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Blackbox Connect

EIN 46-4097971 · Palo Alto, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong92 out of 100GovernanceWeak31 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Blackbox provides intensive programs and services that connect high potential founders with the resources, knowledge and networks they need to succeed and scale their impact. Our mission is to ensure every entrepreneur regardless of geographic locations, has a shot at Blackbox

Income
$120,018
Spending
$67,472
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
10 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
2

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

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (employment, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 44% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Weak: 31 out of 100. Higher than 11% of charities in its peer group (employment, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    0 of 2 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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.

  • 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. $67,472 spent. that aplifies your visibility as an ecosystem leader, adds value to your startup community and levels up your impact on your target community. In 2017, Blackbox Connect partnered with universities, government backed entrepreneurship initiatives, startup conferences and independent accelerators to execute six (6) Blackbox ignite programs in Australia. Various expenses for program services.
  2. Connect through our flagship experience in Silicon Valley, Blackboxers: Build relationships with successful etrepreneurs, experienced venture capitalists and subject matter experts; Access resources to fuel their global expansion; Emerge as drivers of growth capable of transforming startup ecosystems into hubs of innovation Since 2011, more than 6,000 founders have applied to Blackbox Connect, and more than 400 founders from 60 countries have been selected to join our worldwide network. In that time, weve celebrated 15 exits to fuel the growth of the global venture ecosystem, 68% of alumni have Blackbox ignite. Our three day in country program, is a co-creation opportunity available to value aligned startup communities, institutional partners and othere seeking to expan their impact on their local or regional etnrepreneurs ecosystem. With handpicked speakers and mentors from our Silicaon Valley Network, we work with your team to create an experience

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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2016 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2016.

    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 May 2017.

    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.