Transparency
In the more than seven decades since its founding, the Aspen Institute has grown and evolved in many directions, but it has always held fast to its reputation as the place where policymakers, writers, artists, executives and members of the public can come together to explore the values underpinning society. That reputation, though, is incomplete. From the beginning, the Institute has been driven by a desire to both convene and have real-world impact.
This desire stems from founder Walter Paepcke’s focus on the “good society”—a concept that still lies at the heart of the Institute. The “good society” is not some final destination. Instead, it is an ideal, an aspiration—a continual striving for improvement, individually and collectively, driven by both the ideas we explore and the actions we take.
Independence and Transparency at the Aspen Institute
- The Aspen Institute is transparent about its finances, including its sources of funding. We disclose all donations and identify corporate, foundation and government donors and sponsors in our annual reports, on our website, and upon request.
- The Aspen Institute retains editorial control of all of our publications and events. We have the final say over what gets published, what topics are covered, and who speaks at any of our convenings.
- The Aspen Institute is a values-based, nonpartisan organization, which operates independently of the positions and views of our funders. We do not engage in electoral politics or any activity that would require registration under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, and do not engage staff or contractors as “lobbyists” as defined by the Act.
Funding, Tax Documents and Audited Financial Statements
The Aspen Institute is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, income from certain activities not directly related to the Institute’s tax-exempt purpose is subject to taxation as unrelated business income. Each year, the Aspen Institute files Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service.
The accounting firm of Raffa PC conducted an independent audit of the organization’s financial statements. Raffa also audited the Aspen Institute’s compliance with the requirements of laws, regulations, contracts, and grants applicable to federal programs.
DOWNLOAD 2023 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2022 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2021 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2020 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2019 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2018 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2017 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
The Aspen Institute creates impact thanks to the generous contributions of our donors.
DOWNLOAD 2023 CONTRIBUTION REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2022 CONTRIBUTION REPORT
DOWNLOAD 2021 CONTRIBUTION REPORT