The Workmens Circle Arbeter Ring Incorporated
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 53 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Workers Circle, formerly known as The Workmen's Circle, is a 501(c)(3) organization that continues to serve as a dynamic force in Jewish identify formation for secular and progressive Jews. The organization officially adopted the name The Workers Circle in 2019, reflecting its ongoing mission and vision as a welcoming and inclusive home for Jewish cultural engagement. Rooted in a strong tradition of activism and community, The Workers Circle brings together a multigenerational community united by a shared commitment to celebrating Jewish heritage and advancing progressive values. Our members, friends, and allies connect through Jewish culture, history and traditions, while working collectively to protect democracy and ensure that all voices are heard. Our model for growth responds to the ongoing demand among American Jews for new connections to Jewish identity and culture. It is rooted in the fundamental belief that if given the opportunity, modern American Jews can find in Jewish
- Income
- $3.8 million
- Spending
- $4.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 56%
- Reserves
- 4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- investment income, 63%
- Employees
- 47
- Volunteers
- 14
- Highest pay
- $271,833, ceo/executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 16% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 11% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1556% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 53 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2514 of 14 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 December 31, 2024, 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 (4)
- $835,845 spent. The New York Workers Circle School is a secular, progressive Jewish Sunday school and community that invites families to build a contemporary Jewish identity rooted in an exploration of cultural heritage and a search for justice in the NYC area. Led by dynamic educators who are also acclaimed artists, musicians, Yiddishists and activists, our learning program digs deep into cultural roots, values children as change makers and cultural creators, and centers voices often marginalized in Jewish life. We are a welcoming community of multifaith, multiracial families with diverse gender identities, family structures, and Jewish journeys. The program includes classes for children ages 3 months - 13 years, Yiddish language, Jewish cultural traditions from around the globe, holiday celebrations, B'nei Mitsve preparation, and teen community service and activism opportunities. The College Network promotes activism, Yiddish culture, and community. It is a national network of students, recent graduates, and young adults connected for social justice and inspired by Yiddish culture. The College Network gathers regularly, virtually and in person for action, community building, and two annual immersions: Trip to Yiddishland and a Young Adult Summit in Selma, Alabama, which includes community building and organizing training.
- $532,421 spent. The Workers Circle experienced significant growth and renewal across its programs, advocacy, and community engagement. Educational offerings expanded through new and diverse classes in Yiddish language, Jewish cultural history, and social justice. The Workers Circle activist community reached over 1.6 million voters in states that had enacted new voter suppression laws, many targeting voters of color. Our outreach took the form of phone banking, texting, handwritten postcards, and door knocking. Our Demand Democracy/Fight Fascism Campaign connected with thousands of new activists, and we created powerful partnerships with Black-led organizations, including the Center for Common Ground, Black Voters Matter, and more. The Workers Circle Democracy Circles emerged as vibrant hubs of grassroots organizing and activism since their launch in 2023. Our network expanded to over 80 circles nationwide, connecting over 350 participants in a grassroots movement that powers our activism. The Workers Circle continues to be the world's leading center for Yiddish language instruction and the largest provider of Yiddish language classes in the U.S. We've offered 160 classes through our world-renowned program, engaging nearly 2,000 students with 50 instructors worldwide.. Our daylong Winter in Yiddishland virtual program drew over 500 students.
- $702,619 spent. SOCIAL JUSTICE: SEE MISSION STATEMENT AT PART III, LINE 1
- $366,966 spent. members services
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 December 2024.
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 June 1965.
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.