Passes our checks

Hillel the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life

EIN 20-1744245 · San Luis Obispo, CA

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

What it says it does

Enriching the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (religion, under $250k).

Reserves
20 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 3.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15
Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15
Income rose 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 15
58% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 26 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 53 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (religion, under $250k).

Independent board
25 of 25
12 of 12 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
0 of 10
Did not give 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10
Reports 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

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

Programs described in its return (1)

$146,985 spent. San Luis Obispo Hillel offers a wide variety of programs to students and the general community. These activities are planned by student leaders and our staff to create an inspiring array of Jewish cultural and religious activities. We do not discriminate among the many types of Judaism or those who are interested in Jewish traditions and culture. Jewish Life - We celebrate Shabbat, Havdalah and Holidays together. We bring in speakers on Jewish topics and engage in Jewish cultural experiences. We provide safe space for students to share their personal issues. We convene interfaith dialogue with the campus community partners and provide support to those who experience anti-Semitism. Israel - San Luis Obispo Hillel fosters a connection to Israel. Students travel to Israel, participate in Israel related activities on campus and engage in discussions with key individuals on topics related to Israel.General Programming - We host Kosher BBQs, socials, beach days, craft nights, game and trivia nights, just to name a few. We go on hikes, host yoga and meditation classes, organize retreats, support students and provide study and discussion sessions. This is all done to provide a safe space for students to mingle and establish a sense of community and family while away from home.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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? Worth knowing.
Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 December 1993.
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.