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Schools Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition

EIN 46-0974412 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair65 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that seeks to address the "digital divide" by advocating for government policies that allow schools, libraries, health providers, and other anchor institutions to obtain open, affordable, high-quality broadband services in partnership with commercial and non-commercial broadband providers to serve their surrounding communities.

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.3 million
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
3.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 86%
Employees
6
Volunteers
17
Highest pay
$254,278, 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: 65 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 39% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 7% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 40 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 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 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 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 (3)
  1. $458,368 spent. Events - Our 12th Annual Conference attracted attendees from across the country including anchor institutions and all levels of government. We had one speaker from the White House, a panel and reception honoring women in telecommunications, and several additional speakers from NTIA, FCC, USAC, and state broadband offices. The conference hosted 400 attendees, 22 breakout sessions, 4 workshops and 2 showcases. Keynotes included Cindy Hohl, President of the American Library Association; FCC Commissioner and Former Commissioner Anna Gomez and Mignon Clyburn; and Joey Wender, Director, Capital Projects Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury. We also held two successful receptions for State Broadband Leaders in February (in Philadelphia) and in September (in Portland). These two events were coordinated in advance with NTIA and also helped SHLB develop relationships with state broadband officials responsible for allocating BEAD funding.
  2. $293,790 spent. Membership - The SHLB Coalition works with a diverse group of organizations from across the broadband ecosystem. SHLB members work together to identify and shape broadband policies that recognize and strengthen the vital role of anchors in making broadband accessible to all Americans. In 2024, SHLB totaled 320+ members and reflected a diversity of anchor institutions, broadband providers, consultants, and other public interest organizations. The Coalition is based in almost all US states, except Mississippi and North Dakota.
  3. $241,261 spent. Policy & Advocacy - In 2024, SHLB played a leading role in shaping broadband policy and defending anchor institutions' access to critical connectivity programs. The coalition led the charge to expand the E-Rate program to support Wi-Fi hotspots and address the Homework Gap, while also advocating for a cybersecurity pilot program to protect school and library networks. SHLB filed legal briefs defending E-Rate in key court cases and urged the FCC to improve broadband access in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and embrace dark fiber solutions. Additionally, SHLB worked to advance spectrum sharing policies and opposed commercial proposals that would limit public-interest access to the CBRS band. Through regulatory filings, coalition-building, and legal advocacy, SHLB ensured that schools, libraries, and health providers remained at the center of national broadband discussions.

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

  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 June 2014.

    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.