Project On Government Oversight meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
1991, DC
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Stated Purpose
"to investigate and expose waste, corruption, abuse of power, and when the government fails to serve the public or silences those who report wrongdoing; to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles."
Project on Government Oversight (POGO) reports that it exposes deficiencies within the federal government, programs, and projects to create a more fair and ethical federal government that serves the people of the United States. The organization works with whistleblowers and other government sources to highlight and eliminate corruption and abuse of power within government agencies, specifically where government and private interests intersect. POGO's public policy advocacy pushes for reforms that protect government employees and contract whistleblowers, increase transparency and access to government information, ensure internal watchdog offices have resources and independence to conduct oversight, and create an ethical code of conduct for government officials and political leaders. The organization operates three projects that focus on good governance in specific areas of the federal government. The Center for Defense Information aims to secure a more effective military at a lower cost. The Congressional Oversight Initiative provides congressional staff with resources to strengthen the legislative branch and perform their oversight responsibilities more effectively. In addition, The Constitution Project works to safeguard constitutional rights threatened by abuse of the government's national security and domestic policing powers.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Project On Government Oversight's program expenses were:
Ethical, Effective, and Accounable Government |
$2,259,978 |
The Constitution Project |
$933,617 |
Center for Defense Information |
$662,444 |
Congressional Oversight Initiative |
$406,937 |
Detention Oversight |
$221,780 |
Census Project |
$142,510 |
Whistleblower portal |
$136,925 |
Congressional Fellowship |
$135,487 |
Lobbying |
$115,614 |
National Security Inspectors General |
$76,439 |
Hurricane Harvey Relief |
$69,277 |
Public lands |
$52,006 |
FOIA Litigation |
$10,042 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$5,223,056 |
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Chief Executive
Danielle Brian, Executive Director
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Compensation*
$181,141
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Chair of the Board
Nithi Vivatrat
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Intellei
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Board Size
16
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Paid Staff Size
39
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements
POGO incurred joint costs of $153,863 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $104,230.00 was allocated to program service expenses and $49,633 was allocated to fundraising expenses.
Fundraising costs were 7% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $6,045,412 are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Project On Government Oversight's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Source of Funds |
Grants |
$4,756,500 |
Contributions |
$1,053,072 |
Contributed land and services |
$235,840 |
Interest and dividend income, net |
$149,398 |
Realized and unrealized gain on investments |
$64,535 |
Other income |
$17,359 |
Total Income |
$6,276,704 |
- Programs: 86%
- Administrative: 7%
- Fundraising: 7%
Total Income |
$6,276,704 |
Program expenses |
$5,223,056 |
Fundraising expenses |
$450,347 |
Administrative expenses |
$451,877 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$6,125,280 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$151,424 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$7,161,777 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$7,313,201 |
Total Liabilities |
$412,624 |
Total Assets |
$7,725,825 |
Note: According to POGO's 2019 audited financial statements, the organization received $235,840 in donated legal services.