Charitable giving is powerful — but do you ever wonder where your donations actually go? Many nonprofits are required to file IRS Form 990, which offers public insight into their finances. That transparency helps donors check whether funds are being used properly.

What Is Form 990?

Form 990 is an annual return nonprofits submit to the IRS. It breaks down:

• Income and expense categories
• Assets and liabilities
• Names and compensation of key staff
• Program descriptions and how funds were allocated
• Fundraising revenue and costs
• Grants awarded and received

How to Access a Charity’s 990

It may take 12–18 months after fiscal year-end for a nonprofit’s 990 to be publicly available. You can look it up through resources like GuideStar, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, or IRS website. You can also request a copy directly from the organization or the IRS (which might take 4–6 weeks).

Why It Matters for Donors

By reviewing a nonprofit’s 990, you can see how much is spent on programs vs. administrative or fundraising overhead. That insight gives you confidence that your gift is making the intended impact.

Thinking about donating to a nonprofit? Want help reviewing their financials or choosing trustworthy organizations? Contact Grants Pass Tax Service — we’ll help you give wisely.