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Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation Inc

EIN 61-1337601 · Louisville, KY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The KFC Foundation fulfills its mission through programs that provide scholarships and educational support, hardship assistance during times of crisis, personal development opportunities, and investments that strengthen local communities.

Income
$5.8 million
Spending
$7.5 million
Spent on programs
96%
Reserves
13.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 93%
Employees
0
Volunteers
11
Highest pay
$173,011, secretary/executive director

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

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 13.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 7% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 28% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 14% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    96% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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 December 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 (4)
  1. $6.1 million spent. Scholarship Program: This program provides KFC U.S. restaurant employees with the opportunity to apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their educational dreams at the accredited two-year or four-year college, trade school, or graduate program of their choice. Team members may reapply annually and can receive scholarship funding multiple times throughout their educational journey. In 2025, the program awarded scholarships to 338 recipients and provided tuition assistance to 211 students attending Western Governors University.
  2. $340,221 spent. Hardship Assistance Program: This crisis assistance program is available to KFC U.S. restaurant employees who have been directly impacted by a severe hardship, crisis, or catastrophic incident that was beyond their control. The purpose of the program is to provide temporary, limited financial relief. While money can't eliminate the sorrow, it can eliminate the added stress that often accompanies it. In 2025, the program provided relief for 151 team members.
  3. $635,000 spent. Kentucky Fried Wishes: KFC restaurant employees can nominate their local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for a $10,000 capacity building grant from the KFC Foundation. In 2025, the KFC Foundation granted 60 Kentucky Fried Wishes grants.
  4. $194,380 spent. Hardship Assistance Program: This crisis assistance program is available to KFC U.S. restaurant employees who have been directly impacted by a severe hardship, crisis, or catastrophic incident that was beyond their control. The purpose of the program is to provide temporary, limited financial relief. While money can't eliminate the sorrow, it can eliminate the added stress that often accompanies it. In 2025, the program provided relief for 151 team members. Savings Match Program: This financial wellness program supports KFC U.S. restaurant employees in building savings habits and improving financial stability. Participants contribute weekly and are matched by the KFC Foundation after a six-month savings period. The program encourages positive financial behaviors, reduces financial stress, and helps employees build emergency savings through education and incentive-based support. Mental Health Program: This program provides KFC U.S. restaurant employees with access to confidential, online counseling through BetterHelp. Eligible team members and their dependents receive six therapy sessions with licensed providers for personal and work-related challenges. In 2025, the program provided access to mental health services for 55 team members, resulting in 165 therapy sessions being utilized.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 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 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 June 1999.

    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 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.