Youth Activism Project
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Youth Activism Project teaches teens movement-building skills to make policy impact at all levels of government. We envision a world in which youth activism is the norm, not the exception. We know that even though many young people are not old enough to vote, they still wield real influence with elected officials and other decision-makers. Our organization promotes youth-organized campaigns in the US and abroad that diagnose problems and propose solutions to their local decision makers and officials (like school board members), community elders, and elected officials.
- Income
- $285,671
- Spending
- $257,314
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 1.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 91%
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 4
- Highest pay
- $102,246, chief executive officer
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
Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes -9% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 24% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 39 out of 100. Higher than 11% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 4 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (3)
- $85,771 spent. Youth Activism Project engaged youth participants in the Big Read program, using Circe by Madeline Miller to explore themes of power, identity, and narrative building. Youth engaged in facilitated discussions and workshops utilizing YAP's civic-engagement training tools to strengthen their storytelling, critical thinking, and community-leadership skills.
- $85,771 spent. YAP hosted a summer internship program centered on the themes of healthy hydration and healthy democracy. Interns received training in civic engagement, public narrative, research, and community outreach. Participants contributed to youth-led projects promoting public-health awareness and democratic participation while developing skills in analyzing problems, proposing solutions, and engaging peers and decision-makers
- $85,772 spent. YAP trained youth to advocate for policies addressing flavored tobacco products and tobacco taxation. Participants examined public-health impacts, developed advocacy messages, and engaged in outreach supporting stronger youth-protection policies. Through this campaign, youth practiced policy analysis, message development, and direct advocacy to promote healthier community environments.
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
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.
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? 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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2004.
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.