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Passes our checks

Afe Foundation

EIN 26-4207421 · Vista, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We are committed to identifying the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of amniotic fluid embolism and bring our information and resources to healthcare providers and impacted families through our education and support programs.We also strive to be the light guiding those impacted by an AFE through their physical and emotional recovery as they navigate their way forward.

Income
$380,821
Spending
$286,435
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
48.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 87%
Employees
3
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$91,192, executive dir.

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 48.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 25% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 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 73% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 9 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 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 (1)
  1. $240,686 spent. The AFE Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to identify the underlying causes of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and to develop effective diagnostic tools and targeted treatments that can save the lives of women and infants affected by this rare and often fatal condition. Our work extends beyond researchwe are equally committed to providing critical education and support to healthcare professionals and families through robust, evidence-based programs and resources.In the past year, weve expanded our reach and deepened our impact: Launched a clinician-focused educational course, Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Practical Approach Released a new, user-friendly website Published several new research papers and expert opinion pieces Delivered 25 lectures at conferences and hospitals across the countryThese efforts build on our internationally recognized research program and our educational initiatives, which continue to be highly sought after by providers across disciplines in labor and delivery. Weve also developed a global network of support for those affected by AFE, offering compassion, guidance, and community to help families navigate their recovery journey.The AFE Foundation proudly underwrites the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Registry and Biorepository in collaboration with leading researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. This initiative enables in-depth study of both individual and aggregate cases. The biorepository houses critical specimens used in ongoing proteomic and genomic research. Findings from this work have led to multiple publications in respected medical journals, particularly in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and critical care.As a leading patient advocacy organization, the AFE Foundation maintains an influential presence in maternal health and safety. We hold positions on several national boards and initiatives, including: CDCs Partnership for Reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement Obstetric Life Support Study Californias Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review MoMMAs Voices, a national coalition focused on maternal healthThrough our educational toolsincluding online courses, simulation toolkits, webinars, symposiums, and publicationswe continue to empower healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge needed to improve outcomes for patients experiencing AFE.In addition, we remain a beacon of support for affected families. Approximately 2,300 families each year receive direct assistance from the Foundation, helping them manage the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that often follow an AFE event.Today, the AFE Foundation continues to be the leading source of accurate, up-to-date information for patients, families, and healthcare professionals worldwide.For more details about our programs and services, please visit: www.afesupport.org.

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

  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? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 2024.

    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 November 2012.

    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 November 4, 2026.

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

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Ab Foundation (Washington, DC), EIN 27-5278038. 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.