Breaking Chains Academy of Development Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Breaking Chains Academy of Development (BCAD) is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization providing at-risk youth with the tools and resources needed to deter them from criminal and gang activity while helping them successfully transition into adulthood. BCAD pursues these goals by executing three main objectives: Mentoring, Education, and Work Skills Training.
- Income
- $1.2 million
- Spending
- $433,594
- Spent on programs
- 89%
- Reserves
- 29.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
- Employees
- 6
- Volunteers
- 10
- Highest pay
- $84,559, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 29.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 62% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 187% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 78 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 254 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a 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
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 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, 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)
- $209,951 spent. MENTORING & YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICESIn 2025, Breaking Chains Academy (BCAD) provided 1,039.5 hours of structured mentoring and youth support services. On average, approximately 84 youth per quarter participated in program activities, including one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring sessions, skills-based workshops, and supervised recreational programming.The objective of BCAD's mentoring program is to support youth development through consistent adult guidance, positive supervision, and practical skill-building opportunities. (Continued on Schedule O)In the short term, the program offers a safe, structured environment that promotes personal responsibility, healthy decision-making, and constructive use of time.To support participation and access, BCAD provided transportation assistance for youth to and from mentoring sessions, workshops, community activities, and off-site program events. All transportation services were provided at no cost to participants, ensuring consistent attendance regardless of family resources.As part of its comprehensive mentoring approach, BCAD provided daily meals and basic-needs support to participating youth. During 2025, more than 2,100 meals were served to youth through on-site programming and supervised activities. All meals, supplies, and services were provided at zero cost to youth and their families.BCAD also maintained a hygiene closet, distributing personal care items and approximately 5,000 diapers to young parents participating in the program. These resources helped stabilize households and reduce barriers to continued participation in mentoring, education, and employment-related activities.In addition, BCAD delivered educational workshops focused on life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, accountability, and goal setting. The organization further coordinated mental health support and victim services referrals for youth requiring additional assistance, working with community providers to ensure appropriate care and follow-up. In the long term, the mentoring program aims to promote positive behavior, improve personal stability, and support successful transitions into adulthood by reinforcing constructive habits, supportive relationships, and accountability. Youth served by the program typically include individuals facing academic challenges, family instability, or court involvement.BCAD further enhanced mentoring outcomes through off-site educational and recreational activities, providing youth with supervised exposure to new environments and experiences that reinforce positive social behavior. Participation in all program activities was offered free of charge.
- $176,031 spent. EDUCATION SERVICES (GED / HSE)In 2025, Breaking Chains Academy (BCAD) dedicated 808.5 hours to education services, providing youth with an alternative pathway to high school completion through its GED/HSE curriculum. Through one-on-one tutoring, small-group instruction, and personalized study plans, participants progressed at their own pace in a structured and supportive learning environment.During the year, 69 students successfully earned their GED or High School Equivalency diplomas, representing the highest number of graduates since BCAD's founding in 2016. (Continued of Schedule O)Following graduation, approximately 60 graduates either obtained employment or enrolled in postsecondary education shortly after program completion, demonstrating positive post-program outcomes.The objective of the education program is to equip participants with the academic knowledge, practical skills, and confidence necessary to complete secondary education or employment and improve long-term self-sufficiency. BCAD removes financial barriers by providing all instructional materials, school supplies, testing fees, and diploma costs at no cost to participants, allowing students to focus exclusively on academic achievement.To support continued success beyond graduation, BCAD maintains a partnership with the College of Western Idaho (CWI). Through this collaboration, graduates are recognized at CWI's commencement ceremony and receive access to college advisors, enrollment guidance, and postsecondary planning resources. This support helps participants transition into higher education or career pathways and strengthen long-term outcomes.BCAD remains committed to providing individualized academic support and mentorship, ensuring each participant receives the guidance necessary to achieve educational completion and pursue employment or further education.
- WORK SKILLS TRAININGIn 2025, Breaking Chains Academy (BCAD) provided work skills training and employment readiness services to youth through community partnerships with the Idaho Department of Labor and the Nampa Housing Authority. These partnerships enabled participants to engage in on-the-job training and supervised work experiences, allowing youth to develop practical workplace skills necessary for long-term employment success.(Continued on Schedule O)Through structured workforce preparation activities, BCAD supported youth in building job readiness skills, including time management, communication, teamwork, accountability, and task completion. Participants gained real-world work experience across various settings, reinforcing positive work habits and increasing employability.BCAD also assisted youth in completing court-ordered community service and Drug Court Service projects in coordination with the Canyon County Juvenile Courts and Probation Department. These activities enabled participants to meet legal requirements while developing a strong work ethic, responsibility, and compliance with court expectations.The objective of the work skills program is to support successful workforce entry, reduce recidivism, and promote long-term self-sufficiency by combining employment readiness training with mentorship and supervision. All services were provided at no cost to participants.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 2025.
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 May 2016.
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.
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