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Open Aid Alliance

EIN 36-3652244 · Missoula, MT

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak33 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It owes more than it owns.

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

What it says it does

Open Aid Alliance works with the unique potential of each individual to overcome stigma as they seek greater health. Multiple programs work synergistically to carry out our mission and achieve risk reduction goals.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
98%
Reserves
-0.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 91%
Employees
20
Volunteers
45
Highest pay
$70,091, executive dir.

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

Weak: 33 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 132% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    98% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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: 100 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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, 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 (4)
  1. $1.1 million spent. HOUSING PROGRAM:We operated a housing program for low-income individuals living with HIV in western Montana. This program provides housing assistance in the form of rent payments and case management to stabilize and support medical and health goals and prevent new HIV infections. 28 individuals were served through short-term rental assistance and 10 received move-in assistance.
  2. SYRINGE SERVICE PROGRAM AND "UNCOVERY" TREATMENT CENTER:The syringe service program is a community-based public health approach to prevent disease transmission, prevent overdose, and improve overall health outcomes for people who use drugs. The program includes sterile injection equipment, trains people to respond to overdose and encourages the proper disposal of used syringes. The syringe service program is a critical linkage to behavorial health, housing and medical care for people who use injection drugs. This program operates fixedlocations in Missoula and Polson and supports multiple programs across Montana. Peer support is a mutual aid support program where people connect based on shared lived experience. Our peer support program is focused on people experiencing challenges associated with substanceabuse and housing insecurity. UNCOVERY is a state approved substance use disorder treatment center providing outpatient services in a harmreduction framework including case management individuals. This allows us to meet the behavioral health needs of some of our communitys most vulnerable individuals.
  3. TESTING AND PREVENTION:In 2024, this program identified 0 probable cases of HIV after testing366 individuals. We performed 174 HCV (Hepatitis C) tests, screened 119 individuals for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, and tested 207 people for syphilis. We identified and referred to treatment 2 high-risk individuals for syphilis treatment immediately. Rates of syphilis in Montana are currently at a 60-year high. We provide low-cost screening for sexually transmitted diseases at multiple locations and community events across Montana.
  4. CONSULTING AND CAPACITY:Other activities to meet our mission.

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? 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 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 October 1993.

    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.