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Association of Architecture Organizations Inc

EIN 45-2174550 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood79 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) is a member-based service organization that connects not-for-profit architectural organizations and cultural institutions around the world dedicated to enhancing public dialogue about architecture and the built environment. Its programs serve over 110 members across 42 U.S. cities and 7 countries, including Canada, Czechia, Denmark, France, India, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Through online resources and discussion groups, as well as conferences and other learning events, AAO seeks to increase the management efficiency of its member organizations; cultivate a shared sense of purpose among its members; and promote greater public understanding and appreciation for architecture and design.

Income
$45,698
Spending
$59,204
Reserves
26.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 88%
Highest pay
$31,565, board member

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 26.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 30% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 (2)
  1. $11,909 spent. The Association of Architecture Organizations' signature event is its annual Conference, offering participants either an in-person or online suite of lectures, presentations, and skill-building opportunities relevant to spurring public dialogue on architecture and design. In 2024, AAO conducted one free, half-day virtual workshop.
  2. $22,741 spent. The Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) provides a complement of Member Services year-round. Major activities include the management of AAO Network Groups, distinct knowledge communities comprised of AAO members who convene to share management insights in specific program areas (e.g., architectural tours, exhibitions, K-12 outreach). There were 5 AAO Network meetings in 2024, attracting 125 participants.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 December 2024.

    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 2011.

    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.