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Nonprofiteer
← PUBLIC CITIZEN FOUNDATION INC

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by PUBLIC CITIZEN FOUNDATION INC.

Totals

Total revenue
$26,769,469
Total expenses
$17,942,326
Contributions and grants received
$23,239,349
Grants paid
$987,094
Program service revenue
$989,011
Investment income
$2,551,692
Other revenue
-$10,583
Total assets, end of year
$44,968,379
Total liabilities, end of year
$4,306,856
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$40,661,523
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$14,873,354
Management and general expenses
$1,581,595
Fundraising expenses
$1,487,377
Program service expenses (Part III)
$14,873,354

Program services were 82.9% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $245,420

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $22,993,929

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $838,770

  • 2a · Program service revenue: PUBLICATIONS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

    total $777,836 · related or exempt $777,836

  • 2b · Program service revenue: COURT AWARDS

    total $211,175 · related or exempt $211,175

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $873,185 · excluded $873,185

  • 5 · Royalties

    total $41,998 · excluded $41,998

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $16,753,342

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $15,074,835

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $1,678,507

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $1,678,507 · excluded $1,678,507

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $34,600

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $245,420

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $87,633

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$53,033 · excluded -$53,033

  • 11d · All other revenue

    total $452 · related or exempt $452

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $452

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $887,094 · program services $887,094

  • 3 · Grants to foreign organizations and individuals

    total $100,000 · program services $100,000

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $515,919 · program services $378,984 · management and general $97,298 · fundraising $39,637

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $8,329,442 · program services $7,600,884 · management and general $407,454 · fundraising $321,104

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $342,194 · program services $299,817 · management and general $27,531 · fundraising $14,846

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $1,283,338 · program services $1,148,858 · management and general $77,763 · fundraising $56,717

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $733,646 · program services $653,526 · management and general $52,188 · fundraising $27,932

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $8,895 · management and general $8,895

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $16,000 · management and general $16,000

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $179,929 · fundraising $179,929

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $228,938 · management and general $228,938

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $1,432,082 · program services $1,224,721 · management and general $242,639 · fundraising -$35,278

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $47,380 · program services $47,380

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $1,982,923 · program services $1,023,478 · management and general $379,601 · fundraising $579,844

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $205,885 · program services $20,815 · management and general $152,274 · fundraising $32,796

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $116,569 · program services $54,125 · management and general $62,444

  • 17 · Travel

    total $165,232 · program services $147,855 · management and general $5,539 · fundraising $11,838

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $67,769 · program services $53,197 · management and general $4,210 · fundraising $10,362

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $104,683 · management and general $104,683

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $38,822 · management and general $38,822

  • 24a · Other expenses: MAIL HOUSE

    total $288,994 · program services $122,722 · management and general $53,436 · fundraising $112,836

  • 24b · Other expenses: REFERENCE MATERIALS

    total $228,538 · program services $215,419 · management and general $9,159 · fundraising $3,960

  • 24c · Other expenses: LIST RENTAL COST

    total $190,714 · program services $61,040 · management and general $41,674 · fundraising $88,000

  • 24d · Other expenses: REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

    total $171,008 · program services $8,846 · management and general $162,162

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $276,332 · program services $824,593 · management and general -$591,115 · fundraising $42,854

  • 26 · Joint costs (an allocation of the lines above)

    total $3,018,375 · program services $763,347 · management and general $724,712 · fundraising $1,530,316

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $591,713 · end of year $2,366,375

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $437,085 · end of year $1,424,032

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $775,000 · end of year $1,240,000

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $96,644 · end of year $72,510

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $47,758 · end of year $69,314

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $5,797,571

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $3,714,323

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $2,131,711 · end of year $2,083,248

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $31,077,351 · end of year $37,612,856

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $604,691 · end of year $100,044

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $1,009,281 · end of year $878,854

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $1,166,170 · end of year $1,050,228

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $1,828,567 · end of year $2,377,774

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $26,560,415 · end of year $34,891,312

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $5,197,520 · end of year $5,770,211

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

WORK FOR CONSUMER RIGHTS.

  • ENERGY PROGRAM - THE ENERGY PROGRAM PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE PUBLICON THE THREAT OF CATASTROPHIC CLIMATE CHANGE, THE DANGERS OF NUCLEARAND FOSSIL FUELS, AND THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO ADVANCE ENERGYEFFICIENCY AND DEVELOP RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES.

    Expenses $4,093,335 · Grants $289,570

  • PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION - THE FOUNDATION IS ACTIVE IN EVERY PUBLIC FORUM - CONGRESS, THE COURTS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND THE NEWS MEDIA. THE FOUNDATION BELIEVES THAT FULL DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION EMPOWERS CITIZENS AND CONSUMERS. ALL OF THE FOUNDATION'S COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH EFFORTS AIM TO MAKE INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTH CARE, TRANSPORTATION, CLIMATE CHANGE, INTERNATIONAL TRADE, NUCLEAR WASTE AND REACTOR SAFETY, RENEWABLE ENERGY, GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY AND RELATED ISSUES ACCESSIBLE TO ORDINARY CITIZENS. IF NECESSARY, THE FOUNDATION USES THE COURTS TO ENSURE FAIR ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

    Expenses $3,563,433 · Grants $179,500

  • LITIGATION GROUP - LITIGATION GROUP ATTORNEYS HAVE ARGUED LANDMARK LAWSUITS ON BEHALF OF CITIZENS IN FEDERAL AND STATE COURTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THEIR EFFORTS TO REPRESENT PRINCIPLED, RATHER THAN PROFITABLE, POSITIONS IN LEGAL DISPUTES HAVE PRESERVED THE VITAL CHECKS AND BALANCES OF THE SEPARATION OF POWERS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, PREVENTED THE DESTRUCTION OF PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS, AND FORCED REGULATORY AGENCIES TO ISSUE IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS.

