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Founders Hall Foundation Inc

EIN 31-1776375 · Ridgefield, CT

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

FOUNDERS HALL IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A DIVERSE PROGRAM OF SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR TODAY'S ACTIVE SENIORS IN A WARM, FUN, AND STIMULATING ATMOSPHERE.

Income
$1.9 million
Spending
$1.4 million
Spent on programs
81%
Reserves
31.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 46%
Employees
61
Volunteers
150
Highest pay
$83,903, executive director

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 31.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 27% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 18% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    81% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 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 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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, 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)
  1. $444,552 spent. Semester Programs: In 2025, Founders Hall provided lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities to 3,900 members, with 6,293 seats filled across academic, arts, and hobby programs. More than 75 instructors offered courses in subjects including history, literature, science, technology, music, art, and current events. Programming expanded to include evening classes, new shorter-term workshop formats, and emerging topics such as artificial intelligence. New offerings included weaving, mosaics, line dancing, and a highly popular course on popular music and history. Programs were offered both in person and virtually to ensure broad access and community engagement.
  2. $345,736 spent. Fitness Programs: Founders Hall recognizes that lifelong learning is supported by physical well-being. In 2025, members participated in a wide range of fitness classes designed to promote strength, balance, flexibility, and overall health. Offerings included stretching, core strengthening, aerobics, basketball clinics, pickleball, yoga, and related activities. Classes were provided in person and virtually to ensure broad accessibility and continued engagement.
  3. $311,203 spent. Social Events and Trips: Founders Hall brings together adults age 60 and over to build friendships, share experiences, and find connection in a welcoming and supportive environment. In 2025, members gathered for a variety of social activities, including parties, tournaments, and other community-building events. New in 2025, Community Table lunches featured local organizations, providing members with opportunities to learn about and connect with community resources while enjoying the company of fellow members. Organized trips included a lighthouse cruise and a visit to the Pumpkin Blaze, further enriching social engagement and shared experiences.

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

  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 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 2025.

    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 2001.

    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.