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William Averette Anderson Fund

EIN 46-4682280 · Baltimore, MD

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceWeak47 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The organization's mission is to deliver robust support to graduate students in the hazards and disaster field to build a future cohort of professionals, mentors, academics, and researchers who can address inequities and make fair and swift response possible for our communities. Our aim is to prioritize the lived experiences and expertise of marginalized communities in solidarity with their pursuit of disaster risk reduction and environmental justice.

Income
$198,681
Spending
$207,903
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 67%
Employees
1
Highest pay
$61,090, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 19% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 19% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    73% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 47 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 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. $85,134 spent. Research: The Bill Anderson Fund engaged in collaborative projects with partners to provide applied research insights, experiential learning, and technical support for community-based organizations. These projects delivered mission-relevant information and resources to entities responding to extreme events, covering topics such as humanitarian assistance, public and environmental health, emergency management, climate resilience, and disaster philanthropy. Additionally, the program provided hands-on training in research application and program evaluation, enhancing skills in evidence-based practice and policy advocacy while promoting thought leadership in disaster science.
  2. $55,387 spent. Education and Outreach: The Bill Anderson Fund engaged in educational activities benefiting doctoral students, external early-career researchers, and established professionals.In partnership with the University of Washington, it implemented a yearlong public health and disaster research training initiative. Additionally, the organization collaborated with the Natural Hazards Center to produce a public-facing article series, translating research findings for practitioners in underserved communities. The organization also participated in national convenings with private sector partners, philanthropies, and government agencies to identify challenges in disaster-affected communities and highlight research-driven recommendations for humanitarian assistance.
  3. $11,735 spent. Professional Development: The Bill Anderson Fund provided doctoral student fellows with tailored professional development training, platforms for showcasing research, and networking opportunities within the broader hazards and disaster field. Internal programs cultivated a support network of peer and near-peer connections that aided educational matriculation and advanced research agendas. These programs also facilitated skill development in science communication, project management, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, the organization established individual mentoring relationships to target needs such as career planning, degree navigation, and funding strategies. Finally, the organization maintained a weekly publication connecting fellows and alumni to job opportunities, research funding, and professional training.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2014.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.