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The Hams Harm Reduction Network Inc

EIN 68-0657296 · New York, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceGood88 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The HAMS Harm Reduction Network provides information and support for people who wish to reduce the harm in their lives cause by the use of alcohol or drugs. HAMS neither encourages nor condemns alcohol use or alcohol intoxication. HAMS recognizes recreational intoxication as a reality and seeks to reduce harms associated with it. HAMS believes in the autonomy of the individual and supports each individual's choice of a goal vis a vis alcohol - whether the goal is safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting. HAMS supports every positive change. The focus of HAMS is alcohol harm reduction, but users of any substance are welcome. HAMS offers support via live and online groups and offers information via the web and printed page. HAMS support groups are lay-led and free-of charge.

Income
$3,819
Spending
$2,387
Spent on programs
57%
Reserves
7.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 60%
Employees
0
Volunteers
15

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

Governance

Good: 88 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (mental health, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 (3)
  1. $552 spent. HAMS Information Program: This program initiative provides individuals with information about how to reduce the harms in their lives caused by the use of alcohol or engagement in other addictive or high risk behaviors. The focus is on offering individuals evidence-based behavioral change strategies, techniques, and exercises which they can implement by themselves in a self-help fashion. This how-to self-change information is offered via the printed page and web page and may also be offered via other media such as video, audio, etc. This information is also offered to professionals who wish to work with individuals who are following an alcohol harm reduction plan. Information is offered to help individuals attain goals of safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting alcohol altogether. The success of this program is measured in terms of the number of books sold and number of hits on the web site.
  2. $677 spent. HAMS Support Network Program: Offers live and online support meetings for people who are seeking to make any positive change in their drinking habits. Success of this program is measured by counting the number of members in the groups and number of messages posted to online groups.
  3. $130 spent. HAMS Outreach Program: Our outreach program seeks to connect individuals who are having problems with alcohol or other addictive or high risk behaviors with the information and/or support which they need to modify or overcome these problematic behaviors. Our outreach program also reaches out to mental health, substance abuse, and other professionals to introduce them to the existence of the HAMS program and to offer them new options for helping their clients via harm reduction. Success is measured by counting the number of clicks on Google AdWords, number of downloads of podcasts and videos, number of facebook likes, etc.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 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 July 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 2007.

    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.