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Operation Second Chance Inc

EIN 20-2624345 · Clarksburg, MD

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We are patriotic citizens committed to serving our wounded, injured and ill combat veterans. We support Veterans and their families by building relationships and supporting their immediate needs and interests. We promote public awareness of the many sacrifices of our Armed Forces

Income
$6.0 million
Spending
$2.5 million
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
39.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 96%
Employees
8
Volunteers
162
Highest pay
$121,033, president

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 86% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 39.7 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 59% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 99% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    95% 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • 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 (6)
  1. $897,958 spent. Providing emergency financial assistance to our nations Veterans, that are wounded, injured or ill, in the form of rent, utility and mortgage payments to prevent homelessness and evictions and flights and lodging so family members can be together during recovery. Assistance requests must come through verified caseworkers or V.A. representations. OSC is able to provide a rapid response to our Veterans needs within 24-48 hours, making payments directly to their creditors.
  2. $696,028 spent. Heroes Ridge - Situated at the top of a mountain, Heroes Ridge offers rest and relaxation for wounded, injured and ill Veterans. The property consists of 275 acres, offering 4 cabins, a dining hall, recreation center, fitness center, pool, horses, ATVs and miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and ATV rides. The property, located close to Gettysburg is rich with history of the Civil War, and offers Veterans a chance to thrive post war and get back to many of their roots.
  3. $550,494 spent. Morale, welfare, and recreation expenses to improve the morale of wounded soldiers. Activities include providing meals, cookouts, trips to the movies and a multitude of healing retreats all aimed at engaging the veterans to get back to doing the things that they loved before their injuries. Emphasis is placed on outdoor sporting activites such as adaptive skiing, horseback riding, white water rafting and fishing.
  4. $115,180 spent. Scholarship program - Scholarships are awarded to applicants that are wounded, injured or ill veterans or their direct dependents using an application process that attempts to select and award the most deserving individuals.
  5. $45,000 spent. 529 plan program - 529 plan funding is provided to applicants who are the direct dependents of wounded, injured or ill veterans.
  6. $31,808 spent. Operation Giving Back Program - Interns are mentored through employment with the organization. Qualified individuals serving as interns must be wounded, injured or ill veterans or their spouses. The program includes allowing the interns to focus on improving the well-being of caregivers with dinners, safety and educational classes, and other appropriate events.

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 July 2005.

    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.