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American Academy of Religion Inc

EIN 20-5478525 · Atlanta, GA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair59 out of 100GovernanceGood75 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Raising each dollar of donations cost 288 cents.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

TO FOSTER EXCELLENCE IN THE ACADEMIC STUDY OF RELIGION AND ENHANCE THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGION

Income
$3.3 million
Spending
$4.0 million
Spent on programs
62%
Reserves
11.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 68%
Employees
17
Volunteers
300
Highest pay
$212,878, executive director

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

Fair: 59 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 21% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 21% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 68% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    62% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 288 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

Good: 75 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $979,108 spent. ANNUAL MEETING The American Academy of Religion Meeting was held concurrently with the Society of Biblical Literature in San Diego, CA in November 2024. It was attended by 7,769 professors and graduate students of religious studies, biblical studies, and theology. The meeting featured more than 500 scholarly paper and panel sessions, along with a variety of workshops and 120 meetings hosted by related scholarly organizations. In addition, AAR held an online Annual Meeting in June 2025, which was attended by 333 members and featured approximately 60 scholarly paper and panel sessions.
  2. $856,720 spent. SCHOLARLY ENGAGEMENT: The American Academy of Religion (AAR) administers a broad range of activities and initiatives in partnership with a robust representation of our members. This includes the work of more than 15 committees focused on serving the needs of AAR constituents, supporting public programming, and advancing the academic study of religion. In addition, AAR offers professional development opportunities for members through workshops on employment, teaching, leadership, technology, career development, and publishing. Senior members also serve as mentors to those in earlier stages of their academic and professional careers. AAR's Employment Services include an online job board and resources with data on employment trends in the field.
  3. $611,943 spent. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: The American Academy of Religion (AAR) offers a wide range of services to its members. These include publications such as a quarterly scholarly journal, a monthly newsletter, an online newspaper, a book review website, and a book series. Members also receive discounts on various academic journals and books. In addition to the Annual Meeting, AAR supports 9 regional groups across the country that host annual gatherings featuring workshops and professional development opportunities. The member directory further enables members to stay connected with colleagues throughout the year.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2007.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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.