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Advancing States Inc

EIN 39-6095459 · Arlington, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair60 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

ADvancing States is a national association representing the 56 state and territorial agencies on aging and disability services. The organization is dedicated to supporting state agencies in developing, implementing, and improving programs that serve older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. ADvancing States is funded through membership dues, grants and subcontracts with the federal government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, revenue from national meetings, and enhanced technical assistance projects funded by state agencies and foundations. Our work helps states advance community integration, health and wellness, consumer access, the paid and unpaid workforce, organizational effectiveness, participant health and welfare, quality outcomes, and service access. The organization's operations are structured into four primary categories: Long-Term Services

Income
$12.3 million
Spending
$10.5 million
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
2.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 89%
Employees
33
Volunteers
9
Highest pay
$454,446, 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: 60 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 72% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 38% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 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

    10 of 10

    Gave 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 (4)
  1. $3.8 million spent. Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS):ADvancing States works to enhance and expand access to high-quality long-term services and supports for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The organization provides expertise, research, and policy analysis to assist states in designing and improving LTSS programs. This includes promoting innovative service models, supporting workforce development, and advocating for policies that strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS).Our work in LTSS is organized into three focus areas to support states:1. Aging and Disabilities - Strengthening state aging and disability programs to improve services and access for older adults and individuals with disabilities.2. Caregiving - Supporting state initiatives to enhance policies and programs for family and professional caregivers.3. LTSS Medicaid - Assisting states in designing, implementing, and improving Medicaid-funded LTSS programs, including HCBS waivers and managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS).In addition to general membership support, ADvancing States offers several specialized membership programs and initiatives that states can choose to participate in for an additional fee including:- National Core Indicators for Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD) - A quality-of-life survey that helps states measure and improve outcomes for individuals receiving LTSS. This program is a partnership with the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI).- State of the Workforce-Aging and Disabilities -- A resource designed to assist states in analyzing and strengthening the direct care workforce. The tool collects data on information on wages, benefits, retention, and turnover of the direct care workforce. This survey is also conducted in partnership with HSRI.- Direct Care Careers - A workforce management solution that supports states in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain direct care workers, helping to address workforce shortages and improve service delivery. This initiative is a partnership with Altarum.- Next Gen HCBS Program - A leadership development initiative designed to train emerging state leaders in HCBS policy and program administration. This program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to become the next generation of state aging and disability leaders.- Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Institute - A collaborative initiative that brings together state policymakers and managed care organizations to develop and improve systems of care that support individuals using MLTSS. The Institute provides a platform for dialogue, research, and innovation to help states design and implement effective MLTSS programs.Additionally, ADvancing States receives foundation support from Arnold Ventures and The John A. Hartford Foundation to advance our work in supporting states in duals integration and family caregiving initiatives.
  2. $2.3 million spent. ADvancing States hosts two major meetings annually to convene state agencies, federal partners, and key stakeholders:1. Spring Members-Only Meeting - An exclusive gathering for state aging and disability directors and their staff, providing a private forum to discuss emerging policy issues, share challenges, and exchange best practices.2. National Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference - Held each August, the HCBS Conference is the premier national event for professionals working in aging, disability, and HCBS policy. This event brings together state and federal policymakers, service providers, managed care organizations, and researchers to discuss policy developments, innovative practices, and key challenges in LTSS. The conference features plenary sessions with federal officials, workshops on emerging trends, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning to advance HCBS programs nationwide.
  3. $1.5 million spent. ADvancing States provides expert technical assistance and training to states under contracts, supporting them in designing, implementing, and improving key programs. This enhanced technical assistance helps states:- Design new initiatives in LTSS to expand access and improve service delivery.- Update and strengthen adult protective services (APS) programs to enhance investigations, interventions, and data collection efforts.- Ensure compliance with Older Americans Act (OAA) regulations, assisting states in meeting federal requirements and improving program administration.- Develop new Medicaid waivers to expand HCBS and integrate services for targeted populations.- Improving state efforts to support individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare by assisting in the development of integrated care programs that enhance coordination and improve health outcomes.
  4. $1.4 million spent. Through various resource centers, ADvancing States provides technical assistance, research, and guidance to states and stakeholders on critical policy and programmatic issues. These centers offer tools, publications, and data analysis to support decision-making and improve service delivery. They also facilitate peer learning opportunities and highlight emerging trends in aging and disability services.ADvancing States is the recipient of the Information and Referral (I&R) Resource Center, which provides training, technical assistance, and support to aging and disability information and referral agencies at the state and local levels nationwide. The I&R Resource Center helps agencies strengthen their capacity to provide accurate and timely information to individuals seeking long-term services and supports.In addition to operating the I&R Resource Center, ADvancing States partners with several national and local organizations to support additional technical assistance or resource centers. These partnerships include collaborations with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), USAging, Consumer Voice, New Editions, National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging. The resource centers supported through these partnerships focus on key areas such as:- The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care settings.- The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which provides free, unbiased counseling and assistance for Medicare beneficiaries.- Addressing Elder Mistreatment- The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program, which helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries access benefits and services.- The HCBS Technical Assistance Center on Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR), which supports state efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities receive appropriate services in the least restrictive setting.- Supporting Family Caregivers, providing resources, education, and assistance to states working to enhance caregiver support programs.- Supporting Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in their efforts to expand business opportunities and contracts between AAAs and health systems.

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 1966.

    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.