Heart of Niko Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Heart of Niko Foundation provides financial assistance to young athletes who demonstrate passion character and determination but face financial barriers that limit their ability to participate in organized sports. The Foundation was created in memory of Niko Perazza a talented young athlete who loved baseball and basketball and played both sports with passion joy and heart. In December 2022 Niko was diagnosed with LMNA dilated cardiomyopathy a rare and life-threatening heart condition. Despite the diagnosis Niko continued to live with courage humor determination and faith working tirelessly to return to competitive sports. Niko unexpectedly passed away on January 9 2026. Nikos resilience and perseverance inspired the creation of the Foundation that is dedicated to providing financial resources to baseball basketball and softball players in need of assistance to continue playing their games and in turn develop important skills linked to success in adulthood.
- Income
- $147,721
- Spending
- $6,073
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 (1)
- The Heart of Niko Foundation was created to expand opportunities for youth athletes who demonstrate passion determination and character but face financial barriers that limit their ability to participate in organized sports. Our grant program focuses primarily on athletes participating in baseball softball and basketball the sports that Nicholas "Niko" Perazza loved and played with passion and joy. Through financial assistance for equipment league fees travel costs training and camps the Foundation helps ensure that young athletes can continue to compete develop and grow through sports. To date the Foundation awarded $14,300 in grants assisting 5 athletes. The impact on these athletes extends far beyond athletics. Participation in sports fosters discipline leadership resilience teamwork and confidence. These skills shape young people into stronger students teammates and future community leaders. By removing financial barriers to participation the Heart of Niko Foundation helps ensure that young athletes are not excluded from opportunities that can positively influence their personal development and long-term success. Through these efforts the Foundation transforms Nikos powerful story of perseverance into meaningful opportunities that benefit youth families and communities. The Heart of Niko Foundation measures the success of its grant program through both direct and long-term outcomes. Key performance indicators include: number of youth athletes receiving grants annually amount of financial assistance distributed for sports participation number of athletes supported in baseball softball and basketball programs continued athletic participation of grant recipients personal development outcomes reported by families coaches and athletes. In addition the Foundation tracks how financial assistance directly removes participation barriers allowing athletes to join teams access training opportunities and compete in events they otherwise would not have been able to afford. Through these measurable outcomes the Foundation ensures that funding is translated into real opportunities for youth athletes while maintaining transparency and accountability for supporters and grant partners.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Worth knowing.
Recognized by the IRS in November 2025. It is too new to have a track record.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 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.