Brandon Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE BRANDON FOUNDATION IS AN ORGANIZATION WHERE STUDENTS ARE SHOWN THE POWER OF THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED MENTORING AND FAMILY-FOCUSED SUPPORT.
- Income
- $376,894
- Spending
- $153,006
- Spent on programs
- 65%
- Reserves
- 43.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 97%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 27
- Highest pay
- $51,710, ceo/founder
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 43.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 59% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 98% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1565% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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)
- $99,715 spent. The Brandon Foundation is a transformational youth development organization committed to unlocking the full potential of underserved children and teens in Fort Wayne. Grounded in the belief that every young person is created with purpose and promise, the Foundation equips students with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to rise above barriers and build meaningful, self-determined futures. Through a long-term, relationship-centered model, the Brandon Foundation walks alongside students from elementary school through high school graduation and beyond. Its holistic after-school and mentorship program provides academic support, leadership development, life skills training, and consistent, caring mentorship. Within a safe and empowering environment, students are challenged to grow in confidence, character, and vision-learning not only to succeed, but to lead. A defining element of the program is its commitment to educational advancement. Every graduating senior is supported with a scholarship, reinforcing the Foundation's belief in their potential and investing in their next chapter. This financial support, paired with years of mentorship and preparation, positions students to pursue higher education, vocational pathways, or career opportunities with confidence and clarity. The Brandon Foundation's impact is deeply generational. Many graduates return as staff and mentors, embodying what is possible and pouring back into the next generation. This powerful cycle of empowerment transforms not only individual lives, but families and the broader community. By combining unwavering support, high expectations, and intentional investment, the Brandon Foundation is not just shaping outcomes-it is cultivating leaders, strengthening futures, and building a legacy of generational change.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. 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)(3) charitable 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? 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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 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 2014.
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.