Pacific Forum International
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To engage generally in the activity of providing a private, nonpartisan international consultative forum for addressing common policy problems and issues affecting the economic development, resources, security, and stability of the countries of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and to provide a means for an active and continuing exchange of information, ideas, and views on economic development policies, investment and trade, defense and broader security, energy, and other matters of mutual interest and concern; and the opportunity to propose international programs and policy actions to governments and international organizations.
- Income
- $4.4 million
- Spending
- $4.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- 2.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 58%
- Employees
- 15
- Volunteers
- 20
- Highest pay
- $197,365, president
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
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 33% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% 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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 16 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.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or 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 (4)
- $591,214 spent. Risk reduction, Nonproliferation and Energy - Pacific Forum's Risk Reduction, Non-Proliferation, and Energy Program examines the geopolitical, military, and technological factors shaping strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific with particular focus on major power dynamics among the United States, China, and Russia. Through track-2 and track-1.5 dialogues, workshops, and research, the program conducts research and convenes policymakers, military officials, and scholars to address: Deterrence, extended deterrence, and crisis management Arms control and nonproliferation norms The intersection of nuclear deterrence with cyber, space, and advanced conventional capabilities A growing component of the program examines energy security and strategic stability, including the strategic, regulatory, and governance implications of expanding civilian nuclear energy across the region. Pacific Forum conducts research and facilitates regional dialogue on nuclear safety, international safeguards, export controls, and civil nuclear cooperationsupporting a balanced approach to energy security, climate goals, and nonproliferation commitments.
- $290,687 spent. Geopolitics and Foreign Policy - Pacific Forum's Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Program examines political, security, and regional developments across the Indo-Pacific, translating complex regional dynamics into actionable insights that inform policy and advance stability. Through integrated programming, the program researches and engages perspectives from across Northeast and Southeast Asia, the Korean Peninsula, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Areas of focus include: Alliance coordination and extended deterrence, including on the Korean Peninsula Bilateral and multilateral relationship-building Maritime security and geopolitical competition With engagements across Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Taipei, Singapore, and Honolulu, the program fosters a more connected, resilient Indo-Pacific.
- $1.0 million spent. National Security and Defense - Pacific Forum's National Security and Defense Program advances practical, solution-oriented research and dialogue on the evolving security challenges shaping the Indo-Pacifica region at the center of strategic gravity, technological innovation, and economic competition. The program bridges policy development and operational execution by publishing and convening senior defense officials, military leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and strategic thinkers on issues to address deterrence and readiness requirements, alliance and partner coordination, crisis management, and defense and technology innovation. Key areas of focus include: Readiness, deterrence, and alliance resilience Gray-zone and hybrid challenges below the threshold of conflict Strengthening the defense industrial base Logistics and critical infrastructure Integration of emerging technologiesAI, space, and cyberinto defense planning Through flagship convenings such as the Honolulu Defense Forum and the Honolulu International Forum, alongside targeted publications, the program provides trusted venues for new innovative ideas and frank exchange across governments, allied militaries, and the private sector.
- $1.2 million spent. International relationsGeoeconomics and Economic StatecraftNext Generation
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? 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 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 March 2018.
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.