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The Poise Project

EIN 81-2613711 · Candler, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Personal Social Services. Our mission is to support the public in maintaining poise, dignity, and personal growth through all stages and challenges of life by using the principles of Alexander technique. We are committed to removing barriers to access for our services and in this way making Alexander technique training accessible across broad socioeconomic groups including people living with chronic conditions, their family care partners, and children and youth.

Income
$19,825
Spending
$26,784
Reserves
0.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 77%

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

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 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 (8)
  1. $4,645 spent. Conferences Attended with Symposium Presentations, Exhibiting and Continuing Ed Trainings. - -1) Integrative Medicine for the Underserved Conference, August 15-17, 2024 (Virtual). Executive Director attended three-day virtual conference on how to bring integrative practices to low income and marginalized communities along with a Poise Project team of three Alexander professionals. -- 2) Integrative Clinic for Group Medical Visits Conference: "Group Visits as Medicine", September 13, 2024 (Virtual), Presented a session: "The importance of including care partners in group interventions for people living with neurodegenerative disease." Research abstract/poster presented: "'Partnering with Poise': Retention of cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits for care partners of people living with Parkinson's disease at 6 and 12 months after completion of an in-person Alexander-based group course. -- 3) International Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Society Conference 2024, Philadelphia PA, September 26-October 1, 2024. Had a four-member Poise Project Team to advocate for AT at a five-day conference in Philadelphia. 4,800 delegates attended from 100+ countries, including medical professionals, allied health professionals, and researchers. Executive Director, Monika Gross, and Scientifc Consultant, Dr. Rajal Cohen also presented a research abstract/poster: "Alexander technique remote-delivery group course for people living with Parkinson's disease improves motor plan assembly time with correlated improvement in function". We had a nonprofit exhibit table with materials and networked with delegates and exhibitors. We were among 25 non-profit and 58 for-profit exhibitors there. -- 4) 101st American Congress for Rehabilitation Medicine conference Dallas TX, November 1-3, 2024 Executive Director Monika Gross participated as a non-presenting author on four 60-minute panel symposiums: "Advancing Equity in TBI Rehabilitation Research: A Call to Action" "Self-management Strategies for the Management of Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain" Science Update: Rehabilitative Management of Non-motor Features in Parkinson Disease" "Cognitive Telerehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease: Appropriate Use Recommendations". -- 5) Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Alliance All In! Conference Austin TX, November 19-21 2024. Attended in person conference in Austin TX hosted by the PMD Alliance. Community and support group leaders and allies from around the country gathered, convening prospective leaders, newbies, and veterans to connect and collaborate in the larger Parkinson's national community. Many important grassroots connections were made for future collaborations. Secured partnership support understanding for The Poise Project from the PMD Alliance Executive Director for recruitment, advertisement, training outreach, and fundraising guidance. --- 6) Parkinson's Study Group Conference, Nashville TN, December 5-8 2024. Attended in person conference in Nashville TN hosted by the Parkinson's Study Group (PSG). Clinicians and administrative representatives from research centers around the country that are collaborating together for multisite studies gathered to connect and share outcomes with the larger Parkinson's national community. Many important connections were made for future collaborations. Had an exhibit table staffed with team member Monika Gross and Nina Reed. Presented two research posters: "The Poise Project: Alexander technique-based group interventions for people living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners show post-course and long-term benefits," "Partnering with Poise": Retention of cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits for care partners of people living with Parkinson's disease at 6 and 12 months after completion of an in-person Alexander-based group course". - 7) North Carolina Black Alliance 2025 NC Black Summit, Raleigh NC, April 17-19, 2025. Attended statewide summit with team member Nina Reed. Interacted with participants involved in the mission of the NC Black Alliance, which is to enhance the well-being and advancement of Black communities in NC through systemic policy change, economic empowerment and youth and leadership development. As an intergovernmental organization uniting legislators, municipal officials, county commissioners, school board members and community activists, they collaborate with strategic partners to amplify collective impact and foster intentional, meaningful engagement with Black constituencies across North Carolina. Had the opportunity to connect with Governor Josh Stein, and US Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, both who attended the same Chapel Hill High School as Executive Director Monika Gross. -- 8) International Consortium on Freezing of Gait, Atlanta GA. June 3-6, 2025. Scientific Consultant Dr. Rajal Cohen and Executive Director Monika Gross teamed up to present The Poise Project's research abstract and poster: "Embodiment self-management strategies for PD+FOG: 'I know where I am. I have time. I am in control.'" at the inaugural International Consortium on Freezing of Gait in Atlanta GA, and networking with clinical and basic scientists. Connections were made with basic and clinical researchers who may collaborate with The Poise Project on AT for PD research.
