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Be Finally Free Inc

EIN 27-2564485 · Bakersfield, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair60 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 26% of its spending went to programs.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Be Finally Frees mission is to restore and equip individuals and families impacted by addiction crime incarceration and poverty by providing education instilling life skills and giving hope to overcome their circumstances. We accomplish this with significant programs including Enhanced Care Management ECM anger-management classes parenting classes unshackled success program and faith-based personal-growth workshops that promote emotional wellness recovery and self-sufficiency.

Income
$908,716
Spending
$587,089
Spent on programs
26%
Reserves
4.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 91%
Employees
8
Volunteers
30

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: 60 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 27% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 35% of income.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    26% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 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

Strong: 97 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (6)
  1. $149,639 spent. Enhanced Care Management ECM ECM focuses on vulnerable populations such as those experiencing homelessness individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders people transitioning from incarceration and high-risk children and pregnant individuals. Services are delivered in the community-where people live receive care or feel most comfortable-to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital visits.
  2. $2,170 spent. This anger management class is designed to help individuals understand the root causes of their anger and develop healthy constructive ways to manage it. Through practical tools group discussion and guided self-reflection participants will learn how to identify triggers communicate effectively and respond to stressful situations with greater emotional control. The class promotes personal growth improved relationships and long-term emotional well-being.
  3. Court-Approved Parenting and Anger Management Program 40 Weeks This 40-week court-approved Parenting and Anger Management Program is a cornerstone of our nonprofits mission to strengthen families and reduce recidivism. Designed for individuals referred by the courts probation or child welfare services the program offers a comprehensive evidence-based approach to personal growth emotional regulation and family restoration. Participants engage in structured weekly sessions that explore parenting styles examine the impact of past trauma and learned behaviors and provide practical real-world tools to foster healthier parent-child relationships. A critical focus is placed on developing emotional intelligence managing anger effectively and creating safe nurturing home environments that promote the long-term well-being of children. By equipping parents with these transformative skills the program not only addresses court mandates but also empowers participants to break cycles of dysfunction improve co-parenting communication and build stronger more resilient families.
  4. Unshackled Success: Breaking the Chains of Poverty Program Unshackled Success is a dynamic and transformative program developed to empower individuals facing the systemic and personal challenges of poverty. Rooted in education skill-building and mindset development this comprehensive course equips participants with the tools needed to achieve financial independence and long-term stability. Throughout this structured program participants gain essential skills in financial literacy budgeting and credit management while also being introduced to entrepreneurial thinking workforce readiness and global economic awareness. With an emphasis on breaking generational cycles the course fosters personal responsibility confidence and a vision for a more purposeful future. By addressing both the practical and psychological barriers to success Unshackled Success creates a pathway for participants to move beyond survival and into a life of prosperity contribution and lasting change. This program directly supports our nonprofits mission to restore hope and self-sufficiency in underserved communities.
  5. A NEW PATH FORWARD Our transformative 12-week restorative justice program empowers juvenile offenders to understand the impact of their actions make meaningful amends and successfully reintegrate into their communities. This evidence-based curriculum creates positive change through engagement accountability and healing.
  6. Street Outreach and Stabilization Program Our Street Outreach and Stabilization Program is a vital initiative designed to engage and support individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion dignity and purpose. While securing stable housing remains a primary objective our holistic approach extends far beyond shelter. Through direct on-the-ground engagement our dedicated outreach team connects individuals to essential services that are often inaccessible through traditional systems. These include comprehensive case management assistance with obtaining vital documents such as IDs birth certificates and Social Security cards and access to life skills education focused on self-sufficiency and long-term stability. This program fills critical service gaps by building trusted relationships and offering consistent personalized support tailored to each individuals needs. By addressing barriers such as unemployment addiction recovery mental health access and lack of identification we empower participants to move from crisis to stability and toward a restored independent life.

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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2013 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 September 2014.

    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 October 21, 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.