Paralyzed Veterans of America
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The organizations purpose is to provide medical/vocational assistance to paraplegics, to support research for the treatment of spinal cord injuries, the development of rehabilitative methods/devices, and to educate the public in these areas and to be an advocate for the civil rights of disabled persons and for veterans benefits.
- Income
- $176,506
- Spending
- $162,525
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 25.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 96%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 20
- Highest pay
- $45,393, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 90 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 25.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 82 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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)
- $47,599 spent. SPORTS & RECREATION: This program service involves promoting and sponsoring a range of sporting activities for members and other people with disabilities in order to enhance lifetime health and fitness and also to provide these individuals opportunities to engage in various activities whereby they will be assisted in their efforts in living an independent lifestyle.
- $43,326 spent. MEMBERSHIP & BENEFITS: This program service involves various membership services such as medical and vocational assistance as well as emotional support. In addition, a newsletter is provided to inform members of activities of the organization related to programs in addition to providing information relative to medical and legislative current events.
- $29,104 spent. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: This program service involves advocating civil rights and opportunities in order to maximize the independence of members and other people with disabilities. Issues addressed include housing, voting rights, employment, transportation, social security and medicare. In addition, the organization works to prevent erosion of laws including the Americans With Disabilites Act at the federal and local level.
- $18,672 spent. VETERANS SERVICE: This program service involves specific financial assistance to veterans based on need, support for volunteer programs at various VA medical centers benefiting veterans and providing entertainment and recreational opportunities for veterans.
- VETERANS SERVICE: This program service involves specific financial 18672. 0. 0.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, 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? Worth knowing.
Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, 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 September 2025.
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 October 1955.
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.
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.