The financial information presented here represents the combined results for Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) for the year ending December 31, 2023.  It is extracted from financial statements audited under generally accepted accounting principles by independent accountants.

CAGW and CCAGW operate on a combined budget of approximately $12.1 million.  CAGW and CCAGW accept contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations consistent with our mission to uncover, publicize, and eliminate government waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.  Since their inception in 1984, CAGW and CCAGW have engaged in a wide range of activities that have helped save taxpayers more than $2.4 trillion.

Income

In 2023, 8 percent of the organizations' combined income came from individual contributors, while foundation and corporate contributors accounted for 92 percent.

Expenses

CAGW's and CCAGW's program expenses on public education, research, and lobbying absorbed 93 percent of expenditures in 2023.  Fundraising accounted for 4 percent of expenses, and management accounted for 3 percent.

Contributions to CAGW are tax-deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to CCAGW, a 501( c)(4) organization, are not tax-deductible. Audited financial statements and IRS Form 990s are available upon request from membership@cagw.org.