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Big Red Barn Retreat

EIN 47-1047721 · Blythewood, SC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

PROVIDES PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND TRAINING BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH FOR THE MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNITIES SO THEY CAN THRIVE AND LIVE THE LIFE THEY DESIRE.

Income
$2.2 million
Spending
$2.0 million
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
23.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 81%
Employees
19
Volunteers
200

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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 23.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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, 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 (8)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Warrior PATHH: This flagship program is a comprehensive 90-day journey that starts with a 5 day intensive session that is hosted on site. The program is a peer-to-peer adult experiential learning program. The indoor and outdoor model of training is designed to facilitate post traumatic growth, helping participants transform struggles into profound strength after experiencing traumas throughout life. The small group all male or all female cohorts produce up to 150 graduates annually.
  2. $248,841 spent. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL): These services utilize the healing power of horses to aid in emotional healing and personal development. EAP provides structured therapy sessions involving horses, while EAL focuses on experiential learning, enabling participants to build trust, self-awareness, and communication skills.
  3. $134,106 spent. Struggle Well: This program is a preventive, culture impacting training program for first responders, active duty military, guard and reserves, with collaborative training provided to community supporters, corporate investors, state and local leadership and employees. Training focus is on awareness and skill building in PTG concepts and principals through 1, 2 or 5 day training sessions. Training is flexible and deliverable to organizations seeking to create and cultivate culture of metabolizing stress in healthy ways.
  4. $108,827 spent. Other Programs
  5. $67,345 spent. Gardening: Engaging in gardening at the retreat provides a therapeutic and nurturing experience. Participants can connect with nature, experience the joy of growing food that will feed future classes, and find solace in the serenity of the garden.
  6. $59,430 spent. Healing Art, Yoga & Tai Chi: The Big Red Barn Retreat offers a range of holistic practices to promote emotional and physical well-being. Through healing art, yoga, and tai chi, Veterans and First Responders can explore creative expression and find relaxation, balance, and mindfulness in a welcoming environment.
  7. $56,143 spent. Meditation and Transcendental Meditation: Meditation practices are available to help individuals reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and cultivate inner peace. Transcendental Meditation is a specific technique offered to help Veterans and First Responders experience profound relaxation and personal growth.
  8. $961 spent. Farm to Table Cooking Classes: Participants can learn about healthy nutrition and culinary skills through farm-to-table cooking classes. This service promotes self-sufficiency and empowers Veterans and First Responders to make wholesome food choices.

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

  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 2025.

    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 April 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.