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United States Association for Unhcr

EIN 52-1662800 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak43 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

USA for UNHCR protects and supports refugees by mobilizing resources, elevating awareness, and driving action through a network of engaged supporters.

Income
$88.0 million
Spending
$85.5 million
Spent on programs
63%
Reserves
2.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 99%
Employees
101
Volunteers
15
Highest pay
$510,537, executive director & ceo

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

Weak: 43 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (international, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 50% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 40% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    63% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 30 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 35% of charities in its peer group (international, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 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. $37.5 million spent. Refugee Resettlement Programs:USA for UNHCR (U4U) raises funds and mobilizes resources to support Refugee Resettlement Programs. These programs are designed to provide a robust support network for refugees during their transition into new communities. They facilitate various aspects of the resettlement process, including initial placement, housing support, and comprehensive orientation about life in their new location.These programs also emphasize self-sufficiency by providing refugees with necessary tools and resources, such as language classes, job training, education support, and access to health services. U4U strives to empower refugees, helping them become active, contributing members of their communities.Furthermore, U4U works closely with local communities to foster positive relationships and mutual understanding between refugees and their new neighbors. The overarching goal is to create a welcoming environment where refugees can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
  2. $12.2 million spent. Gift-in-Kind Programs and Services:U4U's Gift-in-Kind Programs provide a platform for individuals, corporations, and other organizations to make non-monetary donations to support refugees. These gifts can include items such as clothes and household items, transportation services, and software licenses.U4U works diligently with donors to ensure their gifts align with the current needs of the refugee community. Upon receipt of donations, items are carefully sorted, organized, and distributed to refugees in need. This program not only delivers crucial support to refugees but also strengthens ties within the community, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
  3. $4.0 million spent. Refugee Awareness Activities:Refugee Awareness Activities aim to cultivate empathy, understanding, and support for refugees within the broader community. These activities encompass a range of public engagement initiatives, such as informative seminars, panel discussions, educational workshops, and cultural exchange events.By sharing refugee stories and experiences, U4U strives to dispel common misconceptions and promote a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the challenges refugees face. U4U encourages community members to participate in volunteering opportunities, advocacy campaigns, and other initiatives that directly support refugees.

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 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 January 1991.

    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.