World Golf Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO UNITE THE GOLF INDUSTRY AROUND INITIATIVES THAT PROMOTE, ENHANCE THE GROWTH OF AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE GAME WORLDWIDE, WHILE PRESERVING GOLF'S TRADITIONAL VALUES AND PASSING THEM ON TO OTHERS. IT ACCOMPLISHES ITS MISSION THROUGH: 1. AMERICAN GOLF INDUSTRY COALITION UNITES AND ACTIVATES THE GOLF INDUSTRY AROUND KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES THAT INCREASE PARTICIPATION AND RETENTION OF PARTICIPANTS, INSPIRE INVOLVEMENT AND INTEREST IN THE GAME, AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE BEST PRACTICES FOR GOLF FACILITIES. FURTHER, THE COALITION RENDERS SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE BY MEANS OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND GRANTS TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS ESTABLISHED TO DIVERSIFY THE SPORT OF GOLF AND SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES. 2. WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME CELEBRATES GOLF AND PRESERVES THE LEGACIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE MADE IT GREAT.
- Income
- $-3.3 million
- Spending
- $6.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 83%
- Reserves
- 8.9 months of spending
- Employees
- 21
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $398,202, president/ceo
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: 74 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 130% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1583% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 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: 92 out of 100. Higher than 95% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 4 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (2)
- $3.7 million spent. World Golf Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"), which is supported by major international golf organizations and professional tours, oversaw the World Golf Hall of Fame & MUSEUM (4a) and continues to oversee the American Golf Industry Coalition (4b) and other nonprofit components. The Foundation works to promote growth of the game of golf among adults, youth, and minorities as well as in the golf industry. The World Golf Hall of Fame & MUSEUM provided visitors an opportunity to learn about the rich history, values, and deeply rooted traditions of the game through interactive exhibits, unique storytelling and a compelling guest experience. It also conducted a biennial induction ceremony to enshrine the game's greatest players and contributors. Enshrinement can include both male and female professional players, accomplished amateurs, and individuals who have made substantial contributions to the game outside of the competitive arena. The Hall of Fame & Museum closed its physical presence in St. Augustine, Florida, to the public as of September 2023. The Foundation deaccessioned Hall of Fame artifacts following the closure of the Hall of Fame & Museum. A portion of the deaccessioned artifacts were transferred to the USGA Foundation in 2024 to promote continued public access.
- $1.9 million spent. The American Golf Industry Coalition's mission is to unite and activate the golf industry around key strategic initiatives that increase participation and retention of participants, inspire involvement and interest in the game, and promote the sustainable best practices for golf facilities. One of American Golf Industry Coalition's major initiatives has been a comprehensive analysis of golf's significant contributions to the U.S. economy. American Golf Industry Coalition, working in conjunction with research partners, has provided detailed snapshots of golf's role in underpinning a healthy economy at both the state and national levels. The most recent report, the 2022 Golf Economy Report, measured golf's direct economic contributions in the U.S. at $101.7 billion, and found that the industry has impacted 1.65 million jobs with total wage income of $80.1 billion. Efforts are also ongoing to quantify golf's impact at the state level. American Golf Industry Coalition also serves to unite and strengthen inclusion practices across golf participation, workforce and procurement. Under the brand 'Make Golf Your Thing,' programs include grants to grassroot organizations, activations at historically black colleges and universities, and marketing to build awareness for industry jobs, all of which ensure the future of golf is open to everyone. This multi-faceted, multi-year campaign will work to invite more people to the sport from all backgrounds to enjoy the game of a lifetime - their way.
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
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.
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 October 13, 2026.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
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 April 1991.
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 October 21, 2026.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: New World Foundation (New York, NY), EIN 13-1919791. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.