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National School Public Relations Association

EIN 52-6060603 · Derwood, MD

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair59 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

NSPRA advances public education by building understanding and empowering professionals to communicate strategically, earn trust and cultivate relationships.

Income
$3.2 million
Spending
$3.4 million
Spent on programs
70%
Reserves
5.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 87%
Employees
14
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$247,056, executive director

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

Financial health

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 34% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 0% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    70% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 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 August 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 (4)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Conferences: Each July, NSPRA brings together communication professionals and education leaders for the largest school communications-focused professional development event: the NSPRA National Seminar. It features networking events, keynoters, and more than 150 breakout sessions on industry topics. Targeted learning tailored to individuals interests and experience levels is also available throughout the year via live, online NSPRA Academy programs. Registration is open for a fee to members and non-members.
  2. $628,798 spent. Membership Services: NSPRA members Connect and Grow through the NSPRA Connect online community, APR Learning Cohort, monthly virtual networking meetings (K12PRChat, Member Mondays), and national leadership and service opportunities; Expand and Elevate through member e-newsletters and alerts, live monthly webinars (Leaders Learn, PR Power Hour, Mini Labs), and on-demand webinars on NSPRA Plus (MicroLabs, live webinar recordings); and Share and Learn via their access to best practice tips, tools, samples and research at www.nspra.org.
  3. $528,223 spent. NSPRA Affairs: Supports the governance function of NSPRA provided by the executive board, committees and other advisory groups. This also supports the work of NSPRA to strengthen its leadership in school communication through strategic partnerships with national education organizations, expanding resources and professional learning opportunities for members
  4. $133,727 spent. National Awards Programs: Each year, NSPRA honors those whose professional practice and leadership have had a positive, lasting impact on schools and the school PR community through Individual Recognition Awards. NSPRA also honors excellent work through the National School Communication Awards contests: Gold Medallion Awards, Golden Achievement Awards, Publications and Digital Media Awards. With the Mark of Distinction, NSPRA recognizes exemplary chapters (affiliates) for outstanding efforts to support the professional development of their members and NSPRA.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 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 August 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 February 1998.

    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.