The David S Harp Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO INSPIRE, EDUCATE, AND EMPOWER "OPPORTUNITY YOUTH", TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS THROUGH MUSIC EDUCATION, SOUND ENGINEERING, AND MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION.
- Income
- $1.7 million
- Spending
- $1.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 64%
- Reserves
- 8.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 54%
- Employees
- 16
- Volunteers
- 19
- Highest pay
- $118,124, founder/executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 26% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 32% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1564% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 9 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
0 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 August 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 (7)
- $199,508 spent. BEATS BEHIND THE WALL BRINGS THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION'S RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED CREATIVE PROGRAMMING INTO JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES, OFFERING JUSTICE-INVOLVED YOUTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN MUSIC PRODUCTION, SELF-EXPRESSION, AND SKILL-BUILDING WHILE INCARCERATED. THROUGH SIX-WEEK MODULES, PARTICIPANTS LEARN CRITICAL LISTENING, SONGWRITING, AND AUDIO ENGINEERING USING INDUSTRY-STANDARD TOOLS AND WORKFLOWS. EACH SESSION IS LED BY TDHF ARTIST MENTORS WHO ARE TRAINED NOT ONLY IN THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MUSIC PRODUCTION BUT ALSO IN HEALING-CENTERED MENTORSHIP. THESE MENTORS BUILD AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUTH, HELPING THEM PROCESS COMPLEX EMOTIONS THROUGH CREATIVITY WHILE INTRODUCING THEM TO PRACTICAL SKILLS THAT TRANSLATE INTO FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES. SELECT STUDENTS WHO DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT AND GROWTH EARN OFFSITE STUDIO EXPERIENCES--SPECIAL VISITS TO TDHF'S DOWNTOWN PRODUCTION FACILITY THAT SERVE AS BOTH INCENTIVE AND INSPIRATION. YOUTH WHO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM ARE INVITED TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY UPON RELEASE THROUGH PAID INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT IN TDHF'S BIZ POD PROGRAM, WHERE THEY CAN FURTHER DEVELOP THEIR TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS.
- $159,607 spent. THE STUDENT STUDIO PROGRAM IS THE HEART OF THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION, OFFERING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS A SAFE, CREATIVE, AND RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED SPACE TO GROW THROUGH MUSIC AND MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION. THE PROGRAM OPERATES AFTER SCHOOL IN SIX-WEEK PROJECT-BASED LEARNING CYCLES, WHERE STUDENTS EXPLORE SONGWRITING, AUDIO ENGINEERING, VIDEO PRODUCTION, AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING USING INDUSTRY-STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE. ARTIST MENTORS--SOME OF WHOM ARE PROGRAM GRADUATES--GUIDE STUDENTS THROUGH THE CREATIVE PROCESS WHILE BUILDING TRUST AND OFFERING HOLISTIC SUPPORT. THESE MENTORS ACT AS CONSISTENT, CARING ADULTS WHO HELP YOUTH NAVIGATE CHALLENGES BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE STUDIO. THE PROGRAM ALSO INTEGRATES ACADEMIC SUPPORT, ALLOWING STUDENTS TO WORK TOWARD PERSONAL EDUCATIONAL GOALS WHILE ENGAGING IN CREATIVE WORK. A KEY FEATURE OF THE PROGRAM IS ITS INCENTIVE STRUCTURE: STUDENTS EARN ADDITIONAL STUDIO TIME, RECORDING OPPORTUNITIES, AND GEAR ACCESS IN EXCHANGE FOR IMPROVING THEIR GRADES OR ACHIEVING OTHER MILESTONES. THIS UNIQUE SYSTEM USES CREATIVITY AS MOTIVATION, HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE RE-ENGAGE WITH THEIR EDUCATION IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. THE STUDENT STUDIO PROGRAM SERVES AS A FOUNDATION FOR FURTHER INVOLVEMENT IN TDHF'S WORKFORCE INITIATIVES. STUDENTS WHO DEMONSTRATE DEDICATION AND GROWTH MAY TRANSITION INTO THE BIZ POD PROGRAM, WHERE THEY ARE PAID TO PRODUCE CONTENT PROFESSIONALLY. BY BLENDING ARTISTIC EXPLORATION, ACADEMIC SUPPORT, AND MENTORSHIP, THE STUDENT STUDIO PROGRAM HELPS YOUTH BUILD CONFIDENCE, DEVELOP TRANSFERABLE SKILLS, AND CONNECT WITH A SUPPORTIVE CREATIVE COMMUNITY.
