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Hooked on Fishing Not on Violence Foundation

EIN 81-4448442 · Sacramento, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair69 out of 100GovernanceFair56 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The primary exempt purpose of Hooked on Fishing Not on Violence HOFNOV is to provide youth development and violence prevention through mentorship leadership training and outdoor recreational activities. HOFNOV focuses on empowering underserved youth fostering community engagement and using healing-centered approaches to promote positive alternatives to violence. The organization integrates culturally responsive programming peer-to-peer support and civic engagement to equip youth with the skills confidence and resources needed to build safer stronger communities.

Income
$471,861
Spending
$376,652
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$90,615, president

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

Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 450% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% 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

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    2 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • 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, 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 (6)
  1. $15,500 spent. During the reporting year the organization hosted a Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Derby and Camping Experience as part of its youth engagement and violence prevention efforts. This multi-day event provided a safe structured environment where youth participated in fishing activities mentorship and overnight camping. Participants engaged with credible mentors developed teamwork and life skills and took part in discussions focused on conflict resolution wellness and positive decision-making. The program also fostered community connection by involving families and local partners. This initiative supports the organizations mission by offering positive skill-building experiences that promote youth development and reduce risk factors associated with violence and system involvement.
  2. $6,000 spent. During the reporting year the organization implemented a Monthly Youth Skating Program as part of its ongoing youth engagement and violence prevention efforts. This recurring activity provided a safe supervised space for youth to participate in recreational skating while building positive peer relationships. Participants engaged with mentors and credible messengers who offered guidance encouragement and informal life skills support. The program promoted physical activity stress relief and constructive use of free time while incorporating positive messaging around decision-making and personal responsibility. This initiative supports the organizations mission by creating consistent opportunities for youth to remain engaged in pro-social activities that reduce risk factors associated with violence and negative behaviors.
  3. $7,300 spent. During the reporting year the organization implemented Weekly Healing Circles as part of its youth development and violence prevention efforts. These facilitated sessions provided a safe supportive space for youth to openly share experiences process emotions and build trust with peers and mentors. Guided by trained facilitators and credible messengers participants engaged in structured discussions focused on emotional wellness conflict resolution and healthy coping strategies. The circles emphasized trauma-informed culturally responsive practices that promote self-awareness and resilience. This initiative supports the organizations mission by strengthening protective factors and providing consistent healing-centered engagement that reduces risk factors associated with violence and system involvement.
  4. $6,350 spent. During the reporting year the organization implemented Monthly Listening Sessions focused on critical topics including marijuana use fentanyl awareness anger management and sex trafficking prevention. These sessions provided a safe structured environment for youth to engage in open dialogue ask questions and receive accurate age-appropriate information. Facilitated by trained staff and credible messengers the sessions encouraged honest conversations increased awareness of risks and promoted informed decision-making. Participants were supported in developing coping strategies and understanding the real-life impacts of high-risk behaviors. This initiative supports the organizations mission by equipping youth with knowledge and tools to make safer choices while reducing risk factors associated with substance use exploitation and violence.
  5. $9,500 spent. During the reporting year the organization implemented Annual LoveNotes 4.0 Sessions a relationship education program designed to help youth develop healthy relationship skills and reduce risk factors associated with dating violence and exploitation. The sessions provided structured evidence-based instruction on communication boundaries decision-making and emotional awareness. Facilitated by trained staff and credible messengers participants engaged in interactive discussions and activities that promote self-worth respect and accountability in relationships. The program emphasizes prevention by addressing behaviors and patterns that can lead to unhealthy or unsafe situations. This initiative supports the organizations mission by strengthening protective factors and equipping youth with the skills needed to build safe healthy relationships.
  6. $332,002 spent. Since we did not include the operational costs for each of these projects as listed in Part IX line 25 into each program individually this will indicate the costs as incurred during the year over and above what the programs indicate to balance with Part III line 4e

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

  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 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 December 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.