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United Methodist Family Services of Virginia

EIN 54-0505969 · Richmond, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Shineforth Child & Family Services is the unwavering champion that every child deserves, and our vision is to strengthen humanity, one child at a time. Shineforth operates eight offices across Virginia and offers more than a dozen programs, including therapeutic foster care, adoption, two private day schools, and residential treatment for youth.

Income
$25.3 million
Spending
$23.5 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
15.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 59%
Employees
409
Volunteers
1,100
Highest pay
$439,335, president and ceo

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

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 94% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 15.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 19% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 19 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

    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 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)
  1. $8.7 million spent. The Child & Family Healing Center at Shineforth (CFHC) serves children and teens ages 11-17 who are navigating emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. CFHC provides 24-7 supervised care in a modern dormitory-style setting that offers all residents private bedrooms and bathrooms. CFHC served 80 youth in FY25, and 87% self-reported being satisfied with their treatment. (Expenses $ 3,061,059 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 204,985) ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE COMMUNITY-BASED FAMILY SUPPORT, CASE MANAGEMENT, MENTORING AND POST-ADOPTION SERVICES.
  2. $5.8 million spent. In our Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program, we support foster children and teens who have faced trauma, abuse, or medical and behavioral challenges by connecting them with dedicated foster families. We provide extensive training and ongoing support to ensure our 100 state-wide families offer the stability and care these children need. As a result, our foster parent utilization and retention rates remain high. And the impact is profound-87% of foster youth report feeling satisfied with their treatment, and more than 60% transition into a permanent family setting or adoption. Shineforth's therapeutic foster care program served 141 children and teens in FY25 and served families across Virginia with around-the-clock support, ongoing training, and respite care.
  3. $897,605 spent. UMFS PROVIDES A RANGE OF ADOPTION SERVICES. Adoptive parents take on an incredible journey-one filled with love, resilience, and challenges. Children and teens who have experienced foster care, private, or international adoption often carry deep emotions that require patience, understanding, and expert support. That's where UMFS steps in. Our adoption social workers, therapists, and adoptive parent liaisons empower families with the skills and resources needed to foster trust and stability. Our extensive expertise in foster care and adoption connects families with the right people, programs, and tools for success and we offer 24/7 crisis support. In 2025 Shineforth's adoption services reported 47 finalizations through collaborative programs and provided 273 families with post-adoption services. (Expenses $ 3,061,059 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 204,985) ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE COMMUNITY-BASED FAMILY SUPPORT, CASE MANAGEMENT, MENTORING AND POST-ADOPTION SERVICES.
  4. $3.1 million spent. ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE COMMUNITY-BASED FAMILY SUPPORT, CASE MANAGEMENT, MENTORING AND POST-ADOPTION SERVICES.

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

  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 June 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 May 1958.

    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.