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Refugees Helping Refugees Inc

EIN 47-0848029 · Rochester, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak39 out of 100GovernanceGood86 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

During the year, the organization provided comprehensive support programs for refugees and clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency and integration into the community. Services included English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, individualized case management, employment readiness training, and job placement assistance. These efforts aimed to empower participants with essential skills, promote economic independence, and strengthen their ability to contribute meaningfully to their new communities. The program emphasizes community integration and skill development.

Income
$915,084
Spending
$985,103
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
-0.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 56%
Employees
0
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$67,200, supervisor

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

Weak: 39 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 57% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 34% on the year before.

  • 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

Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • 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 (4)
  1. $574,000 spent. During the year, the organization provided comprehensive support programs for refugees and clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency and integration into the community. Services included English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, individualized case management, employment readiness training, and job placement assistance. These efforts aimed to empower participants with essential skills, promote economic independence, and strengthen their ability to contribute meaningfully to their new communities. The program emphasizes community integration and skill development.
  2. $260,000 spent. The organization operated a Workforce Development Program that equips refugees and clients with the skills and resources needed to obtain and maintain employment. The program provided job readiness training, resume preparation, interview coaching, and direct job placement assistance in partnership with local employers. Participants received ongoing support to help them achieve long-term financial stability and self-reliance. Through these efforts, the organization continues to reduce barriers to employment and promote successful workforce integration for the refugee community.
  3. $110,000 spent. The organization provided comprehensive case management and legal services to support refugees and clients in achieving stability and self-sufficiency. Services included individualized case assessments, referrals, and direct assistance addressing housing, healthcare, benefits, and legal needs. The program also offered legal orientation and support through partnerships with community organizations to help clients understand their rights and navigate complex processes. These efforts ensured that participants received holistic support beyond employment or education, strengthening their overall well-being and integration into the community.
  4. $41,103 spent. Refugees Helping Refugees continued to provide comprehensive support services that empower refugees and clients to achieve self-sufficiency and community integration. Services included English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, individualized case management, employment assistance, and job placement support. Through these programs, participants gained essential language, professional, and life skills that strengthened their ability to secure employment and actively engage in their new communities. The organization's efforts promote long-term stability, skill development, and empowerment, focusing on personal growth and integration rather than immigration or legal status.

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 October 13, 2026.

  2. 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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 October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 2002.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.