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Z Girls Foundation

EIN 47-1091362 · Bellevue, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair66 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

ZGIRLS EQUIPS GIRLS WITH THE TOOLS AND PERSPECTIVE THEY NEED TO BE CONFIDENT, CENTERED, AND COURAGEOUS.

Income
$582,839
Spending
$581,752
Spent on programs
58%
Reserves
4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
7
Volunteers
65
Highest pay
$108,234, co-founder & executive director

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

Fair: 66 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 16% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 0% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    58% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 30 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

Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    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, 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 (2)
  1. $336,001 spent. ZGiRLS Confidence Program - The ZGiRLS Confidence Program is our flagship 4-week online program serving middle school girls (ages 1114) across the country. Co-taught by trained facilitators and Olympic/professional female athletes, the program helps girls develop a growth mindset, build self-worth, navigate challenges, and advocate for themselves. In 2025, we served 604 girls across 27 states and 256 schools, with 524 participating in our online programs. 77% of participants received scholarships, ensuring access regardless of financial circumstances. 68% of participants identified as BIPOC, and our mentor team reflected that diversity. Program evaluations showed strong impact, including an increase in average confidence from 3.3 to 4.2 out of 5, with 100% of participants reporting they are more likely to use ZGiRLS skills in their daily lives. This program remains our highest-impact and most in-demand offering. Continued on Schedule O...
  2. PART III, LINE 4A: Scholarship Program Our scholarship program ensures equitable access to the ZGiRLS Confidence Program for girls from underserved communities. In 2025, we upheld our 100% acceptance rate for scholarship applicants, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent participation. 77% of girls served received scholarships, with many participants qualifying for free or reduced lunch. We do not separate or reduce the experience for scholarship recipientsevery girl receives the same curriculum, athlete mentorship, and program materials. This program is essential to ZGiRLS mission of eliminating self-limitations for all girls, regardless of income or background. PART III, LINE 4A: Peer Mentorship Program The ZGiRLS Peer Mentorship Program, launched as a pilot, is designed to extend confidence-building beyond the core program by fostering connection and community among participants. High school girls (ages 1518) who have completed the ZGiRLS program are paired one-on-one with middle school girls (ages 1114) currently enrolled. Mentors provide weekly encouragement, guidance, and support through simple check-ins, helping mentees apply ZGiRLS confidence skills in their daily lives. The program strengthens leadership and confidence in mentors while reinforcing skill application, belonging, and self-worth in mentees. This initiative creates a meaningful continuation of the ZGiRLS experience and supports sustained impact beyond the initial 4-week pro PART III, LINE 4A: Confidence Through the Holidays is a 60-minute virtual workshop designed to equip middle school girls with tools to navigate holiday-related stress and build confidence. Participants learn to identify what is within their control, communicate effectively using I feel statements, and manage social media comparison. The program also introduces practical self-care strategies and guides each participant in creating a personalized plan to stay grounded and confident. Through interactive activities, reflection, and skill-building exercises, girls develop emotional awareness, resilience, and the ability to advocate for themselves. This workshop is rooted in the ZGiRLS curriculum and focuses on strengthening confidence during a time of heightened social and emotional pressure.

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 November 2014.

    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.