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Dallas Education Foundation

EIN 20-5533398 · Dallas, TX

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the Dallas Education Foundation is to inspire community investment that accelerates success for all 140,000+ Dallas ISD students. As the non-profit, philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD, we align with the districts strategic initiatives and partner with our citys business leaders, residents, and philanthropic community to raise funds for programs that enrich the lives of our students. Through generous contributions from private individuals and our corporate and philanthropic partners, the Dallas Education Foundation drives innovative programming, provides our students with fundamental needs, and supports our teachers to ensure the greatest impact possible.

Income
$2.5 million
Spending
$2.9 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 88%
Employees
1
Volunteers
19
Highest pay
$19,615, executive dir.

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

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 32% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 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 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    19 of 19 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 (1)
  1. $2.6 million spent. Through generous contributions from private individuals and our corporate and philanthropic partners, DEF drives innovative programming, provides our students with fundamental needs, and supports our teachers to ensure the greatest impact possible. DEF aligns and collaborates with Dallas ISDs Academic Services, Strategic Initiatives, School Leadership, Information Technology, Operations, and Human Capital Management Departments to ensure our funding initiatives are aligned with the strategic priorities of Dallas ISD. Driving Postsecondary Success - $242,775 DEF grant to Dallas ISD for a suite of AI tools to analyze middle school math classroom artifacts, providing data-driven feedback to enhance instructional coaching, and drive continuous improvement. September 4, 2025 Driving Postsecondary Success $213,285 DEF grant to Dallas ISD for a Career Exploration Trailer. July 31, 2025 Driving Postsecondary Success - $218,175 DEF grant to Dallas ISD for a 2nd Career Exploration Trailer and Mobile Lab equipment and wrap purchase to deploy in 2025-2026 school year. October 17, 2025

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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2016 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2016.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since March 2019.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 2026.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: The Dallas Foundation (Dallas, TX), EIN 75-2890371. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.