How do non-profits report on their activities?
A. Non-profits of a certain size or larger are required to disclose many details of their operations to the general public and to state regulators and watchdog agencies using IRS Form 990. This form shows any salaries paid to officers or directors [for incorporated nonprofits] and to the five highest-paid employees and contracts if any receive over $50,000 in the tax year. The form also requires the organization to divide its expenses into “functional categories” — program, administration and fund-raising — and report the totals for each along with the amounts expended on each program activity. You can read Pacific Whale Foundation’s Form 990 at www.guidestar.com.
