Hard Knocks Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, the Hard Knocks Foundation is dedicated to providing youth services, including but not limited to mentorship, educational support, and life-skills training for at-risk adolescents. The mission is to empower youth to overcome adversity through structured programming and community engagement.
- Income
- $23,190
- Spending
- $23,879
- Reserves
- 0.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
- Highest pay
- $800, president
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $99,955 spent. Key program accomplishments for 2025 included: Job Placement Initiatives: The foundation implemented a vocational pipeline that assisted youth in identifying, applying for, and securing employment. This aligns with established sociological theories regarding the importance of "early work experience" in preventing long-term economic disenfranchisement.[1] Enhanced Mentorship Programs: With the influx of new volunteers, the foundation was able to provide more robust mentorship. These programs focused on "soft skills" development, which are increasingly recognized in nonfiction business literature as essential for modern workplace success.[2] Service Diversification: The organization expanded its reach beyond basic support to include specialized career counseling and life-skills workshops, directly addressing the multifaceted needs of its growing membership.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2010 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.