Healing Hands of Joy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To improve maternal child healthcare in Ethiopia and eliminate preventable childbirth injuries including obstetric fistula
- Income
- $1.8 million
- Spending
- $1.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 68%
- Reserves
- 5.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 12
- Highest pay
- $143,912, 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
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 1% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1568% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 15 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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 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
0 of 10Did not give 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
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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, 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 (3)
- $629,274 spent. Safe Motherhood Ambassador (TM) Program Four Rehabilitation Centers provide a three week holistic healing and empowerment residential program for obstetric fistula survivors with maternal health education, family planning, nutrition, life skills, and small business support. Survivors become motherhood advocates in their villages, educating women on danger signs, identifying women who require support, and promoting facility based delivery with skilled attendants. Male family member workshops advance maternal health and equity.
- $248,655 spent. Health Systems StrengtheningIn partnership with local health facilities, Portable Ultrasound Equipment provides early detection of high risk pregnancies and complications with timely referrals for care. Maternity Waiting Room Renovation supports women traveling from remote areas to plan for a safe delivery. Healthcare Provider Training teaches warning signs, emergency obstetric care, and diagnosis and referral, delivered in a caring and respectful manner. Essential maternal medical equipment and supplies supplements this training.
- $164,636 spent. Community Awareness and Education Workshops, trainings, media, public events, and outreach unites community influencers, faith leaders, healthcare workers, students and gov't partners to raiseawareness of maternal health risks and advocates for safe motherhood practices. Educational campaigns through mobile outeach vans, market and school based events break stigma and encourage timely, skilled care. Religious leaders integrate maternal health messages into teachings that align with both faith values and health best practices.
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
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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 January 2010.
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 November 4, 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.