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World Affairs Council of Kentucky Southern Indiana

EIN 61-1078276 · Louisville, KY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair67 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Deliver opportunities for the community toconnect with global leaders and engage with peers on international issues. Through a uniquelineup of programs, World Affairs Council is the regional hub for international exchange,dialogue and learning.

Income
$336,859
Spending
$381,811
Spent on programs
64%
Reserves
5.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 55%
Employees
7

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: 67 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 9% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    64% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    22 of 23 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

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (4)
  1. $135,102 spent. Exchange Program-The World Affairs Council (WAC) is a communiy-based member organization for the US State Departments International Vistor Leadership Program and other federally-funded exchange programs. WAC develops professional and cultural programs for 200-300 official visitors each year that visit Kentucky/So. Indiana as guests of the US government. Citizen Diplomacy programs such as these serve a vital role not only in improving understanding of America abroad, but also in assisting leaders from around the world in developing the capacity of their nations to help their citizens improve their lives. It also provides Americans an opportunity to broaden their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and beliefs. These programs support global peace and collaboration.
  2. $11,843 spent. Public Programs - Regular speakers series directly engage the community with experts and diplomats on a variety of international issues. WAC has exclusive access to some of the most influential and experienced diplomats, policy makers and thought leaders in the U.S. and abroad. Through our signature Speaker Series and Pop-up talks, we connect the community on timely global issues that elevates their work, life and learning. Other ad hoc public programs that inform and connect the public to global issues at home.
  3. $3,483 spent. Learning Programs - Education is at the heart of WACs Mission. We help students to expand their world through the state-wide academic worldquest competition, opportunity to study/research abroad through the Hershberg Scholarship, and prepare to be Global-ready with the global citizenship program. In doing so, we provide educators and schools with the resources to prepare students to meet their cultural competency goals and to be global citizens for the international challenges of tomorrow
  4. $1,528 spent. SISTER CITIES: Louisvilles Sister Cities program connects the city with nine international partners, fostering global relationships through cultural, educational, and leadership exchanges. These partnerships aim to promote mutual understanding, economic development, and community growth, offering opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful cross-cultural experiences. Through collaboration with cities like Montpellier, France, and Quito, Ecuador, the program enhances Louisvilles global presence and creates long-lasting international friendships and networks.

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 February 1986.

    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.