- $159,607 spent. THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION'S BIZ POD PROGRAM IS A CREATIVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE DESIGNED FOR TRANSITIONAL-AGED YOUTH (AGES 1624) WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT, OR BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES HANDS-ON TRAINING IN CONTENT CREATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EQUIPPING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO THRIVE IN THE CREATIVE ECONOMY. PARTICIPANTS EARN A LIVABLE WAGE PRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO, AUDIO, AND DIGITAL CONTENT FOR PAYING CLIENTS, INCLUDING NATIONAL BRANDS LIKE SONY AND LOCAL PARTNERS SUCH AS THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO. THROUGH THIS PROCESS, YOUTH GAIN ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE SKILLS--PROJECT MANAGEMENT, CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUDGETING, AND COMMUNICATION--WHILE BUILDING A PORTFOLIO OF PROFESSIONAL WORK. EACH PARTICIPANT ALSO HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND COLLEGE CREDIT THROUGH UCSD EXTENSION, REINFORCING BOTH CAREER AND EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS. THE PROGRAM IS GROUNDED IN MENTORSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED LEARNING. ARTIST MENTORS, MANY OF WHOM ARE PROGRAM ALUMNI, GUIDE YOUTH THROUGH CLIENT PROJECTS AND PERSONAL GROWTH.
- $159,607 spent. BEATS BEYOND THE WALL IS THE REENTRY COMPONENT OF THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION'S CREATIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MODEL, SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE AS THEY TRANSITION FROM INCARCERATION BACK INTO THEIR COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAM BUILDS ON THE TRUST AND MENTORSHIP FORMED THROUGH BEATS BEHIND THE WALL, CREATING A SEAMLESS PATHWAY FROM DETENTION TO OPPORTUNITY. UPON RELEASE, YOUTH ARE MET BY THE SAME ARTIST MENTORS WHO WORKED WITH THEM INSIDE. THESE MENTORS PROVIDE RELATIONAL SUPPORT AND NAVIGATION THROUGH PROBATION REQUIREMENTS, COURT APPEARANCES, AND REENTRY CHALLENGES--WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY REENGAGING YOUTH IN THEIR CREATIVE PASSIONS. IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION'S JUVENILE COURT AND COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (JCCS), YOUTH ALSO RECONNECT WITH THEIR EDUCATION THROUGH INDEPENDENT STUDY, HOSTED ONSITE AT TDHF'S DOWNTOWN PRODUCTION FACILITY. THIS INTEGRATION OF ACADEMICS AND CREATIVITY GIVES YOUNG PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE TO EARN THEIR DIPLOMA IN A SETTING THAT FEELS SAFE, ENGAGING, AND RELEVANT.
- $55,862 spent. THE TRANSFORMATION HOUSE, ALSO KNOWN AS THE LAUNCHPAD, WAS CREATED IN RESPONSE TO A CRITICAL NEED OBSERVED WITHIN THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION'S BIZ POD PROGRAM: NEARLY 60% OF PARTICIPATING YOUTH WERE EXPERIENCING SOME FORM OF HOMELESSNESS--SLEEPING ON COUCHES, IN CARS, OR BOUNCING BETWEEN UNSTABLE HOUSING SITUATIONS. TO ADDRESS THIS, TDHF ESTABLISHED A RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM THAT OFFERS BOTH STABILITY AND OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSITIONAL-AGED YOUTH (1824) WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE. LOCATED IN SOUTHEAST SAN DIEGO--JUST BLOCKS FROM PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND SIX MILES FROM TDHF'S DOWNTOWN PRODUCTION FACILITY--THE LAUNCHPAD PROVIDES A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENT ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIP. AS YOUTH EARN INCOME THROUGH PAID CREATIVE WORK IN THE BIZ POD PROGRAM, THEY CONTRIBUTE $500 PER MONTH TOWARD RENT. THESE PAYMENTS ARE HELD IN AN ESCROW SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND REPORTED TO BUILD THEIR CREDIT. AFTER 12 MONTHS, YOUTH ACCESS THEIR FULL SAVINGS TO COVER FIRST MONTH'S RENT, LAST MONTH'S RENT, AND MOVE-IN EXPENSES FOR THEIR OWN APARTMENT. THE LAUNCHPAD HAS SINCE EXPANDED TO SERVE YOUTH THROUGH MULTIPLE REFERRAL PATHWAYS, INCLUDING THE LESS RESTRICTIVE PLACEMENT (LRP), PROBATION, AND OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS. WHILE ALL RESIDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE SAME WORKFORCE, DEVELOPMENT, MENTORSHIP, LIFE-SKILLS