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Vita Nova Inc

EIN 65-0298299 · West Palm Beach, FL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ and other homeless youth ages 18-25 in Palm Beach County through supportive housing, education, employment and life skills training.

Income
$3.9 million
Spending
$4.1 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
2.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 55%
Employees
42
Volunteers
30
Highest pay
$182,065, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 14% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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 September 30, 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 (4)
  1. $509,561 spent. Vita Nova Independent Living Services (VNILS)Vita Nova is the county's main provider for young adults from the foster care system, choosing Post-Secondary Education Supports and Services (PESS) and Aftercare Services. Young adults in the PESS program receive assistance with enrolling, maintaining, and completing their post-secondary education, including certification for a trade. This program also assists young adults with financial literacy, housing, and other support to help them complete their education. Young adults enrolled in Aftercare Services receive support from Vita Nova in the areas of housing, mental health, wellness, tutoring, substance abuse, counseling, and financial assistance. Both services provide a bridge for young adults between the ages of 18 and 23 years old so they can continue to get help after traditional child welfare services have ended. Finally, Vita Nova currently provides case management services for the Fostering Youth to Independence (FYI) HUD Program. Individuals in this program receive a three-year housing choice voucher through HUD, and for the first eighteen months, they receive case management services from a Vita Nova Life Coach.Vita Nova served 102 young adults through Vita Nova Independent Living Services this year. > 65% of young adults involved in PESS [Post-Secondary Education & Supports]. > 50% of young adults utilize Aftercare services. > 65% of young adults were enrolled full time at an approved post-secondary educational institution. > 94% Overall Client Satisfaction indicated by young adults served.
  2. $837,511 spent. Vita Nova HousingVita Nova Housing is a transformative program designed to empower youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by helping them develop the skills necessary to live independently. The program focuses on five core areas: financial literacy, social and emotional health, vocational training, educational planning, and health and wellness.Through Vita Nova Housing, youth are connected with dedicated housing case managers and receive hands-on training in essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, managing personal finances, preparing for employment, and maintaining physical and mental well-being.This year, Vita Nova proudly housed and supported a total of 134 youth across its housing and assistance programs-demonstrating the organization's ongoing commitment to long-term, sustainable impact.Vita Nova Village Transitional Living served 53 young adults, providing stable housing and comprehensive life-skills development to support their journey toward independence.Through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP)including Rapid Rehousing, Transitional Housing, and Diversion services - 58 youth received individualized housing support.FAA Permanent Supportive Housing offered long-term stability to 9 youth.Boynton Beach Youth Haven provided 14 youth with rental assistance and case management services.The Housing Plus Low-Acuity Youth Program supported 18 youth in low-barrier, supportive housing environments.Key Outcomes:Youth in Vita Nova Housing gain valuable financial literacy skills to manage their money confidently and responsibly.Every resident receives comprehensive life skills training that prepares them for success in employment, education, housing stability, health, and overall well-being.The Vita Nova Housing Team continues to be a beacon of hope offering not just housing, but empowerment, opportunity, and the critical tools young people need to achieve a self-sufficient future.
  3. $1.9 million spent. The SpotVita Nova operates the only drop-in center for homeless youth and youth at-risk of homelessness in Palm Beach County, called the Spot. The Spot is in West Palm Beach where it is a safe and non-judgmental center for youth ages 18-25 years old. The Spot team readily provides access to many of the services and resources required to help transition a youth quickly from experiencing homelessness to safe housing and aid with basic needs. The Spot team consists of an Intake Specialist providing youth with their initial contact for services and assessment of their needs, a Licensed Clinical Therapist to address overall wellness, a Health Care Specialist helping youth find affordable health care insurance and connections to health care professionals and services, Employment Case Managers to help youth connect to employment opportunities, life skills, and education assistance; and an Outreach Coordinator that provides linkage to the community to provide resources and information on services that is provided by the Spot to other organizations and community youth. The Spot features a computer lab, shower, music therapy room, laundry services, clothing closet, kitchen, and food pantry with shelf stable foods and fresh produce and meats, hygiene, and health essentials.The Spot served 450 youth during the current year.> 81% of Disconnected youth received Pathways to Employment referrals connecting them with employment opportunities including job search skills training and post placement support. > 47% of Disconnected youth received Mental Health referrals including trauma informed care.> 46% of Disconnected youth received Healthcare Coordination referrals and assistance. > 100% of all youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness participate in Intake and Assessment services resulting in linkages to community supports.The Spot drop in center provided the following services:> 644 Clothing Closet units to 127 unduplicated youth providing them with basic clothing needs as well as appropriate apparel for job interviews and on the job requirements.> 1,797 Food pantry units to 211 unduplicated young people offering them healthy nutritional food and hygiene products that are otherwise not available to them.> 405 on site showers to 81 unduplicated homeless youth in our safe and clean place to take care of their personal hygiene.
  4. Other accomplishments including thrift store operations.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 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 September 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 November 1998.

    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.