Keys to Be the Change Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To provide programs, education, awareness and oportunities that empower children, youth, and adults to improve health, wellness and skills for success in school and in life.
- Income
- $150,522
- Spending
- $119,488
- Reserves
- 15.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 83%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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)
- $28,276 spent. The MORE Literacy Program focuses on mentoring students in elementary and middle school who are reading at least 6 months below grade level. Youth leaders, community volunteers and/or a Literacy Coach are in the schools every day. The MORE Literacy Program receives referrals from school administrators, literacy coaches or teachers. We provided one-on-one reading support to reluctant readers, which increases reading skills.
- $74,754 spent. The Kids Win:Pathways to Success Mentoring Program (KW:PT) serves high-risk youth ages 10-18. Administrators, school based truancy teams, guidance counselors, teachers, parents, peers and/or community partners such as the Children's Shelter, Department of Juvenile Justice and/or Take Stock in Children refer youth to the Kids Win Mentoring Program. The mission is to engage underperforming students who are truant and/or are failing at least one core subject. The goal is to reduce truancy and improve grades. Mentors help students develop positive personal relationships; develop life skills; offer support and encouragement; improve time management skills; help students feel respected; develop a sense of trust with an adult; help set goals, improve grades and attendance. Our hope is that the mentor will help the student make healthy lifestyle choices and create a life without drugs, alcohol or violence. There are thirty-eight students in this program. Current success rate is 70% in improving grades and/or decreasing truancy.
- $1,638 spent. High school students are involved in educational, cultural and skill building activities that empower them to make positive changes in their lives and in their community. This program generates interest from many students who are looking for community service hours in their high school years. They participate in monthly drug, alcohol and violence prevention programs as addressed by the national organization, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). They also participate in events such as Red Ribbon Week, Veterans' Day, Unity Day, Martin Luther King Day, Wounded Warrior Welcoming, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Earth Day, and Human Trafficking Awareness campaigns. This program builds leaders for the future and promotes empathy in our society.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 2025.
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 August 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.