Mission: GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. Founded in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in whi ... (More)
GLSEN is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1995, and deductibiltiy of donations depends on various factors.
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Important note on the timeliness of ratings
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Financial and Accountability & Transparency score for GLSEN is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
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Star Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Good
This charity's score is 82.02, earning it a 3-Star rating. Donors can "Give with Confidence" to this charity.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 74.76 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 97.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2019. More recent filing data is available, but it has not been factored into this score, due to COVID-19's effect on this organization.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Rating update postponed due to COVID-19's impact on this organization. View GLSEN's response.
Star Rated Report
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Program Expense Ratio
73.0%
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Administrative Expenses
8.3%
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expenses
18.5%
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
21.8%
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency
$0.17
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital Ratio
0.67 years
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Growth
0.69%
We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
Source: IRS Form 990
Governance
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Governance: | |
|---|---|
| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) A diversion of assets – any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
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| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
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| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) | |
| Compensates Board ... (More) |
Policies
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Policies: | |
|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) | Partial |
Transparency
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Transparency: | |
|---|---|
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Audited Financial Statements on Website ... (More) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) |
Additional Information
Unscored
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Total Revenue and Expenses
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons
Presented here are this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Eliza Byard, Executive Director & President
$335,971 (4.22% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
Business Master File Data
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Described in section 170(b)1)(a)(vi) of the Code (BMF activity code: 994)
Elimination of prejudice and discrimination (race, religion, sex, national origin, etc) (BMF activity code: 431)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Central - the organization is a parent (group ruling) and is not a church or 501(c)(1) organization. (BMF affiliation code: 6)
Data Sources: IRS Forms 990
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to view this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available).
Pandemic Response
This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. This normally would have reduced their star rating. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
GLSEN reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Staffing
Administrative Capacity
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
Donations to our organization declined as GLSEN's Respect Awards pivoted to virtual events and individuals were impacted by the pandemic. We received a PPP loan and GLSEN’s leadership evaluated the impacts of COVID-19 early on. By strategically implementing steps to streamline expenses and reimagine virtual programing, end-of-year budget projections were achieved, despite the unforeseen challenges.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Throughout this challenging period, GLSEN sustained life-saving connections for LGBTQ+ youth displaced by the pandemic through new virtual programming and support. We immediately pivoted to expand virtual programming, and our online resources were in high demand, downloaded over 500,000 times by students, educators, parents, and community members in the past year.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
GLSEN transitioned all staff to remote work in March of 2020 to mitigate risks of COVID-19, which brought about necessary changes to many processes that support telework, technology, and digital inclusion. Additionally, in 2021 GLSEN’s Communications and Public Voice department will spearhead a reinvigorated digital communications strategy to continue building momentum.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
GLSEN now supports fully remote employees in various departments across the country, which was brought on by COVID-19, but will remain part of GLSEN's permanent changes to process and staffing.
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 12/1/2020 | 2019 | 82.02 | |
| 10/1/2019 | 2018 | 85.16 | |
| 8/1/2018 | 2017 | 83.92 | |
| 11/1/2017 | 2016 | 85.76 | |
| 11/1/2016 | 2015 | 86.02 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 82.73 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 11/1/2015 | 2014 | 79.68 |  |
| 7/1/2014 | 2013 | 92.92 |  |
| 8/1/2013 | 2012 | 90.47 | |
| 5/1/2012 | 2011 | 89.71 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2010 | 80.40 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 6/1/2010 | 2009 | 77.18 | |
| 4/1/2009 | 2008 | 92.83 | |
| 11/1/2008 | 2007 | 75.60 | |
| 7/1/2007 | 2006 | 84.61 | |
| 7/1/2006 | 2005 | 87.60 | |
| 7/1/2005 | 2004 | 84.73 | |
Previous: Finance & Accountability / Next: Leadership & Adaptability
Impact & Results
This score estimates the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Impact & Results Score
Not Currently Scored
GLSEN cannot currently be evaluated by our Encompass Rating Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Do you work at GLSEN? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
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Largest Programs
GLSEN reported its largest program on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
$2,343,359
Spent in most recent FY
42%
Percent of program expenses
Research Institute
$1,249,149
Spent in most recent FY
22%
Percent of program expenses
Media Relations and Public Voice
$999,664
Spent in most recent FY
18%
Percent of program expenses
Community Mobilization
Previous: Impact & Results / Next: Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
This score provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Leadership & Adaptability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by GLSEN is a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating.
