GLSEN
Works to ensure safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students through education, advocacy, and youth leadership.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is GLSEN a good charity?
GLSEN holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 100%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $7.0M in revenue, down 21% from $8.9M in 2019, and $10.0M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From GLSEN's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Glsen Inc).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $7.0M | $10.0M | $11.4M | $1.3M | |
| 2022 | $8.0M | $8.1M | $13.6M | $919K | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $9.2M | $6.9M | $13.6M | $1.5M | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $13.4M | $7.2M | $11.3M | $1.2M | 990 PDF |
| 2019 | $8.9M | $8.0M | $5.0M | $891K | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2025 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2025 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in lgbtq+ rights do
LGBTQ+ rights organizations combine direct services (crisis support, legal aid, healthcare), political advocacy, education, and litigation. Crisis-line organizations like The Trevor Project provide suicide-prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth. Legal-advocacy groups pursue impact litigation on issues like marriage equality, employment discrimination, and gender-affirming care. Education groups work in schools and corporate settings to build inclusive environments. Funding supports counselors, attorneys, lobbyists, and education staff.
How to judge charities in this area
Look for outcomes: laws changed, court rulings won, individuals served, schools enrolled in inclusion programs. The Trevor Project publishes detailed annual reports with outcome data — that is the level of transparency to expect. Be wary of "awareness" organizations without measurable policy or service outcomes.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Monthly recurring gifts sustain crisis-line staffing and multi-year litigation strategies
- + Volunteer as a crisis counselor (most organizations offer training)
- + Advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in your workplace and community
- + Donate appreciated stock or planned gifts to support long-term legal campaigns
- + Vote for and donate to LGBTQ+ inclusive candidates in local and state elections
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on GLSEN:
Frequently asked
Is GLSEN a good charity?
What is GLSEN's Charity Navigator rating?
What is GLSEN's EIN?
How much money does GLSEN raise and spend?
Are donations to GLSEN tax-deductible?
Represent GLSEN? Add a free, self-updating rating badge to your website →