A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We improve lives by advacing lung cancer research, education and support.
- Income
- $1.3 million
- Spending
- $1.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 71%
- Reserves
- 9.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 9
- Volunteers
- 330
- Highest pay
- $123,317, executive director (6/16-12/31)
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 9.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1571% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 17 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 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
10 of 10Gave 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
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 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)
- $482,168 spent. Lung Cancer Education: Education is a critical component to improve outcomes and save lives. Through comprehensive education efforts we increase awareness, empower patients, and equip providers with the latest knowledge. Public Education: Through targeted awareness efforts, we emphasize the importance of screening and early diagnosis, when treatment is most effective. By reducing stigma and increasing knowledge, we aim to improve early detection rates and radon awareness and ultimately increase survival. Patient Education: We provide accessible, patient-centered education through YouAndLungCancer.org, which features easy-to-follow learning modules and downloadable infographics. In addition, the Midwest Lung Cancer Summit brings together patients, caregivers, and families for in-depth education and connection. These resources equip individuals affected by lung cancer with the knowledge needed to navigate their diagnosis and care with confidence. Provider Education: We support healthcare professionals through specialized education programs, including the Rural Lung Cancer Summit and Biomarker Summits, which bring providers together to connect, collaborate, and share practical strategies to improve lung cancer survival. With a focus on biomarker testing, screening, and the unique challenges faced in rural and underserved communities, these initiatives advance personalized care and help ensure patients receive timely, evidence-based treatment regardless of geographic location.
- $283,697 spent. Lung Cancer Research: A Breath of Hope advances innovative lung cancer research aimed at improving early detection, expanding treatment options, and increasing survival rates. The organization focuses its research investments on early-career researchers, supporting the next generation of scientists and clinicians dedicated to lung cancer. By investing in emerging talent, we help retain bright minds in the lung cancer field and drive fresh ideas and innovation. Our research efforts emphasize translational research to accelerate progress toward more effective, personalized treatment.
- $254,953 spent. Lung Cancer Support and Community Building: We provide comprehensive support services to ensure individuals and families affected by lung cancer do not navigate their journey alone. We build a strong, inclusive lung cancer community where individuals feel connected, supported, and empowered. Key support offerings include: Support Groups: Professionally facilitated groups provide safe, compassionate spaces for individuals living with lung cancer and those who are grieving to share experiences. Transportation Assistance: Ride support helps patients access critical medical appointments and treatments, reducing barriers to care. Physical & Mental Health Support: Resources and programs support overall well-being, addressing both the physical and emotional impacts of living with lung cancer. Diet & Nutrition Guidance: Education and resources help individuals maintain strength and improve quality of life through informed nutrition choices. Peer-to-Peer Mentoring: One-on-one connections match individuals with mentors who have shared experience, offering personalized guidance, encouragement, and hope.Key community-building efforts include: Walk, Run, and Rally Event: This event brings the community together to raise awareness, inspire hope, and honor those impacted. Lifestyle & Wellness Events: Gatherings focus on connection and well-being providing uplifting experience such as painting classes and other fun activities. Open Community Space: An open door and welcoming environment offer a place for individuals to connect, talk, reflect, access resources, or simply spend time with others who understand their experience. Peer Connection Opportunities: Informal opportunities to build relationships help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging among patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Source: Form 990 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 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 December 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 December 2008.
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.