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El Pozo De Vida

EIN 45-3459007 · Santa Ana, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair68 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Human trafficking rescue, restoration and rehabilitation of human trafficking victims.

Income
$1.0 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
97%
Reserves
1.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 98%
Employees
0
Volunteers
45
Highest pay
$11,000, 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

Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 19% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    97% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 18% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 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 (1)
  1. $1.0 million spent. El Pozo de Vida structures its work around three strategic pillars: Prevention,Intervention, and Restoration, addressing human trafficking across its full continuum. In 2025, the organization reached over 21,000 people through these combined efforts. Prevention 21,044 people reached in 2025 Prevention efforts focus on populations disproportionately vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, strengthening protective factors and reducing risk through education, community engagement, and cultural change. * Students, Parents, and Communities 12,739 reachedEducational workshops for youth, families, educators, and institutions focused ononline safety, bullying prevention, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. * Migrant Communities 2,200 reachedPrograms equipping migrants with tools to identify and prevent trafficking risks,alongside child-centered activities that build self-esteem, body awareness, andabuse-prevention skills. * Child Trafficking and Forced Begging 1,423 reachedHuman rights education and self-protection workshops for children in situations of forced begging, paired with community-based efforts addressing drivers ofexploitation. * Men and Masculinities 4,682 reachedEngagement of men and boys in reflection on healthy versus harmful masculinity,addressing demand and behaviors that perpetuate trafficking. Intervention 257 people supported in 2025 Intervention programs provide relational, harm-reduction support to women in situations of prostitution, prioritizing dignity, trust, and access to care. * Community Center (La Merced) 110 women supported A safe and welcoming space offering meals, workshops, therapy, tutoring, and community-building activities that foster stability and empowerment. * Red-Light District Outreach 147 women reachedRegular outreach in red-light districts focused on relationship-building, emotionalsupport, and connection to services, providing moments of safety, care, and hope forwomen experiencing ongoing exploitation. Restoration 39 survivors supported in 2025 Restoration services provide intensive, long-term support for survivors as they heal, regain stability, and move toward independent living. * Safe House 25 girls supportedA specialized witness protection program for minors awaiting testimony against theirtraffickers, providing 24/7 holistic care, individualized education plans, legalaccompaniment, and therapeutic support. * Transition House 7 young women supportedHousing and reintegration support for young women transitioning from the SafeHouse to independent living, including education or employment placement, mentorship, and continued therapy.* Nunay Social Enterprise 80 women mentored; 7 survivors employedA survivor-led jewelry social enterprise providing dignified employment, skillsdevelopment, and mentorship, supporting economic independence and long-termreintegration.

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 May 2013.

    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.