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General Federation of Womens Clubs

EIN 53-0196514 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

General Federation of Women's Clubs GFWC is dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

Income
$3.1 million
Spending
$2.5 million
Spent on programs
68%
Reserves
19 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 54%
Employees
11
Volunteers
226
Highest pay
$133,905, executive dir.

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

Financial health

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 19.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 16% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 18% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 21% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    68% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 27 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    146 of 148 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 June 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 (14)
  1. $575,979 spent. Annual Convention - Since 1890, each year GFWC holds a convention, traditionally in June, bringing the convention to various communities across the country. This gives GFWC Clubwomen from varied geographical areas the opportunity to participate in the organization's national and international efforts. The GFWC Annual Convention plays an integral part in the organization's efforts to better serve its members by providing the invaluable opportunity to make and foster lifelong friendships, experience, grow and learn from professional speakers and workshop programs, club awards and other relevant activities to keep members informed and enthusiastic.
  2. $236,369 spent. Membership Services - GFWC's overarching goals are to inform, empower, and highlight the grassroots activites of its membership on a national level. Program resources, guidelines, and materials are provided to State Federations to use for their membership. GFWC works to provide the most relevant information to all members in a timely manner. We work with members and leaders at all levels to make meaningful connections and to provide support for the many projects members undertake across the country. We work collaboratively with the communications and public relations volunteers to promote the excellent work and success stories of GFWC Clubs and Clubwomen.
  3. $193,018 spent. Board of Directors Meetings
  4. $151,257 spent. External Affairs - GFWC supports its effort to improve the lives of others through volunteer service by partnering with organizations to promote the wellbeing of women, children, and families. Through direct service and advocacy efforts, GFWC works in areas of food insecurity, vaccination programs, domestic and sexual violence awareness and prevention, and advocacy for children.
  5. $127,125 spent. Women's History and Resource Center collects, preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of the GFWC and women volunteers. The WHRC documents the social and political contributions of clubwomen from 1890 to the present through the GFWC archives, related special collections, and publications. We also maintain a reference library collection focused on women's history, the women's club movement, and the history of volunteerism.
  6. $116,859 spent. Executive Committee Meetings
  7. $81,651 spent. Clubwoman Magazine
  8. $80,206 spent. Marketplace
  9. $49,943 spent. Headquarter Events
  10. $45,310 spent. Signature Programs and other special programs
  11. $33,101 spent. Contests and Awards
  12. $18,366 spent. Regional Meetings
  13. $5,870 spent. International President
  14. $3,532 spent. Committee Meetings

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 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 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 June 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 November 1985.

    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.