Telecommunications Development Fund
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 (THE ACT), ENACTED ON FEBRUARY 8, 1996, CREATED A BODY CORPORATE TO BE KNOWN AS THE TELECOMMUNCATIONS DEVELOPMENT FUND, TDF. THE CONFERENCE REPORT WHICH ACCOMPANIED THE ACT PROVIDED THAT TDF WILL BE ADMINISTERED AS A NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION. ON MARCH 30, 1998, TDF WAS INCORPORATED IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AS A CIVIC ORGANIZATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 501 (C)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED. THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS: (A) TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN ORDER TO ENHANCE COMPETITION IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY; (B) TO STIMULATE NEW TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, AND TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING; (C) TO SUPPORT UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND PROMOTE DELIVERY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED RURAL AND URBAN AREAS; AND (D) TO RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS TO THE FUND AND TO REINVEST ANY REPAYMENT OF, OR OTHER PAYMENT WITH RESPECT TO, LOAN, EQUITY, OR OTHER EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT MADE FRO
- Income
- $-3.2 million
- Spending
- $1.9 million
- Employees
- 0
- Highest pay
- $55,000, director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 (1)
- See attachment 1
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1998.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.