Center for Self-Determination Theory
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The organization is engaged in fundraising and outreach to raise awareness and advance Self-Determination Theory, a broad framework for the scientific study of human motivation, personality, and well-being.
- Income
- $137,730
- Spending
- $123,600
- Reserves
- 1.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 66%
- Highest pay
- $81,370, treasurer
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (mental health, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.6 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 29% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 (2)
- In 2024, the Center for Self-Determination Theory maintained and expanded its research website, reaching over 1 million unique users. We posted and promoted more than 400 new SDT research publications, produced educational content including interviews and talks, and grew global engagement through regular email updates and social media outreach. These efforts supported scholars and practitioners worldwide in applying SDT across education, health, and organizational contexts.
- $118,129 spent. In 2025, the Center for Self-Determination Theory maintained and expanded its research website and global outreach efforts to advance Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The organization published and promoted new SDT research publications, produced educational content including interviews, talks, and online resources, and expanded engagement through regular email updates and social media outreach. In preparation for the 9th International Self-Determination Theory Conference, the organization coordinated international educational and scientific programming and expanded its Education Consortium initiatives to support educators and practitioners worldwide applying SDT across education, health, organizational, and community contexts.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2016.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.