Stand a Chance
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
STAND A CHANCE is dedicated to the prosperity of children growing up with an incarcerated parent. Through scholarships mentorships and ongoing character-building programs we provide viable opportunities along with the support and encouragement that may have been missing throughout their childhood. Our ultimate mission is to empower these resilient teens to aim higher so we can break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration in the United States.
- Income
- $74,473
- Spending
- $74,943
- Reserves
- 0.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 57%
- Highest pay
- $21,050, director of operations
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 20 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.1 months of spending.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 87% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, 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 June 30, 2026, 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)
- $200 spent. FAFSA FRIENDLY - The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming for an any kid but for at-risk youth it is crucial for them to latch on to career aspirations early on. STAND A CHANCE took this program to numerous high schools and extended the invitation to other at-risk youth groups. Altogether this program served 1548 high school students and one of them became a scholarship recipient. The program consisted of a presentation on potential careers and the educational requirements for each. Numerous careers have emerged in recent years such as a drone pilot or a career in AI. Most often student aid is available for trade schools as well as traditional universities. Many students are intimidated by the FAFSA application so we broke it down and explained eligibility for the Pell grant which is 7,395 this year----grant not loan. Undoubtedly this program is another low cost success. The high schools welcome us and many of them have donated to STAND A CHANCE.
- $200 spent. WINNING WITH WRITING - An ongoing monthly creative writing workshop on effective storytelling and expressing opinions on paper. Kids have anxiety when required to write an essay for admissions. We cover the advantages of AI but also why an applicant should not rely too heavily on it. We hosted an online Discussion Board which is an initially anonymous opportunity to connect with other kids with an incarcerated parent. We served 50 students in this program and many attend every month. Their goal is producing an unforgettable essay that leads to an acceptance letter. Upon request we divert at times to other tasks such as effective resume writing. We have competitions with a shared topic and polish up public speaking skills by reciting them in front of the others. This task unleashes the creativity buried under low self-esteem. The workshop promotes self-confidence and overcoming social anxiety. It is a no cost but incredibly productive workshop that they look forward to all month.
- $400 spent. Angel Tree Camp led by the STAND A CHANCE team facilitated the attendance of four first-time campers at the June 22-26 session tailored for children with incarcerated parents. The Uskichitto Retreat Center in LeBlanc LA situated on Whiskey Chitto Creek offered a 120-acre haven where campers engaged in activities like horseback riding and zip-lining fostering a supportive environment shared with peers facing similar challenges. To ensure their participation our staff accompanied the campers for the initial day enhancing their sense of camaraderie. The campers expenses were fully covered by the Prison Ministry sponsorship with the only cost incurred being the 294-mile round trip for transportation.
- $100 spent. The Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana instructed our group in a Simulation Learning course performing CPR on adults and children integrating comprehensive AED certification compliant with OSHA standards. This training provides a valuable skill set pertinent in any working environment and a formidable addition to any resume. With first responders averaging 8-12 minutes these skills should be appealing to any employer. Eight students earned certification which is valid for two years. This course is 50 but our participants received a reduced fee of 20 by donating blood. The Red Cross instructor shared inspiring stories of practical life lessons captivating the audience with every word. This course demonstrated the impact of volunteer work in a community and the powerful gift of saving a life. We did this twice offering the opportunity to not only our group but to other groups we partner with. This certification is invaluable for our students and a mini-fundraiser.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, 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 June 2026.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Worth knowing.
Recognized by the IRS in December 2025. It is too new to have a track record.
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.