Optimist International
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES TO DEVELOP OPTIMISM AS A PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE, UTILIZING THE TENETS OF THE OPTIMIST CREED; TO PROMOTE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN GOOD GOVERNMENTS AND CIVIC AFFAIRS; TO INSPIRE RESPECT FOR THE LAW; TO PROMOTE PATRIOTISM AND WORK FOR INTERNATIONAL ACCORD AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG ALL PEOPLE; TO AID AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH, IN THE BELIEF THAT THE GIVING OF ONE'S SELF IN SERVICE TO OTHERS WILL ADVANCE THE WELL-BEING OF HUMANKIND, COMMUNITY LIFE AND THE WORLD.
- Income
- $28,033
- Spending
- $19,176
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 25
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- $3,160 spent. CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, NEEDY INDIVIDUALS, YOUTH PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS WHICH BENEFIT MANY PEOPLE AND KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,562 INCLUDED IN LAWFUL GAMBLING EXPENSES.
- DONATIONS TO THE CITY OF NEW ULM, BROWN COUNTY, AND NEW ULM AREA SCHOOLS IN SUPPORT OF VARIOUS PROGRAMS SUCH AS REACH OUT FOR WARMTH, LIBRARY, PARK AND REC, SAFETY PATROL, AND POST-PROM. MANY LOCAL RESIDENTS AND CHILDREN AFFECTED- $45,995 INCLUDING IN LAWFUL GAMBLING EXPENSES.
- $1,964 spent. REACHING OUT TO LOCAL YOUTH THROUGH SPECIAL OPTIMIST PROGRAMS SUCH AS ORATORICAL CONTEST, ESSAY CONTEST, VISUAL ARTS CONTEST, PHOTO CONTEST, BOY SCOUTS, YOUTH POWER, AND HONORS BREAKFAST. ALSO CANCER PROJECT FOR VICTIMS OF CANCER- $3,717 INCLUDED IN LAWFUL GAMBLING EXPENSES.
- $4,022 spent. CONTRIBUTIONS TO OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL & MEETING EXPENSES FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(4) social welfare 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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, 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 September 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 July 1958.
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.