Non-profits file a form outlining their financial state with the government called a Form 990. These can be enormously interesting (and instructive). If you'd like to read the 990s for your favorite non-profit, here's the link to find them (It's free).

http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/

Regards,
Doug

IRS requires all 501c3 tax exempt non profits are required to make their 990s available to anyone who asks, but they are allowed to charge a nominal fee on the order of $25 for copies.

This site and the guidestar.org one provide them for free.

Bob H

IRM's provides a great deal of detail (especially compared to another midwest museum which has been in the news lately), probably more than is legally required. It's nice to see how things like income from memberships, snackbar, bookstore and Thomas, etc. compare. And likewise how the funds are spent. I appreciate the transparency!

http://dynamodata.fdncenter.org/990_pdf ... 09_990.pdf

Steve