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Forward Change

EIN 81-3538948 · San Francisco, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceGood71 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Forward Change helps foundations, community-based organizations and government agencies pursue comprehensive strategies to improve the life outcomes and opportunities for children, young adults and families living in disadvantaged communities. We specialize in strategies built on research, policy change, and leadership development.The specific exempt purpose of Forward Change is to provide research and strategic guidance to nonprofits and government agencies on achieving equity-based social change.

Income
$23,433
Spending
$34,789
Spent on programs
46%
Reserves
2.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 100%
Employees
2
Highest pay
$9,487, president

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

Governance

Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    1 of 1 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 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 (2)
  1. $16,121 spent. Knowledge Building - Research Synthesis: Research scans, analysis and synthesis regarding causes/predictors of youth outcomes in the areas of K-12 education, juvenile justice, adult criminal justice, postsecondary education, health, and workforce. Published several reports and worked with governments and nonprofits to implement key findings. Data Analysis Research: Obtained, analyzed and reported administrative and publicly-available data on the prevalence of key youth outcomes. Developed metrics dashboards and tools for understanding data. Publications: Published reports and briefing documents on issues pertaining to K-12 education, juvenile justice, adult criminal justice, postsecondary education, health, and workforce.
  2. Capacity-BuildingWebinars and Trainings: Conducted several webinars and trainings on topics related to intergenerational mobility, postsecondary pathways for youth in long-term juvenile confinement, life course approaches to improving life outcomes, structural racism and equity. Program Evaluation and Strategic Guidance: Conducted evaluations for local nonprofit programs as well as provided strategic guidance in program data collection and improvement. Drafted evaluation reports and presentations. Program Development: Worked with nonprofit stakeholders to develop programmatic interventions to improve educational outcomes for youth and young adults of color.

Source: Form 990 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 August 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.