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Ashas Refuge

EIN 45-2620705 · Memphis, TN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Inspired by the love of Jesus, Ashas Refuge restores hope, dignity, and confidence by providing trauma-informed immigration support, education, crisis-response services, and job-skills training through apprenticeship opportunities for displaced individuals and families.

Income
$372,375
Spending
$322,583
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
3.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 50%
Employees
5
Highest pay
$46,500, founder and board president

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

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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: 91 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (3)
  1. $275,941 spent. General Refugee / Asylee Assistance, Family Services and Immigration Support: Ashas Refuge provided trauma-informed family services and immigration navigation to displaced individuals and families. Services included cultural orientation; assistance with class enrollment and referrals to English/ESL programs; connections to one-on-one tutors and mentors; conversational English groups; transportation to essential appointments; interpretation assistance; guidance navigating medical, educational, and community systems; assistance with rental housing navigation; and job search support, including employment research, job applications, coaching, and onboarding assistance. Through partnerships with several Memphis-area immigration law firms, the organization provided immigration navigation and case support related to family reunification, asylum, lawful permanent residency, and naturalization. In 2025, the organization served approximately 1,200 individuals.
  2. $1,433 spent. Next Generation Youth and Young Adult Program: Ashas Refuge provided educational mentoring and support to youth and young adults working toward high school completion, college readiness, and employment. Services included assistance with enrollment in online and partner high school diploma programs, provision of supplies, technology orientation, connections to tutors and mentors, and life-skills and job-readiness guidance. The program also offered internship opportunities for college students. In 2025, the organization served approximately five individuals through its Next Generation program.
  3. $1 spent. Apprenticeship and Job Skills Training Program: Ashas Refuge provided job-skills training and paid apprenticeship opportunities for displaced individuals pursuing employment and career pathways. Apprentices received hands-on training, mentorship, and work experience in areas such as immigration services, community outreach, administration, office and reception skills, data entry, accounting, and other vocational tracks. The program emphasized workplace readiness, life-skills development, business communication, and community service. In 2025, the organization served approximately seven apprentices through its apprenticeship program.

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 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 2025.

    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 March 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.