Family Lines
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Using fishing as our flagship activity, we provide inspiration, resources, and experiences aimed at helping fathers (and father figures) stay present and engaged in their children's lives - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - especially during the most formative (teen) and impactful (post-teen) years.
- Income
- $184,690
- Spending
- $208,722
- Reserves
- 7.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 81%
- Highest pay
- $88,000, founder chariman
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
Good: 74 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 13% of income.
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 (3)
- $45,461 spent. Expeditions: Our single and multi day trips, and shoulder to shoulder workshops, are the "hands" of Family Lines - helping dads by providing them a chance to break the everyday routine and spend intentional focused time reconnecting with their children. In 2025 we hosted 32 days worth of expeditions for 124 people. This included hosting: 70 adults and kids through 6 of our 1 day family fly tying events in MT, 4 fathers/child pairs for a 3 day "rod to river" expedition in MT, 9 father/son pairs for a 7 day AK retreat, 3 husband/wife pairs for a 5 day fishing expedition in WA, and 22 adults and kids through 11 single day fishing outings in MT.
- $35,137 spent. Equip & Educate: Our curricula and trainings are the "heart" of Family Lines - helping dads, and leaders of other dads by giving them tools, training, and inspiration to awaken and encourage the fathers they lead in their churches and communities. In 2025 our "Mending Lines" videos were viewed by 6,120 people on Right Now Media, impacting an estimated 25000-35000 people in total (according to Right Now Media). 83 small group facilitators across the country downloaded our "Mending Lines" facilitator curriculum, increasing our small group reach by an estimated 600+ fathers in 2025. At the end of 2025 "Mending Lines" was in 50 states and multiple countries. In addition to this we hosted virtual trainings designed to equip facilitators who gather and lead small groups of fathers and children on a regular basis. We also hosted a monthly "Dadvocate" group for fathers around the country who were looking for support and encouragement. This dynamic group averaged 6 dads per month from all different time zones in the US. Additionally we spoke 5 days, at 3 family events, to 600+ parents/children, bringing a message to help challenge and inspire fathers to "stay engaged and finish strong" in the lives of their kids and family.
- $12,175 spent. Fly Fishing Academy: The Family Lines Fly Fishing Academy is a Program of Family Lines, providing opportunities for families and others to enjoy time together while learning more about fly fishing. Our FLFFA increases exposure and awareness to the greater work of Family Lines, and the money brought in from the FLFFA contributes to the overall organizational financial health and sustainability of Family Lines. Our message to participants is often "All proceeds from our FLFFA go to the greater work and reach of Family Lines. So, not only are you (and yours) getting a fun day of fly fishing together, but you are also helping a family you will never meet. Thank you!" There were 19 days with 53 people in 2025.
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 September 7, 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 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 2025.
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 January 2010.
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.