Advocates for Africa Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
AFA is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families in Rwanda and other African communities through education, compassionate care, and community support. We work to provide hope and sustainable opportunities by facilitating access to educational programs, family assistance, and holistic child development initiatives.
- Income
- $6.3 million
- Spending
- $1.1 million
- Reserves
- 41.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 85%
- Employees
- 8
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $149,700, accountant
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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 41.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 11% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 82% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 70% on the year before.
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: 50 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 6 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
0 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 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 (3)
- $255,992 spent. During the year, Advocates for Africa continued advancing its charitable mission through child sponsorship and educational support programs. The organization provided tuition assistance, educational materials, academic instruction, counseling services, and spiritual mentorship to vulnerable children. Additional support included food assistance and other welfare services aimed at improving the overall quality of life and long-term development of participating children and families.
- $839,534 spent. These expenses were related to the operation of Advocates School in Rwanda. The Advocates Christian Academy is a primary and middle school located in Bugesera (Ruhuha), Rwanda, established by Advocates for Africa to provide education and digital skill building in a rural, impoverished community.
- $86,929 spent. Short-term mission trips are a huge part of our ministry. They create lasting value for both the communities being served and those who participate. They provide practical support through projects, education, medical care, and ministry while encouraging local churches and building meaningful relationships. At the same time, participants grow in their faith, develop a deeper understanding of different cultures, and return home with a renewed passion for serving others.
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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2017 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2017.
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 December 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 December 2017.
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.