Nonprofit spending analysis for Wisconsin: 85% goes to programs, 11% to administration, 4% to fundraising. Based on 447 organizations.
Among 9,995 nonprofits in Wisconsin, 447 report detailed spending breakdowns. On average, 85% of expenses go directly to charitable programs, 11% to administrative costs, and 4% to fundraising activities.
Wisconsin nonprofits demonstrate strong program efficiency, with the average organization directing 85% of spending to programs — above the widely-cited 75% benchmark used by charity watchdog organizations.
The 447 organizations collectively manage $88.5B in revenue and $137.7B in assets, making spending efficiency a critical metric for the charitable sector in Wisconsin.
| # | Organization | Program % | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpha A@Wetenkamp Charitable Trust | 5% | $4.4M |
| 2 | North American Friends Of Oranim Inc | 50% | $112K |
| 3 | Institute For Global Ethics | 60% | $632K |
| 4 | International Association Of Sheet Metal Air Rail & Transportation | 70% | $257K |
| 5 | Marathon County Deputy Sheriffs Benevolent Association Inc | 70% | $110K |
| 6 | American Federation Of Government Employees | 70% | $103K |
| 7 | Fairway Foundation Inc | 70% | $1.2M |
| 8 | Radio Milwaukee Inc | 70% | $5.1M |
| 9 | International Hyperbarics Association Inc | 70% | $686K |
| 10 | Merrill Area Chamber Of Commerce Foundation Inc | 70% | $132K |
| 11 | Spencer Youth Recreations Inc | 70% | $91K |
| 12 | Aaem Foundation Inc | 70% | $800K |
| 13 | Mother Kathryn Daniels Conference Center Inc | 70% | $570K |
| 14 | Professional Outdoor Media Association Inc | 70% | $141K |
| 15 | Wisconsin Center For Nursing Inc | 70% | $248K |
| 16 | Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation | 70% | $173K |
| 17 | Holie Vii Inc | 70% | $306K |
| 18 | Impact Seven Incorporated | 70% | $194K |
| 19 | Eternal Vision Inc | 70% | $524K |
| 20 | Thmc Corporation | 70% | $105K |
On average, Wisconsin nonprofits spend 85% on programs, 11% on administration, and 4% on fundraising. This is based on IRS 990 data from 447 organizations.
Most charity evaluators consider 75% or higher to be a strong program expense ratio. In Wisconsin, the average is 85%.
The table above ranks Wisconsin nonprofits by program spending percentage. You can also use our Rankings page to find the most efficient organizations nationally or by state.