    Expenses $2,346,724 · Revenue $211,175

  • HEALTH RESEARCH GROUP - THE HEALTH RESEARCH GROUP FIGHTS FOR SAFE FOODS, DRUGS, AND MEDICAL DEVICES; FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE; AND FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT WILL EMPOWER CONSUMERS AND INFORM THEIR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE DECISIONS.

    Expenses $1,227,951

  • PC TEXAS - PC TEXAS INFORMS TEXANS ON IMPORTANT ENERGY, TRADE, CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM, ETHICS, TRANSPORTATION, AND UTILITY ISSUES.

    Expenses $1,110,573 · Grants $384,924

  • GLOBAL TRADE WATCH - ACTING ON ITS BELIEF THAT SO CALLED "FREE TRADE" TREATIES COST U.S. JOBS, REDUCE WAGES, UNDERMINE OUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS, AND JEOPARDIZE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT, GLOBAL TRADE WATCH PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC ON THE DAMAGING IMPACT OF THE CORPORATE PUSH FOR GLOBALIZATION THROUGH TREATIES SUCH AS THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA) AND THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) AGREEMENTS.

    Expenses $192,420 · Grants $10,000

  • ACCESS TO MEDICINES - PUBLIC CITIZEN'S ACCESS TO MEDICINES GROUP WORKS WITH PARTNERS WORLDWIDE TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES AND SAVE LIVES, THROUGH USE OF PHARMACEUTICAL COST-LOWERING MEASURES INCLUDING GENERIC COMPETITION. THEY HELP CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS AND PUBLIC AGENCIES OVERCOME PATENT-BASED AND OTHER DRUG MONOPOLIES. THEIR WORK CHALLENGES BIG PHARMA'S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL POWER.

    Expenses $761,510 · Grants $90,000

  • PUBLICATIONS - THE FOUNDATION PUBLISHES BOOKS, PERIODICALS, SPECIAL REPORTS, AND EXPERT COMMENTARY ON CURRENT ISSUES IN HEALTH AND SAFETY, THE LAW, ENERGY POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE, TRANSPORTATION, AND GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY. THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

    Expenses $1,252,258 · Revenue $778,288

  • CONGRESS WATCH - CONGRESS WATCH PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC ON THE INFLUENCE OF SPECIAL INTEREST DOLLARS THAT CORRUPT THE POLITICAL PROCESS AND ON CORPORATE WELFARE EXPENDITURES THAT LARD THE FEDERAL BUDGET; ON A WIDE RANGE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURES, INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS, ACCESS TO THE COURTS, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATION.

    Expenses $325,150 · Grants $33,100

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Mark Chavez

    DIRECTOR, CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Robert Fellmeth

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Jim Bildner

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Gerson Smoger

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Maya Berry

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Steve Skrovan

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • David Halperin

    DIRECTOR, SECRETARY/TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Annie Leonard

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Emily Chatterjee

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • Robert Weissman

    CO-PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $353,099
    From this org
    $227,928
    From related orgs
    $70,775
    Other
    $54,396
    Hours/week
    31 + 9 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $227,928 + $70,775 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $11,396 + $3,539 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $30,111 + $9,350 related
    Filer's total
    $269,435 + $83,664 related

  • Lisa Gilbert

    CO-PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $260,200
    From this org
    $111,927
    From related orgs
    $111,927
    Other
    $36,346
    Hours/week
    20 + 20 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $111,927 + $111,927 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $5,596 + $5,596 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $12,577 + $12,577 related
    Filer's total
    $130,100 + $130,100 related

  • Noyan Eyigor

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $176,814
    From this org
    $72,219
    From related orgs
    $72,219
    Other
    $32,376
    Hours/week
    20 + 20 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $72,219 + $72,219 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $3,611 + $3,611 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $12,577 + $12,577 related
    Filer's total
    $88,407 + $88,407 related

  • Allison Zieve

    GENERAL COUNSEL

    Total calculated
    $227,065
    From this org
    $157,743
    From related orgs
    $35,052
    Other
    $34,270
    Hours/week
    33 + 7 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $157,743 + $35,052 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $7,887 + $1,753 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $20,152 + $4,478 related
    Filer's total
    $185,782 + $41,283 related

  • David Arkush

    DIRECTOR, ENERGY

    Total calculated
    $232,812
    From this org
    $184,144
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $48,668
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $184,144
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $9,207
    Nontaxable benefits
    $39,461
    Filer's total
    $232,812

  • Peter Maybarduk

    DIRECTOR, ACCESS TO MEDICINE

    Total calculated
    $196,520
    From this org
    $161,804
    From related orgs
    $1,402
    Other
    $33,314
    Hours/week
    39.66 + 0.34 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $161,804 + $1,402 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $8,090 + $70 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,938 + $216 related
    Filer's total
    $194,832 + $1,688 related

  • Tyson Slocum

    DIRECTOR, ENERGY

    Total calculated
    $200,194
    From this org
    $103,316
    From related orgs
    $63,389
    Other
    $33,489
    Hours/week
    25 + 15 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $103,316 + $63,389 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $5,166 + $3,169 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $15,589 + $9,565 related
    Filer's total
    $124,071 + $76,123 related

  • Amanda Fleming

    DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

    Total calculated
    $228,403
    From this org
    $158,734
    From related orgs
    $21,210
    Other
    $48,459
    Hours/week
    35 + 5 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $158,734 + $21,210 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $7,937 + $1,061 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $34,810 + $4,651 related
    Filer's total
    $201,481 + $26,922 related

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
4 August 2026
IRS schema version
2024v5.5
Source object
202602169349301220

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