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Operation Help a Hero

EIN 27-1438256 · Rcho Sta Marg, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair57 out of 100GovernanceGood75 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Operation Help a Hero is dedicated to the well-being and care of our American military members, supporting military units and families during times of crisis, deployment and need.

Income
$776,547
Spending
$787,994
Spent on programs
98%
Reserves
0.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
1,000

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

Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    98% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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.

  • 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 (5)
  1. $556,954 spent. Operation Christmas Spirit - Served every branch of service in 177 units at 34 bases worldwide. We helped 421 families with a full Christmas, 5,200 single service members with gifts and/or gift cards, 7,796 toys were provided to children (in addition to family adoptions),and facilitated 31 unit Christmas parties.
  2. $172,269 spent. Operation Rack Pack - Served 5,210 single service members welcomed home from deployment with gifts, made beds, drinks, toiletries and sentiments of gratitude awaiting them in their barracks rooms.
  3. $21,788 spent. Operation Enduring Support and Unit Support - Helped 148 families in crisis and, in addition to our regular programs, provided 6200+ service members and 1700+ families at additional morale boosting events. Events supported include an Army Ball, regimental rugby competition, regiment wide family day carnival and other events.
  4. $13,905 spent. Operation Baby Shower - Served 42 new and expecting mothers with a spouse deployed with celebratory, pampering showers and gift baskets, gift cards or assistance. Provided childcare for 13 children during the event. Provided 3 additional moms in crisis with diapers and baby baskets.
  5. $5,568 spent. Operation Camp Joy served 127 children with a parent deployed with a day long camp. Provided 73 parents on the home front gifts and a much needed break.

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 April 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.