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Hand2paw Foundation

EIN 45-1208489 · Philadelphia, PA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair64 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

HAND2PAW'S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUTH, AGES 16-24, WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSECURITY OR FOSTER CARE INVOLVEMENT, AS A MEANS OF ENHANCING RESILIENCE, COMPASSION, AND CONNECTION WITH PEOPLE, ANIMALS AND THE COMMUNITY. WE ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL THROUGH PROVIDING PAID INTERNSHIPS WORKING WITH HOMELESS ANIMALS, AS WELL AS, A CURRICULUM OF PROGRAMMING THAT DEVELOPS EMPATHY, SELF EFFICACY AND TRANSFERABLE WORK SKILLS.

Income
$430,164
Spending
$480,903
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
3.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 91%
Employees
14
Volunteers
16

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

Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 15% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 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: 97 out of 100. Higher than 96% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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 (2)
  1. $397,551 spent. PROVIDE PAID INTERNSHIPS AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING FOR AT-RISK YOUTH, AGES 16-24, FACING CHALLENGES INCLUDING HOUSING INSTABILITY AND FOSTER CARE BACKROUNDS.PARTICIPANTS GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE CARING FOR SHELTER ANIMALS AND SUPPORTING PET OWNERS IN NEED WHILE DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS THROUGH A STRUCTURED CURRICULUM AND STAFF MENTORSHIP. OUR PROVEN MODEL ACHIEVES OVER AN 80% SUCCESS RATE, WITH GRADUATES SECURING EMPLOYMENT OR CONINUING EDUCATION UPON PROGRAM COMPLETION.
  2. N/A

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2012.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.