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Operation Warm Wishes

EIN 47-5508965 · Tustin, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair64 out of 100GovernanceWeak46 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

DEDICATED TO HELPING AND SERVING THE HOMELESS, TROUBLED YOUTHS, STRUGGLING FAMILIES, VETERANS AND SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEED THROUGHOUT ORANGE COUNTY.

Income
$213,827
Spending
$205,317
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
0.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
40

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

Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Weak: 46 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    1 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • 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, 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 (6)
  1. $183,537 spent. General Assistance Grants and Grants given at events
  2. $2,880 spent. The Great Food Shopping Spree for Children in Need - This unique shopping spree event will offer each participating child $40 to purchase a variety of groceries, including cereals, pasta, canned goods, meats, fruits, and vegetables. To foster financial literacy and responsibility, the children will be paired with shopping coaches community members, and studentswho will assist with budgeting and shopping decisions. The event is designed not just to provide food, but to also impart valuable life skills in budgeting and cooperation.
  3. $2,397 spent. 17th Annual Fundraiser Gala Event - An Evening of EleganceThis prestigious fundraiser dinner is set to take place at The Black Marlin in Old Town Tustin celebrating 17 years of heartfelt service and impactful contributions to the homeless, youth, and families in need.
  4. $2,300 spent. The Gift of Giving Christmas Celebration - -Free Laundry Service: To support those in need, providing clean clothes for the holiday season.-Pancake Breakfast: A delicious, warm breakfast to start the Christmas day right.-Toy Giveaway: Spreading joy with gifts for children to make their holiday memorable.
  5. $500 spent. The Ultimate Food Drive 4th oof July - Massive food drive, goal of filing U-Haul truck with non perishable food for distribution to individuals and families.
  6. $339 spent. Mothers Day Tea Party & Breakfast and Clothing Expo Giveaway - This Mothers Day event is set to be a heartwarming occasion where families can enjoy a morning filled with delightful tea, delicious breakfast, and a joyous atmosphere. The event is open to mothers of all ages and their families. The highlight of the event is the Clothing Expo Giveaway, where mothers and their families will have the opportunity to receive free clothing. This giveaway is a gesture to acknowledge the tireless efforts and unconditional love of mothers everywhere.

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 February 2016.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Operation Warm Inc (Glen Mills, PA), EIN 38-3663310. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 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.