  2. Research Publications: 1) Cacciatore, T.W., Anderson, D.I., Cohen, R.G. (2024). Central contributions to muscle tone and tonic regulation: potential targets for pain and performance. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, 1511783. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1511783 2) M. Gross, R. Cohen, C. Condie. (2024). Alexander technique remote-delivery group course for people living with Parkinson's improves motor plan assembly time with correlated improvement in function [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2024; 39 (suppl 1) 3) Gross M, Lansang N, Gopaul U, Yoney K, Ogawa EF, Heyn PC, Sood P, Omar Z, Zanwar PP, Schwertfeger J, Faieta J. (2024). What Do I Need to Know About Long COVID-related Breathing Problems? Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024 Oct 4:S0003-9993(24)01185-7. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.06.024 4) Hodges, M., Cohen, R.G., Cacciatore, T.W. (2024). Modern pain science and Alexander technique: How might Alexander technique reduce pain? Kinesiology Review, 13(4), 548-557 5) Mirza, M., Trimboli, C., Hartman, J., Gamble, A., Rfat, M., Bentley, J., Gross, M., Alheresh, R., Hussein, Q., & Markos, T. (2024). Examining Barriers to Rehabilitation and Addressing Rehabilitation Needs Among Persons With Forced Migration Experiences: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 105(9), 1793-1806 6) Crozier, O., Gross, M., Amirpour, A., Jethani, P., Charalambous, M., Snaiderman, A., Bayley, M., & Gopaul, U. (2025). Managing Emotions After Your Stroke: A Practical Guide. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 106(4), 649-653.
  3. $4,550 spent. Professional Continuing Ed Trainings: -- 1) How to teach The Poise Project curriculum via Zoom June 24, July 1, 8, 10 & 25, 2024. Led a five-day training online for two AT teachers in how to deliver The Poise Project's workshop curriculum effectively online via Zoom. Part of The Poise Project's 2024 Boston/Providence Regional Project. -- 2) Winterville NC, July 24-30. Trained care partner Nina Reed to do peer-to-peer online delivery of the "Partnering with Poise" course for people of color. -- 3) "Poised for Parkinson's: Manage Balance, Walking & Freezing" workshop curriculum training, August 11, 18 & 21-26, 2024, Asheville NC. Led a two-day online and six-day training in Asheville NC for one instructor in how to deliver The Poise Project's four-lesson evidence-based workshop curriculum for people living with Parkinson's and their families. -- 4) "Poised for Parkinson's: Manage Balance, Walking & Freezing" workshop curriculum training, September 14 & 15, & 20-25, 2024, Philadelphia PA. Led a two-day online and six-day training in Philadelphia PA for three instructors in how to deliver The Poise Project's four-lesson evidence-based workshop curriculum for people living with Parkinson's and their families. -- 5) Intern Mentorship (January-April 2025). Executive Director Monika Gross mentored an MFA candidate from the University of Florida (Gainesville) in active engagement with running an Alexander technique focused nonprofit as part of her final semester graduation requirements. -- 6) "Partnering with Poise: Care for the Care Partner" workshop curriculum training. March 29-April 8, 2025. Led a two-day online and six-day in person training in Asheville NC for three instructors in how to deliver The Poise Project's four-lesson evidence-based workshop curriculum for family care partners.
  4. $1,500 spent. Membership Networking Groups and Task Forces: -- 1) Active participation in 16 networking groups and task forces through the American Congress for Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) related to Rehabilitation for Chronic Pain, Stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Geriatric, Brain Injury, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Athlete and Sports, Military & Veterans, and Refuguees and Asylees. -- 2) Active participation in 2 Cognitive Research Professional Interest Area (PIA) virtual meetings with the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). -- 3) Attended monthly International Somatic Movement & Therapy Association (ISMETA)'s Somatic Cafés and Community Connect meetings throughout the year with somatic movement educator and therapist colleagues on a variety of subjects. -- 4) Participated in two ongoing action-group team meetings with the Alexander Technique Liberation Project (ATLP) focused on Alexander Technique Pedagogy, and on making Alexander Technique More Accessible to the Public. -- 5) Monthly meetings with The Developing Self USA, on the ongoing project to bring AT-related curriculum to children and youth in primary, secondary, and tertiary school settings. Also continued with ongoing meetings with The Developing Self UK project.
  5. $350 spent. Committee Work: -- 1) American Congress for Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee member; Member Engagement Subcommittee member. -- 2) International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association (ISMETA) - Research & Publications Committee Member.
