Northern Hope Center
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of the Northern Hope Center (NHC) is to provide adults with serious mental illness relief from isolation and stigma. The center provides a member-driven, member-run, comfortable and safe place. NHC promotes empowerment by providing opportunities free from the stress, guilt, shame, and demands of society.
- Income
- $780,859
- Spending
- $704,040
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 0 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 99%
- Employees
- 12
- Volunteers
- 12
- Highest pay
- $129,396, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 24% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 35% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 72 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 9 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 (4)
- $167,258 spent. Northern Hope Center's Member Services program provides targeted financial and practical support to help members meet daily needs, reduce crises, and stay engaged in services. The program is designed to remove immediate barriers, allowing members to focus on recovery, housing, and employment. Assistance may include groceries, household items, personal hygiene and cleaning products, partial support for rent, deposits, and past-due utilities, as well as limited help with medical-related costs such as co-pays and pharmacy items. Member Services also supports transportation through taxi vouchers and other rides for medical appointments, job interviews, housing appointments, and essential errands. Laundry tokens, clothing, and limited gift cards for groceries, gas, or essential retail are provided when needed. Support is based on clear criteria and documented need, and staff work with each person to connect this assistance to simple, concrete goals such as keeping appointments, completing applications, or starting a new job.
- $418,813 spent. Northern Hope Center operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering a safe, structured drop-in environment for adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring challenges. While at the center, members have access to two meals per day (breakfast and lunch), with options to eat onsite or take meals to go. They can use computers, internet, and phones to manage benefits, housing, job search, and telehealth appointments, relax in a comfortable lounge with television and reading materials, and participate in craft and art activities led by staff, volunteers, or members. Food is purchased from local grocery stores, prepared at the center, and supplemented with donations from the Fairbanks Community Food Bank and member contributions. Donated food is either prepared onsite or sent home with members. The center functions as a consistent, stigma-free hub where people can eat, rest, connect with peers, and work on personal goals.
- $22,956 spent. Case management and peer support are central to Northern Hope Center's model in FY 2025. The Case Manager and peer staff provide one-to-one assistance to help members navigate complex systems and sustain progress over time. This includes help with identification, Social Security applications, Medicaid and other benefits, housing applications, landlord communication, and tenancy issues. Staff also support members in scheduling and preparing for medical, behavioral health, and court appointments and coordinate with Tribal health organizations, community mental health providers, shelters, and justice partners. Basic budgeting, planning, and problem-solving skills are incorporated into this work, enabling members to strengthen their daily stability. Staff maintain regular contact, track progress, and adjust plans as needs change, which allows members to make measurable gains in housing, benefits, and treatment engagement.
- $95,013 spent. During FY 2025, the Northern Hope Center will also expand and strengthen its services to better meet member needs. Peer crisis and stabilization activities offer de-escalation, safety planning, and warm handoffs as alternatives to unnecessary emergency room or jail involvement. Supported employment services help members and transition-age youth create resumes, conduct job searches, complete applications, prepare for interviews, and receive on-the-job support. At the same time, staff foster relationships with local employers. Housing navigation and tenancy support are organized to increase placements and housing stability. The Center is also extending developmentally appropriate peer support and skill-building to youth and young adults experiencing behavioral health, housing, or income instability. Together, these activities align Member Services, drop-in supports, case management, and program expansions into a coordinated, member-centered system that promotes quality of life, stability, and long-term outcomes.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.