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American Planning Association

EIN 52-1134021 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair65 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

See Schedule O"Creating great communities for all." The American Planning Association (APA) provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.

Income
$19.9 million
Spending
$21.0 million
Spent on programs
64%
Reserves
6.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 74%
Employees
85
Volunteers
247
Highest pay
$512,805, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 47% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    64% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 40 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 16 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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 September 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 (3)
  1. $9.6 million spent. APA supports the professional development of planners and educates the public on planning topics through publications, conferences, and community initiatives. APA publishes Planning magazine, the Journal of the American Planning Association, and other periodicals; hosts the National Planning Conference and webinars; manages divisions and chapters; and provides career services, community assistance, and scholarship programs. These resources enhance the knowledge, skills, and engagement of planning professionals, students, and the broader community.
  2. $2.1 million spent. APA advances sound planning practices through applied research, advocacy, and public education. APA's Government Affairs team advocates for planning-supportive policies at all levels of government, while its communications and outreach programs educate the public and media about the importance of planning in building vibrant communities. Applied research activities, supported by grants and partnerships, translate best practices and academic findings into practical guidance for planners. APA also recognizes planning excellence through its national awards program and promotes awareness through initiatives like the Housing Initiative and Planning Research Fund.
  3. $1.6 million spent. APA promotes professional excellence in the field of planning through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification and the accreditation of planning education programs. AICP sets and maintains ethical and professional standards, oversees certification exams, and supports continuing education through the Certification Maintenance program. APA also supports the accreditation of academic planning programs and recognizes leaders in the profession through the College of Fellows.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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 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 November 6, 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 September 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 August 1983.

    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 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.