Financial Accountability & Transparency
Ohio Citizen Action is committed to transparency, responsible stewardship, and accountability in the management of our financial resources. Since our founding in 1976, we have worked to ensure that every contribution supports our mission to inform, organize, and mobilize Ohioans in the public interest.
Our Organization
Ohio Citizen Action is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt membership organization incorporated in 1976. We are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Our work is funded through:
- Individual contributions made online, by phone, and by mail
- Membership dues
- Institutional grants and contracts
Important Information About Donations
Contributions made to Ohio Citizen Action are not tax-deductible. As a 501(c)(4) organization, we are permitted to engage in legislative advocacy and public policy work that advances our mission.
Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund
Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund serves as the educational and research affiliate of Ohio Citizen Action and is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations made to the Education Fund are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Financial Transparency
We believe transparency builds trust. We are committed to providing clear information about our finances while also protecting the privacy of our members and supporters.
To safeguard donor confidentiality:
- We do not disclose the names of members or individual contributors
- We may provide aggregate information regarding dues and small-dollar contributions
- Individual donor information is never shared publicly
Financial Management & Oversight
Our financial records are professionally managed by Clark Schaefer Hackett Accounting and Advisory Firm.
Ohio Citizen Action is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members serve without compensation and provide oversight of the organization’s financial and operational integrity.
Understanding Our 501(c)(4) Status
As a federally recognized 501(c)(4) social welfare organization:
• We operate under bylaws and regulations established by the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Ohio
• We exist to advance charitable and public-interest purposes rather than generate profits for private individuals
• We file annual tax returns with the IRS and the Public Charities Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
• We are exempt from federal income tax on mission-related earnings
• We still pay applicable payroll, unemployment, and sales taxes
• We may maintain an annual operating surplus to ensure organizational sustainability
• Any surplus revenue is reinvested into programs, advocacy, organizing, and public education efforts
Tax Filings & Public Records
Accessing Our Form 990 Filings
Form 990 filings for both organizations are publicly available:
- Ohio Citizen Action (EIN: 34-1208942)
- Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund (EIN: 34-1208940)
These filings can be accessed:
Available publicly through Candid (formerly GuideStar)
Available by direct request