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Minnesota Teen Challenge Inc

EIN 41-1517351 · Minneapolis, MN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to assist teens and adults in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other life controlling problems by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Income
$80.4 million
Spending
$74.4 million
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
7.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 67%
Employees
1,290
Volunteers
1,555
Highest pay
$273,236, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 17 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, 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 (4)
  1. $22.5 million spent. Residential Treatment Program Services:Our licensed substance use treatment program utilizes evidenced-based treatment models to meet the needs of the whole person. Participants receive a concentrated substance treatment curriculum in which comprehensive chemical dependency assessments lead to individualized treatment plans including group therapy and individual counseling from licensed chemical dependency counselors. We also offer life-skills development to enhance clients' coping and social skills addressing topics such as anger management, personal relationships, family dynamics, self-acceptance, and relapse prevention. During 2025, there were 2,478 clients served by this program.
  2. $29.0 million spent. Life Renewal Program:Our 12-15 month residential substance use recovery and life skills development program assists individuals in overcoming self-destructive patterns associated with their substance use while providing co-occurring mental health support and counseling. Drug and alcohol addiction studies have shown that an individual's chance for reaching long-term sobriety is greatly increased by an extended stay in a recovery program. This program incorporates a variety of evidence-based practices to address participants' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, providing a foundation for lasting recovery. During 2025, there were 1,062 clients served by this program.
  3. $5.2 million spent. Outpatient Program:Our licensed, outpatient programming offers a flexible schedule for adult clients looking for treatment options while maintaining their job, school attendance or other responsibilities. Treatment programming offers individualized treatment plans, individual and group counseling, and telehealth services. Most insurances are accepted.
  4. $4.1 million spent. Teen Challenge Leadership Institute: Our teen challenge leadership institute (TCLI) is a continued education program. This year-long school is designed for individuals who desire a structured and supervised community living environment to maintain their sobriety and effectively transition back into society.Lakeside Academy:A faith-based residential treatment center for boys aged 13-18 years, we offer licensed treatment which can range from 30 to 90 days, mental health and other counseling services, and onsite education including conventional, online, and subject based learning. Most students stay 6-12 months, depending on the individual's needs.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 2025.

    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 June 1998.

    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.