Ohio Citizen Action is a non-profit tax-exempt membership organization, incorporated in 1976. It is funded by individual gifts raised by mail, by phone and online as well as institutional grants and contracts. 

Ohio Citizen Action is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.

Important Note on Donations: Contributions to Ohio Citizen Action are not tax-deductible because our 501(c)(4) status allows us to engage in legislative advocacy when necessary.

Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund: Our research and education work is conducted through Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the education affiliate of Ohio Citizen Action. Donations to this entity are tax-deductible.

Funding Sources

  • Individual contributions via mail, phone, and online platforms
  • Institutional grants and contracts
  • Membership dues

Financial Transparency

We are committed to financial transparency while protecting our members' privacy. We will not disclose the names of our members, directly or indirectly. We provide aggregate information on dues and other small contributions, but not those of individual members. 

Financial Management

Our financial records are professionally managed and audited by Clark, Schaefer and Hackett. 

Governance & Oversight

We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who serve without compensation.

Understanding our 501(c)(4) Non-Profit Status

  • We operate under by-laws approved by the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Ohio
  • We exist primarily for a charitable purpose, not to maximize profits
  • We file annual tax returns with the IRS and the Public Charities Section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office
  • We are exempt from paying income tax on our earnings
  • We do pay other taxes, including Social Security (FICA), unemployment taxes, and sales taxes
  • We can make money and maintain a surplus each year
  • Any surplus is reinvested into our mission and programs, not distributed to shareholders

Tax Filings

Accessing Our Form 990 Reports

All of our Form 990 filings for both Ohio Citizen Action (EIN: 34-1208942) and Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund (34-1208940) are: