Optimist International
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE: TO DEVELOP OPTIMISM AS A PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE USING THE TENENTS OF THE OPTIMIST CREED; TO PROMOTE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN GOOD GOVERNMENT AND CIVIC AFFAIRS; TO INSPIRE RESPECT FOR LAW; TO PROMOTE PATRIOTISM AND WORK FOR INTERNATIONAL ACCORD AMONG ALL PEOPLE; TO AID AND ENCORUAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH IN THE BELIEF THAT GIVING OF ONE'S SELF IN SERVICE TO OTHERS WILL ADVANCE THE WELL BEING OF HUMANKIND, COMMUNITY LIFE AND THE WORLD.
- Income
- $83,774
- Spending
- $61,181
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- N/A
- $46,686 spent. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES: CONDUCT YOUTH PROGRMAS TO PROMOTE RESPECT FOR LAW, CIVING RESPONSIBLITY, RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT, AND ENHANCE COMMUNITY LIFE, PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE CHILDHOOD CANCER CAMPAIGN WHICH RAISES FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND HELPS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH CANCER THROUGH A LOCAN OGANIZATION CALLED GROWING HOPE.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 1958.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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 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.