Guiding Stars an Anthony C Richardson - Lee Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Guiding Stars is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The organizations primary exempt purpose is to support and empower youth particularly those involved in or at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system through comprehensive programming focused on workforce development social and emotional learning and positive youth development.
- Income
- $338,855
- Spending
- $87,590
- Spent on programs
- 34%
- Reserves
- 39.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 0
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: 85 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 39.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 74% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 63% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1534% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Good: 74 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 4 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.
Independent check of accounts
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
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, 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)
- $30,163 spent. Guiding Stars partnered with the Philadelphia Youth Advocacy Program PYAP to offer comprehensive support services to youth involved in or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. The services provided included mentorship case management support social-emotional learning and life skills development. The goal was to reduce recidivism rates and encourage positive behavioral outcomes. Through this collaboration more than 100 youth received consistent guidance structured programming and access to resources promoting stability personal growth and successful community reintegration. In another initiative Guiding Stars collaborated with the Philadelphia Youth Network PYN WorkReady Program to facilitate workforce development opportunities for youth. The program aimed at supporting summer employment across Philadelphia offered job readiness training career exposure and subsidized work experiences to enhance essential workplace skills. Over 100 youth were actively engaged acquiring hands-on work experience financial literacy and professional skills crucial for long-term employment success. Furthermore Guiding Stars implemented structured social and emotional learning SEL programs to bolster youth development outcomes. These services focused on enhancing emotional intelligence conflict resolution abilities decision-making skills and self-awareness. The integration of these programs across all service areas ensured a comprehensive approach to supporting youth. Participants in these programs serving over 100 youth collectively experienced improved interpersonal skills heightened confidence and enhanced capabilities to navigate personal and professional environments.
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
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 November 6, 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 December 2023.
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 November 4, 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.