Los Angeles, CA

THE PLATO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES

EIN 46-2484387

Mission

The PLATO Society of Los Angeles is a member-governed lifelong-learning institute that fosters intellectual engagement and community through peer-led Study Discussion Groups (SDGs), public Colloquia, lectures, travel, and social activities.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About THE PLATO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES

The PLATO Society of Los Angeles is an active, member-run nonprofit offering peer-led seminars across the liberal arts and sciences; its programming includes multi-week Study Discussion Groups (SDGs), monthly and annual Colloquia, day trips, retreats and hybrid (in-person + Zoom) offerings. ([theplatosociety.org](https://www.theplatosociety.org/))

The organization traces its origin to the PLATO Society of UCLA (founded 1980) and was reconstituted as The PLATO Society of Los Angeles (a standalone nonprofit corporation) in 2013; it is widely described as one of the oldest lifelong-learning institutes in the western United States. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PLATO_Society_of_Los_Angeles))

Recent years saw PLATO transition to robust online and hybrid programming (a COVID-era shift that has been maintained), continuing regular term-based SDGs and public Colloquia while maintaining steady financial position as reported on its public Form 990 filings. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PLATO_Society_of_Los_Angeles))

Notable achievements

Longstanding, peer‑led learning model

Founded from the PLATO program at UCLA in 1980 and reconstituted as an independent nonprofit in 2013, PLATO established and has sustained a member-led seminar model that other lifelong-learning institutes have emulated.

Extensive, year‑round programming

PLATO routinely offers dozens of Study Discussion Groups each year (SDGs meet in three 14‑week terms) plus eight Colloquia annually and a range of social and travel programs, supporting active engagement for its membership through hybrid delivery. ([theplatosociety.org](https://www.theplatosociety.org/))

Consistent financial reserves

Recent Form 990 data show multi‑year operating surpluses and net assets in the mid seven‑figure range, indicating multi‑year financial stability that supports ongoing programming. ([projects.propublica.org](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/462484387))

At a glance

Total assets: $2.5M
Annual revenue: $568K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 46-2484387
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Website: www.theplatosociety.org
On Mahalo since: April 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Rated by Charity Navigator (two‑star / accountability & finance focused score) as a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

Profiled historically in national media as a notable lifelong‑learning institute (including a New York Times feature) and recognized as a leader among peer lifelong‑learning organizations.

Maintains publicly accessible Form 990 filings and multi‑year financial summaries in nonprofit data services (ProPublica/Nonprofit Explorer, Charity Navigator, CauseIQ), supporting transparency for prospective donors.

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