Wgbh Educational Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
WGBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.
- Income
- $215.6 million
- Spending
- $237.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 83%
- Reserves
- 17.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 52%
- Employees
- 1,316
- Volunteers
- 1,500
- Highest pay
- $719,974, president & ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 74 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, over $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 17.3 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 36% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 10% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 4% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1583% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 22 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 33% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, over $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2530 of 31 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $197.1 million spent. The WGBH Educational Foundation, based in Boston, is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. With its wide range of programs, events and services it is one of the nation's preeminent public media institutions.As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture and journalism. It is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, ARTHUR and MOLLY OF DENALI, as well as WORLD Channel and a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Bostons Local NPR; CRB Classical 99.5; and CAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station. Dedicated to making media accessible to and inclusive of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide with PBS LearningMedia and has been recognized with hundreds of the nations premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards.From its roots as a local public radio and TV station, GBH has continually enhanced its service to its community and the nation. It is deepening its commitment to delivering programs that foster opportunity and equityensuring that its content and workplace are inclusive and representative, broadening the reach of its news operations, and reaching audiences where they are. GBH shares stories across platforms on its website, social media and email newsletters. Through apps and podcasts and through virtual or in-person events GBH offers news panels, music events and educational activities.Our mission remains our North Star: "GBH enriches peoples lives through programs and services that educate, inspire and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives."That mission continually drives us to develop robust programs and resources for the public.Were supporting vulnerable learners through K-12 initiatives that inspire curiosity and creative thinking. We're a trusted news organization that is driven by facts rather than factions. We're promoting science literacy so that people can make informed decisions about our changing world. We're championing the arts and giving the public access to both the greatest performers and emerging talent. And we're constantly innovating to ensure that our services are available and relevant to all.Serving the public interest drives everything that we do, and every commitment that we make is to promote knowledge so that everyone can appreciate and engage with the world around them.GBH makes a commitment to:* Foster an informed and active citizenry* Make knowledge and the creative life of the arts, sciences, and humanities available to the widest possible public* Reflect the diversity of our audience, inviting a sense of inclusion and a better understanding of each other* Improve, for all people, access to public media* Be a trusted partner to parents and educators, providing programs and services that promote the healthy development of children* Serve the individual not just as a spectator but as a participant, able and willing to learn new skills through our programs and servicesThe year 2025 was unprecedented. We grappled with the end of federal funding, changes to the economics of the media business, and startling challenges within the political landscape. But one thing remained constant: GBHs mandate and mission are as clear as ever. For three quarters of a century, weve told stories that matter. We are the most trusted media outlet in our region. And were not stopping. We are in forward motion. We will continue reporting and delivering the fact-based journalism that people rely on; presenting stories of regional, national, and global importance; and illuminating communities and narratives historically excluded. Well share dramas and arts and cultural programs that deepen our sense of empathy, science stories that widen our understanding of the world, history content that informs our nations future, and vital educational programming for children and their families. In order to thrive in this next era, GBH is pushing forward and branching out, pursuing a digital-first approach without losing sight of the programming and traditions that have been our hallmark for generations.For nearly 75 years, GBH has provided revelatory journalism and storytelling, powerful filmmaking, educational programming, and so much more. In 2025, we continued our growth from a 20th century broadcaster to a 21st century digital media powerhouse, and we called upon our generous supporters like you to join us. Together, we are moving forward.The year 2025 brought many steps in this transformational journey. Our YouTube and social channels reached one billion views. We leaned into local storytelling and community engagement from GBH News, Stories from the Stage, GBH Amplifies, Local Lens, and Outspoken Saturdays; digital-first programs such as GBH News Rooted and The Curiosity Desk; and expanded events at the GBH Boston Public Library Studio. GBH doubled down on our commitment to meeting the needs of our community. In a collaboration with Ken Burns for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we showed how essential public media is to our national identity and memory. With AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, we presented the untold stories that shape our nation, while FRONTLINE brought audiences a deeper understanding of the most pressing issues around the globe. NOVAs trusted science journalism continued to showcase new discoveries about our planet, our health, and our world. And MASTERPIECE gave
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 1956.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.