National Foundation for Autism Research
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR) is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals by empowering them with equitable opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and lifelong success, thereby strengthening the communities we serve.
- Income
- $2.1 million
- Spending
- $1.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 89%
- Reserves
- 12.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 49%
- Employees
- 17
- Volunteers
- 188
- Highest pay
- $169,916, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 12.1 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 21% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 26% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 (2)
- $1.3 million spent. According to the CDC, autism affects 1 in 31 persons in the U.S. today, equating to more than 30,000 individuals in San Diego. And yet, only 15 of this population can find and secure employment. Since 2015, NFAR has been opening doors to competitive, integrated employment for those with autism and helping those with barriers to employment gain economic mobility and stability. We do this through our comprehensive, autism-specific, vocational training programs, NFAR Works, NFAR Tech, and NFAR IT/Cyber, with certifications and work experiences that help prepare individuals for entry-level jobs in the fields of office and manufacturing environments, software testing, and cybersecurity industries that offer opportunities for professional growth and advancement, benefits and more. Employment is so much more than a paycheck. Employment provides a way to become more self-reliant and start realizing their dreams, and opens up opportunities for professional growth and developing a social network of coworkers.
- $400,730 spent. Each year, NFAR works with educators at the classroom, school and district levels from early childhood to transition age. Through proceeds of their annual Race for Autism, NFAR funds technology and academic initiatives that address key areas of concern for their autistic students, such as social skills training, developing effective communication skills for verbal and non-verbal students, and sensory and behavioral issues that can interfere with learning.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2004.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.