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Fathers Forever

EIN 80-0236816 · Raleigh, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair59 out of 100GovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Mission is hearing fathers & saving families by equipping fathers with its evidence-based 12-week curriculum, I Am a Father Forever. The org promotes stability, healthy relationships, & successful community reintegration. Also, we assist men toward self-sufficiency.

Income
$1.4 million
Spending
$1.5 million
Spent on programs
71%
Reserves
3.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 100%
Employees
15
Volunteers
25

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 30% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 70% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    71% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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, 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 (2)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Helping fathers be better fathers to their children.
  2. Line 3 - Changes in Program Services As of January 2026, Fathers Forevers 12-week fatherhood curriculum, I Am a Father Forever, was formally recognized as an evidence-based program after 18 years of implementation. This designation strengthens the organizations program delivery, expands partnership opportunities, and enhances its ability to serve fathers and families with proven, research-supported methods. Line 4a Program Service Accomplishments (Primary Program) Fathers Forever provides comprehensive reentry and family stabilization services for men, including those transitioning from incarceration. Core services include structured transitional housing, evidence based fatherhood education, life skills training, and case management support. A central component of the organizations work is its 12-week fatherhood program, I Am a Father Forever, which was recognized as evidence-based in January 2026. The curriculum focuses on responsible parenting, emotional accountability, co-parenting, and decision-making, equipping participants to build and maintain healthy relationships with their children and families. The organization operates multiple transitional housing facilities that provide safe, structured living environments for men with low or no income. Participants are required to engage in programming, maintain accountability, and work toward employment and self-sufficiency. Through its Bring Him All The Way Home approach, Fathers Forever supports full reintegration by addressing emotional, financial, and family stability. Services are designed to reduce recidivism, increase family engagement, and improve long-term outcomes for fathers and Line 4b Program Service Accomplishments (Secondary Program) Fathers Forever provides supportive services that enhance participant stability and independence, including job readiness training, financial literacy education, and access to essential resources such as clothing and food support. These services are designed to remove barriers to employment and promote long-term self-sufficiency. Line 4c Program Service Accomplishments (Additional Program) The organization engages the broader community through outreach, education, and partnerships that promote responsible fatherhood and family stability. This includes workshops, collaborative programming with community agencies, and public awareness efforts that reinforce the importance of fatherhood in strengthening families and communities. Line 4d Other Program Services Additional program services include ongoing participant support, referrals to community partners, and follow-up services to ensure continued stability and success after program completion.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 October 13, 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 September 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 2009.

    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 October 21, 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.