Square Roots
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To cultivate a thriving and equitable community by providing exceptional and accessible culinary experiences, while empowering young adults (18-24) with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities necessary for successful careers in the hospitality industry and beyond.
- Income
- $12,500
- Spending
- $12,500
- Reserves
- 0 months 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)
- $12,500 spent. During the 2025 fiscal period, Square Roots focused on the critical pre-operational infrastructure required to fulfill its mission to cultivate a thriving and equitable community. The organization achieved the following milestones in carrying out its exempt purposes: Site Feasibility and Design: The organization successfully completed comprehensive architectural and site feasibility assessments leading up to its primary hospitality laboratory at the Historic Coliseum Building (2708 East Lake St). This achievement ensured the 6,600 sq. ft. facility is technically equipped to serve as both a high-volume community kitchen and a professional vocational classroom. This professional due diligence secured the physical foundation necessary to provide "exceptional and accessible culinary experiences" to the East Lake corridor. Strategic Capacity Building: Square Roots engaged specialized fundraising and strategic consulting services to secure a $1.95M annual operating model. These services were essential in establishing the Food Access Fund, which will subsidize restaurant ingredient costs to ensure high-quality menu options remain affordable for the community. Programmatic Mentorship Framework: The organization formalized its Culinary Advisory Board, engaging industry leaders support a 22-week residency curriculum. While the program remained in the ramp-up phase, these professional services established the mentorship, certification standards, and job-placement protocols required to empower the inaugural cohort of 26 disadvantaged young adults scheduled for the 2026 residency launch. Persons Benefited: While direct service to apprentices and diners commences in the subsequent fiscal period, the 2025 achievements established the operational capacity to benefit 26 young adult residents annually and provide food equity access to an estimated 15,000+ neighborhood residents through the subsidized dining program.
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 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 October 13, 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 September 2025.
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 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.