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First 72

EIN 47-1833909 · New Orleans, LA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood86 out of 100GovernanceFair60 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

Our mission is to stop the cycle of incarceration by fostering independence and self-sustainability through education,stable and secure housing & employment, health care, and community engagement. Through the leadership and wisdom of formerly incarcerated people themselves, the First 72+ transforms the re-entry experience into one that builds on the strengths and abilities of people returning home from prison and ensures that they, their families, and their communities are given the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive.

Income
$2.9 million
Spending
$1.5 million
Spent on programs
63%
Reserves
10.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 88%
Employees
21
Highest pay
$173,209, executive dir.

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

Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 47% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 77% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    63% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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

Fair: 60 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 (4)
  1. $622,950 spent. Economic Empowerment: Our Economic Empowerment Department works to enable clients to achieve economic independence and stability through comprehensive support and resources. We address key areas such as banking, transportation, housing, employment, credit, financial literacy, and investing.
  2. $384,703 spent. HOUSING FOR FORMELY INCARCERATED PEOPLE; WE PROVIDED FREE EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND SUPPORTIVE WRAP AROUND SERVICES TO PEOPLE RECENTLY RELEASED FROM JAIL AND PRISON WE ALSO FINISHED DESIGNS, SECURED CONSTRUCTION PERMITs. IN 2023 WE FINISHED BUILDING A NEW TRANSITIONAL HOUSE TO ADD 8 ADDITIONAL BEDS TO OUR PROGRAM. WE ALSO PROVIDED HOUSING VOUCHERS TO SUPPORT TRANSITIONS INTO INDEPENDENT LIVING.
  3. $266,523 spent. MISC PROGRAMS TO SERVICE CLIENTS, INCLUDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, LEGAL SERVICE CLINIC AND SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR.
  4. $213,760 spent. CASE MANAGEMET: WE PROVIDE CASE MANAGEMENT TO CLIENTS. THESE SERVICES INCLUDED IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUAL MILESTONES AND ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH MEETING THOSE MULESTONES. THE MILESTONES ARE ORIENTED TOWARDS REJOINING THE WORKFORCE, SECURING STABLE HOUSING, ACHEIVING FINANCIAL SECURITY, GAINING TECHNOLOGY LIFE SKILLS, ADDRESSING ISSUES RELATED TO METNAL / PHYSICAL / EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND RECONCILING WITH FAMILIES

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 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 September 7, 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 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.