Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Awaken Pittsburgh

EIN 81-2900025 · Pittsburgh, PA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak31 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To foster well-being, empathy, & compassion for all by teaching & encouraging mindfulness & meditation practices.

Income
$225,793
Spending
$318,774
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
-0.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 54%
Employees
3
Volunteers
27
Highest pay
$42,183, founder & 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

Weak: 31 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 17% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 41% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 46% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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.

  • 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 (3)
  1. $168,271 spent. Adult Programming: Offers both introductory and advanced mindfulness programs for educators, institutions, early childhood centers, public charities, professionals, workplace wellness initiatives, and anyone experiencing stress or burnout. The flexible flagship 9-session training course can be adapted to the needs of a wide variety of settings and provides essential mindfulness practices that strengthen social and emotional regulation, reduce stress & burnout, & enhance overall well-being. In addition to introductory offerings, advanced programs & specialized trainings are provided. These advanced courses include instruction on delivering trauma-sensitive mindfulness to others, addressing personal & systemic biases through mindfulness practice, & cultivating trauma-sensitive organizational cultures. in 2024, 19 programs serving 734 participants were conducted, contributing to a total of 2,534 participants overall across all programs, presentations, outreach, open meditations, & other offerings
  2. $49,537 spent. Children, Youth, & Family Programming - partners with family centers, schools, & community-based organizations to introduce mindfulness practices that support the well-being of children, youth, parents & the professionals who serve them. The Pre-K family center programming follows a 3-part progression. Begins by building organizational support & training staff in mindfulness practices to strengthen their own health & resilience. Once staff establish their own practice, they are guided in implementing mindfulness strategies with the children & families they serve. The Mindful Connections for Families program integrates mindfulness into the daily lives of families, offering practical tools that foster calm, emotional regulation, & stronger relationships at home & in the classroom. These programs equip children & youth with lifelong skills in attention, emotional regulation, & stress management, while also engaging families & educators in creating supportive, trauma-sensitive environments.
  3. $32,630 spent. Introductory Presentations: provides a variety of accessible, entry-point opportunities for individuals & groups to experience the benefits of mindfulness & meditation. These offerings are designed to introduce core products in a supportive, trauma-sensitive way, & are adaptable to the needs of diverse audiences. Introductory workshops & presentations are offered on mindfulness & meditation for schools, workplaces, nonprofits, & community groups. In addition, guided meditations, wellness sessions, & day-long retreats are provided that allow participants to deepen their personal practice & explore mindfulness more fully. For those seeking individualized support, one-on-one coaching is offered to address specific needs related to stress reduction, emotional regulation & overall well-being. Through these accessible programs, participants are helped to take the first steps toward cultivating greater calm, resilience, & connection in their personal & professional lives.

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 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 December 2024.

    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 July 2016.

    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.