Executive Compensation at Turning Point USA (2022)

Turning Point USA is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501 (c) 3 that advocates conservative principles on high school, college, and university campuses and in convention centers that focus on attracting high schoolers, college students, and young adults ages 15-25 who they often refer to as activists.

Established in 2012 by Charles Kirk, the President, Turning Point USA has three (3) related tax exempt organizations:

• Turning Point Endowment, Inc.:  a 501 (c) 3 described as a “supporting org to Turning Point USA”
• America’s Turning Point, Inc:  a 501 (c) 3  described as “education of students”
• Turning Point Action, Inc.:  a 501 (c) 4  described as “education of students” where contributions are not tax deductible

Turning Point USA is overseen by 5 voting members (directors) of the governing body, 4 of whom are independent. All directors are male.

Total revenue in 2022 was reported to be $81 million  while expenses were reported to be $72 million but $11 million included a “grant” and assistance to an affiliated organization:  Turning Point Endowment (which operates out of the same office as Turning Point USA, ) and another grant of $1 million made to another affiliated organization:  America’s Turning Point.  

The largest expenses were reported to be travel and conventions ($18 million) and compensation ($17 million).

709 employees received $17 million in compensation.  Six (6) employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the five (5) most highly compensated reported to be:

• $444,316:  Joshua Thifault, Advancement Strategic Director
• $395,747:  Charles Kirk, President and CEO*
• $255,619:  Tyler Bowyer, COO*
• $164,435:  Benjamin Johnson, Management Contributor
• $280,000:  Justin Olson, Asst Treasurer/CFO (thru 10/21 or 4 months)**

“*” Indicates a portion of compensation was from a related organization

Turning Point USA paid for first class or charter travel.  Specifically, Turning Point USA paid for first class or charter travel for the “CEO, COO, and other TPUSA employees when necessary in order to ensure the uninterrupted success of the organization’s mission.”

“**” Justin Olson, the former Assistant Treasurer/CFO (thru 10/21) received $130,000 for accounting and treasury services, and $150,000 from Turning Point USA.

35 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation with the five most highly compensated reported to be:

• $2,221,558:  Mosaic Event Productions dba PHX EV, of Phoenix, AZ for event audio and video production
• $1,200,826:  American Solutions for Business, of Glenwood, MN for printing and publication
• $  884,455:  American Philanthropic, of West Chester, PA for communications and fundraising
• $  827,821:  Cloverstone Ventures LLC, of Wilmington, DE for fundraising and event planning
• $  736,183:  Active Engagement, of Leesburg, VA for digital education and fundraising

To read the IRS Form 990 (2021 for the year ending June 30, 2022), click here.