Nonprofit spending analysis for Pennsylvania: 84% goes to programs, 11% to administration, 5% to fundraising. Based on 696 organizations.
Among 9,991 nonprofits in Pennsylvania, 696 report detailed spending breakdowns. On average, 84% of expenses go directly to charitable programs, 11% to administrative costs, and 5% to fundraising activities.
Pennsylvania nonprofits demonstrate strong program efficiency, with the average organization directing 84% of spending to programs — above the widely-cited 75% benchmark used by charity watchdog organizations.
The 696 organizations collectively manage $324.0B in revenue and $557.1B in assets, making spending efficiency a critical metric for the charitable sector in Pennsylvania.
| # | Organization | Program % | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Baptist Foundation | 10% | $76.4M |
| 2 | Pine Tree Foundation | 45% | $6.5M |
| 3 | Sonshine Family Television Corp | 50% | $1.2M |
| 4 | Acorn Foundation Inc | 50% | $11.1M |
| 5 | Edward L Rose Conservancy Inc | 51% | $773K |
| 6 | Alleghenny Council To Improve Out Neighborhoods Housing Inc | 60% | $3.5M |
| 7 | Luzerne County Community College Foundation Inc | 60% | $2.6M |
| 8 | West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance | 60% | $667K |
| 9 | The Stewart Foundation | 60% | $519K |
| 10 | Food For All Inc | 60% | $815K |
| 11 | Opportunities Industrialization Center Of America Inc | 60% | $978K |
| 12 | Delco Memorial Foundation | 60% | $0 |
| 13 | Daily Exp Inc Terminl Dev Penbrook Hauling Co Inc & Seawheels Inc | 65% | $1.5M |
| 14 | Hillside Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals | 65% | $3.4M |
| 15 | Pa Lawyers Fund For Client Security | 68% | $4.2M |
| 16 | I L Cohen Foundation Inc | 70% | $5.8M |
| 17 | Envisage Life | 70% | $6.0M |
| 18 | Medical Associates Of Erie | 70% | $9.9M |
| 19 | Insurance Information Institute Inc | 70% | $5.9M |
| 20 | Childrens Museum Of The Arts Inc | 70% | $1.0M |
On average, Pennsylvania nonprofits spend 84% on programs, 11% on administration, and 5% on fundraising. This is based on IRS 990 data from 696 organizations.
Most charity evaluators consider 75% or higher to be a strong program expense ratio. In Pennsylvania, the average is 84%.
The table above ranks Pennsylvania nonprofits by program spending percentage. You can also use our Rankings page to find the most efficient organizations nationally or by state.