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Society of Defense Financial Management

EIN 54-1025128 · Mc Lean, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair51 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To promote thought leadership, professional development, and ethical behavior in all aspects of defense financial management.

Income
$2.2 million
Spending
$4.7 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
3 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 98%
Employees
15
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$296,391, chief executive officer

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

Fair: 51 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 21% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 115% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 69% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs.

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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $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 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 (5)
  1. $1.0 million spent. Certified Defense Financial Manager Program: The Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) is a professional certification for financial management professionals in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Administered by the Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM), the CDFM validates a candidate's broad-based understanding of core defense financial management principles, practices, and standards.The CDFM credential is recognized across military and civilian sectors as a mark of excellence and professionalism in areas such as resource management, budgeting, cost control, and fiscal law. Whether working in policy, operations, or oversight, CDFM holders help ensure mission readiness and fiscal accountability across the DoD.
  2. $900,706 spent. Education and Professional Development: SDFM offers comprehensive training programs, various education and networking events, webinars, and on demand education.Our mission is to empower financial professionals at every stage of their careers through dynamic and comprehensive learning experiences with the latest knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of defense financial management. Whether looking to deepen expertise, achieve professional certification, or stay ahead of emerging trends, our programs are designed to help thrive and succeed in today's complex and fast-paced environment.
  3. $805,507 spent. Membership Services: SDFM is a robust community of 14,000+ professionals dedicated to the defense financial management profession. We offer world-class professional development, industry-leading certification programs, peer-to-peer networking and local programming at 100+ chapters around the world as well as thought-leadership and career development opportunities.
  4. $721,726 spent. Professional Development Institute Symposium (PDI): PDI is SDFM's premier training event, uniting defense financial managers from both the public and private sectors to enhance their skills, share best practices, and address the complex challenges of today's fiscal environment. With over 120 educational education sessions, six general sessions, and a full day of service-based sessions known as Community Day, PDI fosters collaboration among participants from service headquarters, major commands, installation levels and the private sector.
  5. $164,151 spent. Armed Forces Comptroller Publication: The Armed Forces Comptroller Journal was first published in 1956 and remains SDFM's flagship publication. Articles are received from a variety of sources, including academia, government and the membership at large.

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 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 June 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 May 1980.

    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.