Defined Contribution Alternatives Association
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
To enhance and secure participant outcomes through education, research and advocacy on the benefits of including different types of alternative investments within a defined contribution plan framework.
- Income
- $748,481
- Spending
- $662,882
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 10
- Highest pay
- $350,150, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- Education - Held four board meetings and an annual strategy session to focus on general session content, principles for the industry and white paper topics for educational purposes. Held 3 in-person general sessions for membership to cover industry trends for alts in DC plans, operational/technological advancements, the merits of different types of non-traditional investments and how they may benefit DC retirement plan savers and we initiated our industry-changing Principles Initiative. Conducted a UK/US Webinar to compare and contrast policy perspectives and the pace of Alts in DC plans.
- Research - Released 3 key papers through our Alts Implememtation & Operation Committee to educate the industry and stakeholders representing different roles and responsibilities in the retirement ecosystem: Unlocking the Potential of Private Investments in Defined Contribution Plans, Principles for DC Stakeholders on the Consideration and Use of Private Market Investments, and Private Credit in CC Plans - Enhancing Retirement Outcomes Through Diversification and Yield.
- Advocacy & Lobbying - Regularly communicated updates on our legislative and regulatory efforts to membership during general session meetings and quarterly Public Policy Committee meetings. Established a separate and formal lobbying initiative on July 2, 2025. The initiative is funded separately by those members interested in pursuing legislative advocacy efforts related to facilitating the inclusion of alternative asset classes into multi-asset class options (i.e., target-date funds and managed accounts) as designated investment alternatives for 401(k) plans.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2018 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2018.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 4, 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.