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Catch the Stars Foundation Inc

EIN 05-0604202 · Indianapolis, IN

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceFair67 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

CHARITABLE ASSISTANCE TO YOUTH IN THE INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA AREA IN THE FORM OF YOUTH PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE LITERACY, FITNESS AND MENTORING.

Income
$306,097
Spending
$244,078
Spent on programs
97%
Reserves
34.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 97%
Employees
0
Volunteers
100
Highest pay
$6,000, pt administrative contractor

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 34.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 34% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    97% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 67 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $226,935 spent. All Other Programs - Other various progams administered by Catch the Stars Foundation, designed to elevate, educate and assist youth in inter cities.
  2. $4,750 spent. Communi-Tea Book Club The first Catch the Stars Reading Corner was opened in August of 2006 at the Christel House Academy. The premise for this project is to provide a program that will encourage youth to read by providing books, as well as a comfortable and fun environment to read in. The foundation hopes to provide several reading locations throughout the Indianapolis area in the coming years. The second Reading Corner was opened in June of 2007 via a partnership with Indy Parks and is located at Brookside Park Family Center on the East Side of Indianapolis. The third Reading Corner opened at Riley Childrens Hospital in September of 2016. Currently, the foundation runs a FREE bookshelf located at Teas Me Community Caf in partnership with The Indy Learning Team. Over 5,000 new books were distributed in 2025. Community Book and Toys Giveaway - Catch the Stars partnered with Pacer Sports & Entertainment and Dicks SPorting Goods to distribute free books and toys to local families. Over 1000 toys and 40 pairs of shoes were distributed in 2025. Program expenses include ALL expenses for ALL progroms, summarized in this line.
  3. $4,500 spent. Catch the Stars Scholar Athlete Program The Catch the Stars Foundation Scholar Athlete and scholarships were designed to recognize and honor Indianapolis area students who participate in athletics, while at the same time, excel in academics and community service. One male and one female Scholarship winner is awarded a four-year renewable $5,000 (valued at $20,000) each to an educational institution of their choice. Community Stars receive $2,500 four-year renewable scholarship (valued at $10,000). Catch the Stars has given over one million in scholarships since this programs inception. Back to School Celebration For the past 20 years, the Catch the Stars Foundation has hosted this fun-filled outreach program to get local youth motivated and excited about the upcoming school year. Over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to students, grades 1 12 at this years event. The event also includes free food, bounce houses, performances by local dance groups and a community fair. Catch the Stars Youth Holiday Basketball Camp This basketball camp is in its 24th and final year of the camp, during which, it has grown to become a well-respected youth basketball camp in the Indianapolis area. Since 2001, Over 12,000 Indianapolis area youth have learned basketball fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship and goal setting through their participation to date.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 2004.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.