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Partners for Peace

EIN 77-0408564 · Salinas, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceGood70 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Partners For Peace is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong families and safer communities throughout Monterey County. Founded on the belief that peace is possible when families are supported and empowered, the organization provides a continuum of evidence-based programs that strengthen parent-child relationships, foster positive youth development, and reduce risk factors associated with violence and substance use. Through family education, youth mentoring, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships with schools, agencies, and local leaders, Partners For Peace creates opportunities for children, teens, and caregivers to learn, grow, and thrive together. With a focus on cultural responsiveness, prevention, and long-term impact, the organization plays a vital role in promoting resilience, safety, and hope for families across the region.The mission of Partners For Peace is to build strong families and safe communities by empowering parents, caregi

Income
$1.4 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
92%
Reserves
6 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 79%
Employees
18
Volunteers
134
Highest pay
$119,270, executive director

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 50% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% 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

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 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 (5)
  1. $363,512 spent. PARENT PROJECT SR & JR: Parent Project, Sr. - 10-week program, 2-hour class The Parent Project and Loving Solutions are nationally recognized, family education programs designed to support families in raising strong, responsible, and resilient children. Parent Project focuses on parents and caregivers of strong-willed or high-risk adolescents, offering practical tools to address issues such as poor school performance, defiance, substance use, and gang involvement. Through a structured curriculum, participants learn strategies to set firm boundaries, build trust, and strengthen family communication. Loving Solutions is a companion program specifically designed for parents of children ages 510, emphasizing positive discipline, nurturing routines, and effective problem-solving to support early intervention and prevention. Together, these programs equip parents with concrete skills to reduce family conflict, promote healthy development, and build stronger, safer homes and communities.
  2. $277,086 spent. Description: All Programs are available in English and Spanish Online and In-Person. The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based family education program designed to build strong, resilient families and prevent youth risk behaviors. It engages parents, caregivers, and their children in structured sessions that strengthen communication, bonding, boundaries, and positive parenting skills. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, families learn strategies to reduce substance use, improve school success, increase positive behaviors, and build protective factors. SFP emphasizes cultural relevance, family strengths, and skill-building, creating a safe and supportive environment where families grow together and develop practical tools to support their childrens success. The program serves Parents/Caregivers and youth ages 07-17.
  3. $236,510 spent. Rainbow Connections Family Support Groups are designed to create a safe, welcoming space where parents, caregivers, and families of LGBTQ+ youth can come together to learn, share, and grow in support of their loved ones. These groups provide education on gender identity, sexual orientation, and the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth may face, while also fostering open communication and family acceptance. Through guided discussions, resource sharing, and peer support, families build greater understanding, strengthen relationships, and learn strategies to create affirming home environments. The program emphasizes the powerful role of family support in promoting youth mental health, resilience, and overall well-being, helping families stand strong together.
  4. $116,124 spent. The Step Up Mentoring Program is a youth development initiative designed to empower middle and high school students through positive mentorship, leadership opportunities, and skill-building experiences. Rooted in five protective pillarsFinancial Literacy, Career Exploration, School Success, Community Advocacy, and Social Emotional Learningthe program provides structured support to help youth make positive choices, set goals, and stay on track academically and personally. Step Up offers group mentoring, field trips, college and career exploration, leadership workshops, and community service projects that foster confidence and connection. By pairing caring mentors with youth and creating meaningful opportunities for growth, Step Up helps young people build resilience, expand their horizons, and become active, engaged members of their community.
  5. $67,921 spent. Familia Adelante is a culturally grounded, evidence-based prevention and early intervention program designed to strengthen Latino families and support youth well-being. The program focuses on reducing risk factors related to substance use, mental health challenges, and academic struggles while building protective factors such as family cohesion, cultural pride, and positive communication. Through interactive group sessions, parents and youth learn coping skills, stress management strategies, and healthy decision-making tools in a supportive, bilingual environment. By centering culture and family as sources of strength, Familia Adelante empowers families to address challenges together, improve youth outcomes, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

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

  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 December 2024.

    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 October 1995.

    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.