Usenix Association
Usenix Association reports recent operating deficits despite strong asset base and zero officer compensation.
EIN: 133055038 · San Francisco, CA · NTEE: Z99Z · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Usenix Association Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Usenix Association directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Usenix Association
Usenix Association (EIN: 133055038) is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, CA, classified under NTEE code Z99Z. The organization reported total revenue of $5.6M and total assets of $6.3M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Usenix Association's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Usenix Association is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 39 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 3.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $5.6M |
| Total Expenses | $6.8M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-1,130,257 |
| Total Assets | $6.6M |
| Total Liabilities | $573K |
| Net Assets | $6.1M |
| Operating Margin | -20.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 8.6% |
| Months of Reserves | 11.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Usenix Association reported a deficit of $1.1M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 11.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 8.6% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Usenix Association's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -8.3% | -5.6% | -8.3% |
| 2022 | +91.5% | +186.6% | -31.7% |
| 2021 | -24.7% | -35.5% | +12.5% |
| 2020 | -43.4% | -41.7% | +3.5% |
| 2019 | +16.2% | +8.0% | +24.8% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1987 |
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 Usenix Association 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: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Usenix Association allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 3%. With 90% 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 $1.1M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 8.6%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's officers are not compensated, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size with revenues exceeding $5 million, suggesting a volunteer-driven leadership model.
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 Usenix Association's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operating deficits in recent years (2022 and 2023), with expenses exceeding revenue by over $1 million annually.
- Significant fluctuation in revenue, from a high of $7,534,841 in 2019 to a low of $3,212,472 in 2021, indicating potential instability in funding sources.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Usenix Association:
- Reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating a highly efficient use of funds for leadership.
- Strong asset base ($6,265,302 latest, $6,638,127 in 2023) provides financial stability despite recent operating deficits.
- Consistent filing of IRS Form 990s demonstrates good transparency and compliance.
- Historically, the organization has managed its finances well, with many years showing revenue exceeding expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Usenix Association
Is Usenix Association a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Usenix Association (EIN: 133055038) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Usenix Association spend its money?
Usenix Association directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Usenix Association tax-deductible?
Usenix Association is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133055038). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Usenix Association a good charity?
Based on the available data, Usenix Association appears to be a good charity, particularly due to its reported 0% officer compensation, which suggests a strong commitment to directing resources to its mission. While recent years show operating deficits, its substantial asset base provides a buffer.
What caused the significant drop in revenue in 2021?
Revenue dropped from $4,266,555 in 2020 to $3,212,472 in 2021, a decrease of over $1 million. The filings do not provide specific reasons, but this could be due to changes in conference attendance, membership, or grant funding during that period.
How sustainable are the recent operating deficits?
The operating deficits of $1,029,257 in 2023 and $1,018,826 in 2022 are significant. While the organization has substantial assets ($6,638,127 in 2023), sustained deficits at this level will erode reserves over time and could impact long-term financial stability if not addressed.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Usenix Association showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Usenix Association's revenue has grown by 43.1%, moving from $3.9M to $5.6M. Total assets decreased by 2.5% over the same period, from $6.8M to $6.6M. Total functional expenses rose by 71.9%, from $3.9M to $6.8M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Usenix Association reported a deficit of $1.1M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $573K in liabilities against $6.6M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 8.6%), resulting in net assets of $6.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $5.6M | $6.8M | $6.6M | $573K | — | — |
| 2022 | $6.2M | $7.2M | $7.2M | $754K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $3.2M | $2.5M | $10.6M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $4.3M | $3.9M | $9.4M | $1.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $7.5M | $6.7M | $9.1M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $6.5M | $6.2M | $7.3M | $884K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $6.0M | $5.4M | $7.4M | $1.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $5.3M | $5.7M | $7.0M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $5.0M | $5.0M | $6.6M | $1.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $4.2M | $4.3M | $5.9M | $192K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $3.8M | $4.0M | $5.9M | $264K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $4.1M | $4.4M | $6.5M | $668K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $3.9M | $3.9M | $6.8M | $1.0M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $5.6M, expenses of $6.8M, and assets of $6.6M (revenue -8.3% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $6.2M, expenses of $7.2M, and assets of $7.2M (revenue +91.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $2.5M, and assets of $10.6M (revenue -24.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $9.4M (revenue -43.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $7.5M, expenses of $6.7M, and assets of $9.1M (revenue +16.2% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $6.5M, expenses of $6.2M, and assets of $7.3M (revenue +8.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $6.0M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $7.4M (revenue +12.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $5.3M, expenses of $5.7M, and assets of $7.0M (revenue +7.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $5.0M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $6.6M (revenue +19.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $4.2M, expenses of $4.3M, and assets of $5.9M (revenue +10.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $3.8M, expenses of $4.0M, and assets of $5.9M (revenue -8.5% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $4.1M, expenses of $4.4M, and assets of $6.5M (revenue +5.0% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $3.9M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $6.8M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Usenix Association:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Usenix Association 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.