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National Council of Nonprofits

EIN 52-1689643 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To advance the vital role, capacity, and voice of charitable nonprofit organizations through our state and national networks.

Income
$2.4 million
Spending
$4.0 million
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
14 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 69%
Employees
11
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$328,212, president & ceo (jan-jul)

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

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 13% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 65% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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 65% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 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 (4)
  1. $1.5 million spent. Network Support and Capacity Building: As North America's largest nonprofit network, NCN unites nonprofit organizations of all subsectors through its network of 55 state or regional serving associations of nonprofits. This robust network provides a fertile forum for identifying shared challenges, exchanging successful strategies, and amplifying nonprofit voices, enabling us to collectively respond swiftly to operational and policy opportunities and threats. In 2024, we invested more than $1.5 million in capacity-building and organizational strengthening program awards to our state association members. We also hosted peer learning cohorts for our network members to exchange knowledge and collaborate. By strengthening our network, we bolster the capacity of nonprofits nationwide to foster resilient, thriving communities.
  2. $792,816 spent. Public Policy and Advocacy: NCN champions the public good by advocating for beneficial public policies at all levels and branches of government. We consistently deliver the policy analyses and effective strategies that nonprofits and policymakers rely on. NCN also builds the capacity of nonprofits to advocate for their missions so they can improve lives and communities. Our 2024 advocacy efforts led to landmark reforms that made federal grantmaking more accessible and streamlined, including raising the minimum indirect cost rate. We equipped nonprofits to increase voter education and turnout by promoting nonpartisan community engagement. We also submitted numerous comments and sign-on letters to Congress and tracked more than 270 bills impacting nonprofits in all 50 states.
  3. $309,753 spent. Effective Communications: NCN is the trusted go-to resource for and about the nonprofit sector. We provide timely, practical information that nonprofits and foundations depend on and use in their everyday operations. Our publications illuminate the challenges nonprofits face and why healthy communities depend upon a flourishing nonprofit sector. In 2024, we were quoted, interviewed, or cited by the media 151 times. Empowering nonprofits with practical tools, NCN's free online Resource Library comprises over 1,000 pages of resources, achieving more than 5 million pageviews in 2024. Beyond the library, our free newsletters, videos, and social media channels provide vital information on pressing issues, such as navigating expiring pandemic relief and facilitating nonpartisan voter outreach.
  4. $22,319 spent. The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) exercises the First Amendment and statutory rights enjoyed by charitable nonprofits to petition governments by engaging in direct and grassroots lobbying to promote legislation that supports the work of the nonprofit community and oppose proposals that would hinder the ability of nonprofits to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.NCN has elected to apply the cost-expenditure standards available under section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code because that section provides charitable nonprofit organizations with clear and objective guidelines for ensuring full compliance with the law and their rights and obligations to pursue their missions through advocacy. NCN and its staff comply in all respects with federal lobbying disclosure laws.

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 July 1990.

    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.