American Friends of the Erhard-Jensen Ontological Phenomen
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The primary purpose of the American Friends of the Erhard-Jensen Ontological/Phenomenological Initiative referred to as The Initiative is to stimulate and support research into the study and teaching of the ontological/phenomenological laws of human nature and human behavior, and the impact of these laws on life, living, and self. The Initiative also stimulates and supports research into the application of the ontological/phenomenological laws to the lives of individuals and human entities to reliably and significantly elevate human performance and quality of life. this includes all areas of living across the entire spectrum of human activity such as individuals, families, and public & private organizations such as partnerships, corporations, non-profit & educational entities and public agencies & governmental entities. The Initiative also brings the ontological/phenomenological model and methodology to education-including research, course development, and teaching. Finally, The Initia
- Income
- $28,919
- Spending
- $22,139
- Reserves
- 15.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- 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
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 December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 72 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (3)
- WERNER ERHARD LIBRARY FOR LEADERSHIP STUDIES: On June 5, 2024 California State University at Fullerton broke ground on the building that will house the Erhard Institute for Leadership Studies, and will make Werner Erhard's work available for academic research, and be the "home" for the Werner Erhard and Michael C. Jensen course "Being A Leader and the Effective Exercise of Leadership: An Ontological / Phenomenological Model".
- FUNDRAISING FOR THE WERNER ERHARD LIBRARY FOR LEADERSHIP STUDIES: A group of volunteers, led by the Chairman of the Board, are actively raising funds for the Erhard Institute for Leadership Studies. During 2024 they continued to identify persons familiar with Erhard's work, developed lists of potential donors, and continued fundraising activities.
- ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND TEACHING: More than 50 institutions worldwide teach the Werner Erhard and Michael C. Jensen course "Being A Leader and the Effective Exercise of Leadership: An Ontological / Phenomenological Model or a version of it. Faculty at those institutions continue to conduct research into the efficacy of the ontological and phenomenological principles behind the Leadership Course.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.