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Pathways Center

EIN 52-2456469 · Chicago, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Pathways Foundation is committed to advancing the mission and functions of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab by providing parents with free, trusted resources to effectively support their child's early development and capitalize on neuroplasticity.

Income
$2.4 million
Spending
$2.0 million
Spent on programs
97%
Reserves
6.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
12
Highest pay
$2.6 million, president, chief administrative officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (health care, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 16% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 29% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    97% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (health care, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 7 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 August 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 (1)
  1. $2.0 million spent. Pathways Foundation operates exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of and to carry out the purposes of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, dba Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. SRALab is dedicated to providing the best patient outcomes through the highest-quality clinical care, translational research, scientific discovery and education. IN FURTHERANCE OF THESE PURPOSES, PATHWAYS IS ORGANIZED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS RELATED TO INFANTS WITH A PARTICULAR EXPERTISE AND FOCUS ON ATYPICAL MOTOR, SENSORY, AND COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT AND TO CONDUCT SUCH RELATED CHARITABLE OR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. During FY25, Pathways Foundation accomplished this through the following programs. Pathways Educational Outreach: Pathways.org is dedicated to sharing information about children's development, as well as raising awareness and promoting the benefits of early detection and early intervention for babies to prevent motor, sensory, or communication delays. By providing educational resources on these topics, all children have the ability to achieve optimal development leading to improved functional independence, social and emotional well-being, and integration into the community. Using the expertise of Pathways.org Medical Round table, comprised of leading physicians, clinicians, nurse practitioners and lay advisors, we develop and disseminate print, digital, and video materials to parents and healthcare professionals, participate in professional and medical conferences, and develop continuing education programs for medical professionals. The Pathways.org materials are used worldwide and trusted by thousands of healthcare Professionals around the world. More than 600 educational websites and universities link to the Pathways.org website because they trust the information that Pathways.org provides. During fiscal year 2025, our materials were used over 69 million times across the world. All materials are reviewed by experienced pediatric speech language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists. Additionally, all milestones are validated by American Academy of Pediatrics findings. Some of the most recent projects in progress include, new features on our baby development app, 10 additional languages available, as well as 400+ videos of games and activities to promote motor, sensory, and communication development, an online course available for Continuing Medical Education credit for physicians and nurses, and 3 courses for Continuing Ed and State Licensure credit for Early Interventionists in the State of Illinois.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 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 August 2025.

    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 July 2006.

    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.