Encompass Rating V4 provides an evaluation of the organization's Leadership & Adaptability through the nonprofit organization submitting a survey response directly to Charity Navigator.
Leadership & Adaptability Report
100
of 100 points
Mission
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s mission
GLSEN exists to create safe and affirming schools for all K-12 students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, because no young person should have to choose between their wellbeing and education. GLSEN supports students, schools, educators, systems, leaders, and communities to reduce victimization for our LGBTQ+ youth and set the course for a safer, more equitable future. Our National School Climate Survey is the leading report on the school experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in schools, and this research shows that 86% of LGBTQ+ youth experience harassment or assault at school. Informed by our extensive research, GLSEN programs transform school systems by supporting GSAs (Gender Sexuality Alliances, also known as Gay Straight Alliances) and implementing proven interventions to ensure all students have access to safe and inclusive education.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
GLSEN remains dedicated to racial equity, disability justice, and our commitment to advocating for the full inclusion of transgender and nonbinary youth in all facets of school life. We know we must forge ahead and ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ students. Our most recent National School Climate Survey shows, 2 in 5 LGBTQ+ Youth of Color were bullied based on their race or ethnicity, and 84% of trans students felt unsafe because of their gender. To do our part in lowering these statistics and push forward, GLSEN is urgently prioritizing and integrating Gender, Disability, and Racial Justice into all facets of our programming for 2021 and beyond, in line with our new strategic framework. With continued support, we will take the next step and do our part to protect the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ students.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Strategic Goals
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: JUSTICE - Advance Racial, Gender, and Disability justice outcomes in education, and inside our organization
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Goal Two: CONNECTION - Build digital connection
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: IMPACT - Increase and amplify our impact
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
GLSEN staff participate in monthly learning days to create opportunity for ongoing professional development.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Mobilizing for Mission
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
Policy Advocacy
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
Made up of 44 chapters in 40 states across the nation, GLSEN's chapter network works locally to advance equity in local schools and communities through professional development for educators, policy advocacy, youth engagement, and research initiatives. We empower students to affect change by supporting student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities, via advocacy campaigns like Day of Silence.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Story of Adaptability
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
We continued advocating for LGBTQ+ students amid the ongoing pandemic. The widespread impacts of COVID-19 were felt by GLSEN’s network, bringing focus to student support and mental health resources. GLSEN worked diligently to evaluate and understand the changing landscape and continually meet the needs of LGBTQ+ students nationwide.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
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Organization Leadership
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
Interim Executive Director
Michael Manthei
Board Chair
Previous: Leadership & Adaptability
Culture & Community
This score provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves. Learn more about how and why we rate Culture & Community.
Culture & Community Score
Not Currently Scored
GLSEN is currently not eligible for a Culture & Community score because we have not received its Constituent Feedback or Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion data. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the How We Listen and Equity Practices sections of their Candid profile.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Culture & Community Report
Unscored
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
This organization has not provided information regarding the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices it is presently implementing. As such, the organization has not earned a score on this metric. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective DEI policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Methodology
We are utilizing data collected by Candid to document and assess the DEI practices implemented by the organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the Equity Strategies section of their Candid profiles to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Constituent Feedback
Constituent Feedback and Listening Practice data are not available for this organization. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Methodology
We've partnered with Candid to survey organizations about their feedback practices. Nonprofit organizations can fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Analysis and Research
Like the overall Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as metrics are developed and ready for integration. Below you can find more information about the metrics we currently evaluate in this beacon and their relevance to nonprofit performance.
Constituent Feedback
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
