Gateway to Freedom
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Gateway to Freedom is a organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and promoting community well-being by providing individuals involved in the criminal justice system with pathways to recovery and support. Through our outreach and reentry programs, we offer intensive case management, access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and connections to essential resources like housing, employment, and medical care. Our mission is to support long-term recovery, reduce recidivism, and empower individuals to lead stable, productive lives while strengthening community safety and resilience.
- Income
- $664,429
- Spending
- $475,887
- Spent on programs
- 89%
- Reserves
- 1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 99%
- Employees
- 7
- Volunteers
- 0
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
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 28% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 242% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 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.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 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 (1)
- $421,347 spent. Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program: In 2024, Gateway to Freedom's LEAD program continued to provide critical case management, substance use disorder treatment, and mental health services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, diverting them from incarceration toward community-based recovery. The program expanded its reach, serving over 100 participants throughout the year and strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement, treatment providers, and housing agencies. Participants were connected with safe housing, medical care, employment resources, and transportation assistance, resulting in measurable reductions in recidivism and improved overall stability. Outreach and Support Services: Through ongoing street outreach and a 24/7 support line, Gateway to Freedom assisted more than 400 individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises. Staff provided naloxone, hygiene kits, clothing, tents, and sleeping bags, and coordinated referrals to treatment facilities and shelters. These efforts reduced barriers to care and promoted sustained recovery for high-risk individuals in the community. Community Education and Partnerships: In 2024, Gateway to Freedom facilitated 30 training sessions for law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community partners, reaching over 200 attendees. Training topics included trauma-informed response, harm reduction, and de-escalation strategies. These sessions strengthened cross-system collaboration and enhanced the community's capacity to respond compassionately and effectively to individuals in crisis.
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
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 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 2018.
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.