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Cyberup

EIN 47-5483718 · St Louis, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair65 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To elevate the cybersecurity workforce by igniting curiosity, developing talent, and transforming career pathways.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
4.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 45%
Employees
11
Volunteers
83
Highest pay
$145,316, 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: 65 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 21% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 15 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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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

    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. $769,794 spent. LevelUp: We develop candidates from overlooked backgrounds with the motivation and grit to become cyber professionals. LevelUp Training courses are designed for adults to be able to maintain their current job and busy lifestyles while pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Our Instructor-Led training class is a 6-month course that meets 1 night per week and is 100% virtual. The class focuses on CompTIA Security+ curriculum, hands-on-labs, and professional development. Candidates earn their Security+ certification at the end of the class. In 2025, 129 candidates enrolled in LevelUp Training with a total of 16,250 training hours completed. continued on schedule OLevelUp Apprenticeship: We transform how employers attract, upskill, and retain their workforce through high-quality apprenticeships. Related Training Instruction: Each apprentice receives an additional certification during their 12-month program. Certifications are customizable based on employer's needs and aligned with the future role of each apprentice. Mentorship: Apprentices have monthly check-ins with our Apprenticeship Coordinator, participate in monthly mentor meetups, and other professional development opportunities. One-to-one mentorship is available upon request. Apprenticeship Standards Management: CyberUp tracks, manages, and works directly with the DOL to ensure the successful completion of the registered apprenticeship program for every employer partner. There were 32 people empowered to pursue a non-traditional cybersecurity pathway.
  2. $197,412 spent. PowerUp: We ignite the curiosity of K-12 students to be the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow. K-8 Cyber Safety: Using industry volunteers in elementary and middle school classrooms, PowerUp creates more informed digital citizens and inspires future industry leaders with free, hands-on lessons. We supply all materials and lesson plans for these free, hands-on activities. 6-12 Career Exploration: Bring awareness of the pathways available to students, whether that be college or an alternative option, to show them how they can work in this amazing, growing industry. Share experiences and advice with future professionals. In 2025, 889 students were "ignited" through PowerUp.

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 October 13, 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 2016.

    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 October 21, 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.