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Terton Sogyal Foundation

EIN 27-1221733 · New York, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE ORGANIZATION IS ORGANIZED AND OPERATED FOR EXCLUSIVELY RELIGIOUS, CHARITABLE, AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, SPECIFICALLY THE PROMOTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF THE BUDDHIST RELIGION WORLDWIDE. THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIMARY ACTIVITY IS THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR INSTITUTIONS THAT FURTHER THE PRESERVATION, STUDY, AND PRACTICE OF BUDDHISM. EXAMPLES OF SUCH INSTITUTIONS INCLUDE MONASTERIES, NUNNERIES, SCHOOLS, STUDY COLLEGES, LIBRARIES, RETREAT CENTERS, AND SHRINES. THE ORGANIZATION WILL ALSO SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF OBJECTS AND IMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRACTICE OF BUDDHISM.

Income
$51,427
Spending
$29,471
Spent on programs
68%
Reserves
Over 10 years of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 57%
Employees
0
Volunteers
0

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

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 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 83% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 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.

  • 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. $20,025 spent. PROGRAM SERVICES FOCUS ON THREE MAJOR AREAS: 1. THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF PRACTITIONERS, SCHOLARS, TRANSLATORS AND TEACHERS WHO WILL CONTINUE THE TRADITIONS OF STUDY AND PRACTICE ESTABLISHED BY SOGYAL RINPOCHE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.2. THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF RIGPA'S PRINCIPAL DHARMA CENTERS AROUND THE WORLD, IN PARTICULAR THOSE DEDICATED TO RETREAT, AND TRANSMISSION OF THE TEACHINGS, AND CARE FOR THE ELDERLY, SICK AND DYING.3. THE CREATION OF RETIREMENT CENTERS FOR SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE RIGPA SANGHA WHO HAVE OFFERED MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO SOGYAL RINPOCHE'S WORK.

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 March 2010.

    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.

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.