  6. $1,500 spent. Public Courses and Workshops Delivered: -- 1) "Partnering with Poise" 12 Week Course, August 20-November 12, 2024. Launched twelve week online course for care partners of people living with dementia or other cognitive challenges, taught by Monika Gross. Funded by a grant from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. 8 care partners began the course, and 4 more who were not able to attend at the meeting time particpated by following the recordings of sessions. -- 2) "Partnering with Poise" 12 Week Course, September 10-December 3, 2024. Launched twelve week online course for care partners of people living with dementia or other cognitive challenges, taught by Monika Gross. Funded by a grant from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. 12 care partners began the course. -- 3) Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas Wellness Group, October 16, 2024. Virtual Webinar. Led an interactive online workshop with people living with PD and their care partners as part of PAC's monthly wellness webinar series. 25 attendees. -- 4) "Partnering with Poise" Peer-to-Peer Led Affinity Group for Black family care partners launched, October 28, 2024. Began to test feasibility (recruitment and retention) of a 12-week online course that was an affinity group for Black family care partners of people living with dementia or other cognitive challenges, taught by Peer Instructor Nina Reed. Funded by a grant from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. -- 5) "Poised for Parkinson's": Managing Balance, Walking and Freezing of Gait Workshop, February 20, 2025. Delivered in person workshop session in Galway Scotland. -- 6) "Partnering with Poise: Care for the Care Partner" online course. March 25-June 10, 2025. Launched 12 week online course for Black care partners of people living with dementia recruited in NC and SC and nationally. This was the first ever peer-to-peer delivery of this course. -- 7) "Poised for Parkinson's": Managing Balance, Walking and Freezing of Gait Workshop, April 10-21, 2025. Delivered four-day in person workshop sessions in Providence RI.
  7. $3,225 spent. Exhibited at Events (Advocacy): -- 1) Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas Annual Syposium, September 7, 2024. Charlotte NC. Had an information/exhibit table at the PAC annual symposium. Over 150 attendees, and good traffic at our table. Made good contact with corporate sponsors there who may be funders for our programming. -- 2) Parkinson's Foundation Moving Day event, October 12, 2024. Boston MA. TEAM - Monika Gross, Lisa Sailor. The Poise Project informed the local Parkinson's communities about AT at Moving Day(R) events around the country. Table with handout materials and Alexander mini-lesson "Poise Tune Ups". Took photos for The Poise Project Tip Card "Takeaways" project. -- 3) Alzheimer's Family Support Center of Cape Cod, Walk for Alzheimer's event, October 13, 2024. Provincetown MA. TEAM - Monika Gross, Holly Dobbs. The Poise Project informed the local Alzheimer's communities about AT. Table with handout materials and Alexander mini-lesson "Poise Tune Ups". Focus on care partners of people living with AD. -- 4) ACRM Stroke ISIG Movement Interventions TF, March 10, 2025. (Virtual) Led Team Preparation and Moderated a robust presentation/debate on "Compensation vs. Remediation Approaches in Stroke Movement Rehabilitation". -- 5) Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas: Care Partner Summit, Charlotte NC, April 12, 2025. Led a 20 minute AT-based session as part of a full-day summit for care partners of people living with Parkinson's. Had an exhibit table with team member Nina Reed and shared information with and received contact information from care partner participants. -- 6) Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas (PAC) Move It! Walk, Charlotte NC, May 3, 2025. Community team member Salem Macknee ran our exhibit table and shared The Poise Project program information with and received contact information from people living with Parkinson's and their care partner participants. -- 7) Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas (PAC) Move It! Walk, Wilmington NC, May 31, 2025. Monika Gross and peer team member Nina Reed ran our exhibit table and shared The Poise Project program information with and received contact information from people living with Parkinson's and their care partner participants. After a physical therapist led a pre-walk body warm up, Monika led a pre-walk AT-based "brain" warm up which was well-received and applied by participants living with PD in the walk.
  8. $300 spent. Somatics Membership Organizations: Participation & Public Advocacy: -- 1) Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) Annual General Meeting, July 13, 2024. Executive Director Monika Gross attended a virtual AGM for STAT as a voting member. -- 2) American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) Annual General Meeting, July 13, 2024. Executive Director Monika Gross attended a virtual AGM for AmSAT as a voting member. -- 3) International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association (ISMETA), October 19, 2024. Virtual AGM. Attended online annual meeting of the International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association. -- 4) Alexander Technique International (ATI) Annual Meeting, November 9-10 & 16-17, 2024. Executive Director Monika Gross attended a virtual AGM for ATI as a voting member. -- 5) American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT), Annual General Meeting, June 21, 2025. Supported including more inclusive language and commitments in AmSAT bylaws.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 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 November 6, 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 June 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 March 2017.

    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 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.