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Persevere

EIN 47-1039429 · Salt Lake Cty, UT

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak47 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

To empower justice-involved individuals at risk for further justice involvement to succeed as productive members of society.

Income
$13.0 million
Spending
$13.0 million
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
0.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 92%
Employees
214
Volunteers
89
Highest pay
$129,582, interim ceo

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: 47 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 61% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 14% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, 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. $11.0 million spent. Education - Persevere integrates industry-recognized technology education with comprehensive support services to ensure incarceration impacted individuals have the resources needed for long-term success. In 2024, more than 1,200 individuals were enrolled in educational programs nationwide, and hundreds of graduates secured employment in technology and related fields. Persevere also connects with employers, workforce boards and community organizations to expand second chance hiring and align training with industry demand. Persevere's recidivism rate remains below 2 percent, compared to the national average of 44 percent, demonstrating the transformative impact of education, employment, and holistic support on successful reentry. Graduates have become homeowners, entrepreneurs, and mentors, proving that, with opportunity, support, and belief in their potential, second chances truly lead to lasting change. To further ensure success, Persevere provides wrap-around services, such as mental-health support, digital access, transportation assistance, case management, housing stability, and employment preparation. These services support approximately 250 families impacted by incarceration. Persevere's comprehensive approach combining technology education, employment, mental-health support, family stability, and housing continues to transform lives and communities.
  2. $187,322 spent. On the Job Training - Persevere's on-the-job-training program provides employment opportunities for graduates as software developers and technical professionals. Through client projects, graduates gain real-world experience while delivering high-quality IT solutions to corporate and nonprofit partners. Several graduates now serve as instructors, team leads, and mentors, illustrating the success of Persevere's full-circle model from training to employment to leadership.

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 November 6, 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 January 2015.

    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 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.