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Afghan-American Community Organization

EIN 82-3792356 · Northridge, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood70 out of 100GovernanceGood76 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To advance the Afghan-American community and its allies through education and outreach, and promote civic and social engagement.

Income
$306,716
Spending
$465,707
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
5.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 97%
Employees
3
Volunteers
16
Highest pay
$94,092, executive dir.

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: 70 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 52% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 14% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    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 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 (3)
  1. $173,297 spent. In 2024, AACO provided legal education and outreach to 120 clients, with more than 1,000 served since 2021. The organization distributed $25,000 in grants to eight Afghan-led organizations and continued national advocacy efforts supporting the Afghan Adjustment Act, Temporary Protected Status, and humanitarian parole reform. In 2024, AACO continued supporting healthcare capacity building in Afghanistan, donating $16,000 for neurosurgical equipment and training, expanding care to more than 500 children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. The organization continued to focus on enhancing medical infrastructure and expertise to increase access to quality healthcare. Dr. Ali Aziz-Sultan, AACO Board Chair, conducts weekly clinical meetings with Afghan doctors, providing crucial education and support. This global network has facilitated professional development opportunities and enabled augmented reality-assisted surgeries, offering remote support during operations.
  2. $134,787 spent. In 2024, AACO hosted its 9th annual Afghan-American Conference (AAC) in San Diego, CA, attracting over 500 participants from 28 states and 6 countries. The 2024 conference featured 54 sessions led by 110 expert facilitators, covering topics such as civic engagement, identity, and professional development. A pre/post survey conducted by Dr. Nura Sediqe demonstrated the conference's impact, showing a 71% increase in participants' reported sense of belonging. The event provided a safe space for candid dialogue, professional development, and relationship-building across various learning blocks. An addition to the 2024 program was the inaugural Alumni Summit, which included service activities that provided school supplies and footwear to newly arrived Afghan families, demonstrating the organization's commitment to supporting recent immigrants within the diaspora community. Since 2015, AACO has engaged thousands of participants, serving as a valuable forum for empowering Afghan-Americans and addressing pressing issues within the diaspora community. The conference continues to foster an inclusive environment and facilitate meaningful connections across the Afghan-American diaspora. Beyond the annual conference, AACO continues to organize regional events throughout the year, engaging community members nationwide.
  3. $77,020 spent. In 2024, AACO continued its scholarship program, awarding $30,000 in scholarships to 10 Afghan-American students, helping to subsidize their college tuition and educational expenses. The program has now awarded more than $350,000 to over 70 students since its inception. The program addresses average tuition balances of $43,000 per student while expanding academic and professional development opportunities, including 18 dedicated sessions and a 1,500-member professional network (AAConnect). These efforts focus on empowering the next generation of Afghan-Americans, with special emphasis on supporting women in the community and students pursuing STEM fields.

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

  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 December 2024.

    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 2019.

    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.