Avaaz is 100% member-funded and thus only accountable to its members — not to major donors, foundations, or any special interests. Our entire staff recognizes the incredible amount of trust and hope that comes with our members' donations. Each and every member of the Avaaz team takes the responsibility of being excellent stewards of this hope and trust very seriously. Here's a bit more on how we do it.
While Avaaz is a global organization with staff and members across the world, we are currently incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)4 organization in the state of Delaware, USA. Under New York State law, Avaaz must conduct an annual independent audit of our finances. Our audits are currently conducted by Grant Thornton.
The US Internal Revenue Service requires Avaaz to declare and account for our expenditures in each of the following 3 categories: Management and General, Program (i.e. Campaigns), and Fundraising. Here are our expense breakdowns since the fiscal year ending 5/31/07. (Please note that because we changed our fiscal year to coincide with the calendar year, the 12/31/08 statements reflect only 7 months: 6/1/08-12/31/08.)