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Foster a Dream Inc

EIN 54-2064728 · Martinez, CA

Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.

LegitimacyCautionRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceGood82 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES THAT BUILD THE HOPES, DREAMS AND FUTURES OF BAY AREA FOSTER CHILDREN; AND BE A GUIDING SOURCE FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION INTO THE ADULT WORLD. OUR GOAL IS TO INVEST IN HELPING FOSTER CHILDREN BECOME PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS, SUSTAIN SUFFICIENCY BY HELPING THEM IDENTIFY THEIR DREAMS AND SEE THAT THEY GO FROM FANTASY TO REALITY.

Income
$0
Spending
$0
Employees
0
Volunteers
13
Highest pay
$307,941, ceo

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

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 14 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

    0 of 5

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

  • 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 (1)
  1. THE FOSTER A DREAM PROGRAM WAS FOUNDED WITH THE VISION TO BUILD THE HOPES, DREAMS, AND FUTURES OF FOSTER CHILDREN AND BE A GUIDING SOURCE FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION INTO THE ADULT WORLD. THE PROGRAM ORIGINALLY OPENED ITS DOORS IN JULY 2002, WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING RESOURCES TO BUILD THE HOPES, DREAMS AND FUTURES OF BAY AREA FOSTER YOUTH, HELPING THEM SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION INTO THE ADULT WORLD. THE FOSTER A DREAM PROGRAM PROVIDES FOSTER YOUTH WITH MENTORS, LIFE-SKILLS EDUCATION, COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS, AND A VARIETY OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES. COMBINED, WE EMPOWER FOSTER YOUTH TO PURSUE THEIR EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT DREAMS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OUT OF REACH OR FORGOTTEN.

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 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 November 6, 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 2024.

    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 March 2003.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Caution.

    California's Attorney General lists its registration as revoked as of December 31, 2004. Organizations on this list may not solicit donations in California.

    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.