0M to $3.5M. Total assets increased by 23.3% over the same period, from $79.2M to $97.7M. Total functional expenses rose by 0.1%, from $4.0M to $4.0M. In its most recent filing year (2023), United States Japan Foundation reported a deficit of $578K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $513K in liabilities against $97.7M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.5%), resulting in net assets of $97.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.5M | $4.0M | $97.7M | $513K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $2.4M | $4.4M | $88.6M | $1.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $4.8M | $4.7M | $106.2M | $702K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $7.0M | $3.1M | $98.3M | $324K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $15.6M | $5.0M | $83.2M | $503K | — | — |
| 2015 | $8.6M | $7.5M | $81.4M | $416K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $8.7M | $5.6M | $90.1M | $398K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $2.6M | $4.6M | $88.7M | $330K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $3.2M | $4.4M | $82.9M | $331K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $4.0M | $4.0M | $79.2M | $228K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $3.5M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $97.7M (revenue +46.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.4M, expenses of $4.4M, and assets of $88.6M (revenue -50.1% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $4.8M, expenses of $4.7M, and assets of $106.2M (revenue -32.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $7.0M, expenses of $3.1M, and assets of $98.3M (revenue -55.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $15.6M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $83.2M (revenue +82.8% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $8.6M, expenses of $7.5M, and assets of $81.4M (revenue -1.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $8.7M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $90.1M (revenue +229.5% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $4.6M, and assets of $88.7M (revenue -16.7% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $4.4M, and assets of $82.9M (revenue -20.3% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $4.0M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $79.2M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for United States Japan Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for United States Japan Foundation 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.