Vigilant Hope Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Embodying Christ's love through mercy, justice, and service, it addresses the needs of those experiencing poverty and marginalization by equipping others to foster collective action for a flourishing city across socio-economic, racial, and cultural lines.
- Income
- $723,509
- Spending
- $711,051
- Spent on programs
- 84%
- Reserves
- 1.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 62%
- Employees
- 29
- Volunteers
- 300
- Highest pay
- $65,702, former executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 24% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 21% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1584% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 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
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 December 31, 2024, 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)
- $381,266 spent. Community Ministry and OutreachThe organization's street outreach team conducted community events to address food insecurity by distributing meals and connecting individuals to partner agencies offering housing, employment, and health resources. The team also recruited, trained, and supported volunteer groups to operate mobile shower units, promoting hygiene and dignity for unhoused individuals. Additionally, the training team facilitated immersive and classroom-based learning experiences to equip individuals facing hardship and empower community members seeking to serve effectively.
- $217,781 spent. Community Hospitality InitiativeThe organization operated a wholesale coffee roasting initiative and a community cafe to support its exempt purpose of fostering cross-cultural connection, economic opportunity, and community engagement. The cafe provided a welcoming space for all individuals, created employment opportunities for people experiencing poverty, and supported a minority-owned small business through affordable rental space. These activities also served to raise awareness of the organization's mission and amplify the voices of marginalized community members through events and storytelling.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2014 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2014.
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 December 2024.
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 September 2014.
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.