Heart of Courage
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Heart of Courages primary exempt purpose is to support mothers impacted by the child welfare system providing advocacy resources and skill-building opportunities that help them create stable nurturing environments for their families. Our programs empower these mothers to overcome systemic obstacles and build a brighter future. In the past year Heart of Courage upheld its tax-exempt status by delivering these key free programs and services: Court Advocacy and Case Management: Family advocates assisted mothers in navigating legal challenges associated with child welfare cases by attending court sessions providing guidance and preparing documentation for family reunification plans. Case Management and Needs Assessment: Family advocates conducted individualized needs assessments with clients covering critical support areas such as housing transportation and family and community support. Breaking BarriersEducational and Career Support.
- Income
- $80,599
- Spending
- $69,075
- Reserves
- 2.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 December 31, 2024, 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 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 (4)
- $43,000 spent. Case Management for Self-Sufficiency: Empower mothers in child welfare cases to build stable lives through structured case management and access to essential resources.Heart of Courage offered comprehensive case management services which included connecting clients to housing food employment and other essential resources. Family advocates worked closely with clients to develop individualized safety plans parenting strategies and goal-oriented action steps promoting long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Impact: Over 100 mothers benefited from targeted case management services with improved stability in housing including getting a house with the need of public assistance improved employment opportunities and improved parenting skills.
- $16,000 spent. Courage2Change Peer Parent Support Program:Empower mothers involved in the child welfare system by providing peer support guidance and advocacy to strengthen parenting skills emotional stability and successful family reunification.Through the Courage2Change program Heart of Courage offered individualized peer support resource navigation and educational discussions focused on coping skills parenting strategies and navigating CPS requirements. Mothers met regularly with their peer parent advocate to address barriers set goals and stay engaged in their reunification plans. The program also included weekly Courage2Change peer meetings where mothers could connect with others facing similar challenges receive encouragement and build a supportive community.Impact: The Courage2Change program supported mothers in maintaining sobriety improving communication with CPS caseworkers completing service plan requirements and rebuilding positive family relationships. Many participants reported increased confidence reduced isolation and significant progress toward reunification and long-term stability.
- $6,000 spent. Court Advocacy for Family Reunification: Support mothers impacted by child welfare in navigating the legal system and achieving family reunification.Heart of Courage advocates provided direct support to clients involved in child welfare cases attending court hearings assisting in mediation and helping with family reunification efforts. The court advocacy program aimed to help clients understand and meet legal requirements reduce recidivism and foster safe family environments. Impact: Over 74 mothers received court advocacy support resulting in increased successful case closures improved compliance with court requirements and ultimately family reunification.
- $4,000 spent. Breaking Barriers Educational and Career Support Program: Provide educational and career advancement opportunities for mothers involved in child welfare cases helping them improve economic stability and family well-being.Through the Breaking Barriers program Heart of Courage offered workshops resources and career guidance focused on job readiness and educational advancement. Clients received support with resume building job search strategies and access to vocational training opportunities to help break the cycle of poverty. This includes hosting a career conference open to all mothers including mothers not in our official programming. Impact: Over 100 mothers participated in Breaking Barriers achieving improved employment outcomes and educational milestones that supported family stability.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2016 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2016.
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 October 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.
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.