Arts, Culture & Humanities (A320) IRS Verified DX Registered 990 on File

SESAME WORKSHOP

EIN: 13-2655731 · NEW YORK, NY 10023-7004 · United States · FY 2023 Data

3 out of 5 55 / 100 Based on 2+ years of filings

Financial strength (30%) 73/100

Reliability (20%) 55/100

Effectiveness (25%) 88/100

Impact (25%) No data yet

Financial data: FY 2023 · Scored 9/13/2026

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Mission Statement

For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts. With a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we reach families in 190 countries with playful early learning so we can empower each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more are rooted in deep expertise and designed to meet children’s most pressing needs. From building school readiness to encouraging playful problem-solving, from supporting emotional well-being to promoting positive self-identity, Sesame Workshop is here for children and families — as every caregiver’s valued partner and every child’s trusted friend.

Financial Overview — FY 2023

$186.9M

Total Revenue

$192.3M

Total Expenses

$439.0M

Net Assets

851

Employees

Revenue Sources

Expense Breakdown

Program Expense Ratio 82.4%

Fundraising Efficiency 5453.2%

Operating Reserve 27.40x

Liability-to-Asset 21.4%

Revenue Diversification 52.9%

Executive Compensation $4.4M

Compared with Peers

FY 2023

Compared with 39 similar organizations (United States, Arts, Culture & Humanities, $100M and over in expenses), FY 2023.

This organization Middle half of peers (P25–P75) Peer median

Ratio	This org	Peer median	Position (P10 → P90)
Program expense ratio Program expenses / total expenses · higher is better	82.4%	79.8%	P10P90	Above median
Admin expense ratio Management and general / total expenses · lower is better	14.4%	14.8%	P10P90	Above median
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expenses / total expenses · lower is better	3.3%	4.3%	P10P90	Above median
Fundraising efficiency Fundraising expenses / gross fundraising income · lower is better	5453.2%	2344.4%	P10P90	Bottom quarter
Operating reserve Months of expenses covered by net assets · higher is better	27.4 mo	31.3 mo	P10P90	Below median
Liabilities to assets Total liabilities / total assets · lower is better	21.4%	22.5%	P10P90	Above median
Revenue concentration Share of revenue from the largest source · lower is better	52.9%	71.7%	P10P90	Top quarter
Revenue growth Year over year revenue growth	-31.1%	1.6%	P10P90
Expense growth Year over year expense growth	-22.9%	6.9%	P10P90
Surplus margin Surplus as a share of revenue	-2.9%	0.2%	P10P90

Financial History

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Net Assets	Program %	Staff
2023	$186.9M	$192.3M	$439.0M	82.4%	851
2022	$271.2M	$249.3M	$431.7M	87.6%	1142
2021	$195.5M	$184.1M	N/A	—	1237

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Organization Details

EIN: 13-2655731
State: NY
City: NEW YORK
ZIP: 10023-7004
Classification: A320
Category: Arts, Culture & Humanities
Rating: 3★
Coverage: A
Last Updated: Aug 2026
IRS Ruling Year: 1969
Foundation Code: 15
Form 990: On File

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CharityAI™ rates charities from 0 to 100 using public filings (IRS Form 990 and the equivalent registries outside the US) together with the information the charity itself provides on DonationX. Ratings are recalculated every quarter, without human bias, and shown as stars.

Four pillars

Financial strength30%

Program expense ratio, fundraising efficiency, operating reserves, liabilities and revenue diversification, compared with similar organizations.

Reliability20%

Standing with the registry, filing history, verification and how complete the profile is.

Effectiveness25%

How much goes to programs and how consistently the organization delivers them.

Impact25%

The outcomes the charity reports on DonationX: people served, cost per service and results.

Stars

★★★★★ 80–100 ★★★★☆ 60–79 ★★★☆☆ 40–59 ★★☆☆☆ 20–39 ★☆☆☆☆ 1–19

A pillar with no data counts as zero. Without impact metrics the score is capped at 59 (three stars): only the charity can supply that data.
The coverage grade (A to D) says how much filing data the score rests on; NONE means there is not enough to rate.
An organization that is not in good standing with its registry (for example a revoked tax exemption) is shown as Not rated.
"Compared with peers" places the charity's key ratios against organizations of the same country, sector and size.

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