TRAINING, AND STRUCTURED RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMING, FUNDING MODELS VARY BY REFERRAL SOURCE. YOUTH PLACED THROUGH LRP OR PROBATION RECEIVE SPONSORED HOUSING AND COORDINATED SUPPORT FROM CASE MANAGERS, PROBATION OFFICERS WHEN APPLICABLE, AND TDHF STAFF. THE LAUNCHPAD COMBINES WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT WITH FINANCIAL LITERACY, BUDGETING, AND DAILY LIFE SKILLS. YOUTH RECEIVE WRAPAROUND MENTORSHIP FROM ARTIST MENTORS, INCLUDING REGULAR CHECK-INS, INDIVIDUALIZED COACHING, AND CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES. THE PROGRAM REFLECTS TDHF'S CORE BELIEF THAT TRANSFORMATION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH TRUST, CONSISTENCY, AND OPPORTUNITY. BY PAIRING STABLE HOUSING WITH MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT AND RELATIONSHIP-BASED SUPPORT, THE LAUNCHPAD EQUIPS YOUNG PEOPLE NOT ONLY TO EXIT HOMELESSNESS--BUT TO THRIVE AS CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT LEADERS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
- $39,902 spent. STUDIO NIGHTS IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION AND SAN DIEGO YOUTH SERVICES THAT OFFERS A CONSISTENT, CREATIVE OUTLET FOR YOUTH STAYING IN EMERGENCY SHELTERS. EACH EVENING, IMMEDIATELY AFTER CHECK-IN AT THE TEEN SHELTER, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE TRANSPORTED TO TDHF'S DOWNTOWN RECORDING FACILITY WHERE THEY ARE INVITED INTO A SAFE AND INSPIRING STUDIO SPACE. ONCE IN THE STUDIO, YOUTH ENGAGE IN SONGWRITING, MUSIC PRODUCTION, AND SPOKEN WORD SESSIONS LED BY CARING ARTIST MENTORS. THESE CREATIVE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT ONLY EXPRESSIVE BUT THERAPEUTIC--OFFERING YOUTH A WAY TO PROCESS TRAUMA, EXPLORE IDENTITY, AND FIND THEIR VOICE IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF DIGNITY AND SUPPORT. STUDIO NIGHTS IS INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED TO BUILD TRUST AND RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUTH DURING ONE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE MOMENTS IN THEIR LIVES. FOR MANY, THIS IS THEIR FIRST EXPERIENCE IN A PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE SPACE--AND THEIR FIRST EXPERIENCE BEING SEEN, HEARD, AND VALUED BY ADULTS WHO GENUINELY CARE. AS YOUTH STABILIZE AND TRANSITION INTO LONGER-TERM HOUSING, THEY ARE INVITED TO CONTINUE THEIR CREATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE STUDENT STUDIO OR BIZ POD PROGRAMS, ENSURING A CONTINUUM OF OPPORTUNITY AND SUPPORT. STUDIO NIGHTS PROVIDES MORE THAN MUSIC--IT OFFERS CONSISTENCY, CONNECTION, AND HOPE THROUGH CREATIVITY.
- $23,940 spent. THE DIGITAL ARTS PROGRAM AT THE DAVID'S HARP FOUNDATION EQUIPS YOUTH WITH TOOLS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES VISUALLY WHILE BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY. DESIGNED FOR BOTH COMMUNITY-BASED AND INCARCERATED SETTINGS, THIS 12-WEEK PROGRAM BLENDS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, HELPING YOUTH CREATE PORTFOLIOS THAT REFLECT BOTH TECHNICAL SKILL AND PERSONAL GROWTH. YOUTH USE IPAD PRO SOFTWARE INTRODUCING ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE TOOLS WHILE CREATING SPACE FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND CREATIVE EXPLORATION THROUGH PROJECTS LIKE TAKING AND TRACING A PHOTO OF THEMSELVES, REIMAGINING THEIR IDENTITY THROUGH DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION. YOUTH APPLY WHAT THEY'VE LEARNED TO COMPLETE A MENTOR-ASSIGNED STICKER DESIGN. THIS SHIFT FROM PERSONAL TO PROFESSIONAL REINFORCES DEADLINES, QUALITY STANDARDS, AND THE ABILITY TO EXECUTE ON EXTERNAL DIRECTION--ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS IN CREATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTS. THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM, ARTIST MENTORS PROVIDE CONSISTENT GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT. YOUTH NOT ONLY BUILD A CREATIVE RESUME, THEY ALSO LEARN HOW TO CHANNEL COMPLEX EMOTIONS INTO ART, DEVELOP A SENSE OF IDENTITY, AND TAKE STEPS TOWARD MEANINGFUL CAREER PATHWAYS IN THE VISUAL ARTS.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 August 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 May 2011.
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.