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Balanced Inc

EIN 81-5230122 · Kansas City, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceGood86 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Balanced is a nonprofit organization improving public health by helping schools, hospitals, and other institutions serve more fiber-rich, plant-forward meals. We provide technical assistance, training, and advocacy to support menu changes that reduce chronic disease risk and make nutritious, affordable foods the easy, everyday choice for children and families.

Income
$916,474
Spending
$838,054
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
14.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
8
Highest pay
$78,750, executive director (org), president (board)

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

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.3 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 9% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 17% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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

Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 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. $151,291 spent. Balanceds Institutional Support program provides technical assistance, training, and resources to school food service professionals and institutional meal providers to improve menu quality and increase access to fiber-rich, plant-based foods. Activities include a six-month training cohort for food service directors, individualized menu consultation, procurement support, and distribution of implementation toolkits and micro-grants. Through this program, Balanced supported multiple school districts in developing and serving plant-forward meals that meet nutrition and cost goals. These activities resulted in an estimated 200-250K plant-based or plant-forward meals being served on menus.
  2. $250,716 spent. Balanceds Community & Youth Advocacy program mobilizes students, families, and community members to advocate for healthier, plant-forward meals in schools and institutions. In 2024, the program contributed to a public awareness campaign in Illinois, enabling families to request plant-based meals from their districts and generating more than 1,000 requests across 285 districtsreaching 30% of all K12 districts in the state. The team also advanced the Focus on Fiber public awareness, education, and promotional campaign, elevating fiber as a key nutrient for health and helping schools and communities close the fiber gap through accessible, evidence-based resources. Digital tools, downloadable guides, and advocacy materials equipped local leaders and students to take action and build momentum for institutional change.
  3. $130,850 spent. Balanceds Research & Policy program generates evidence to guide institutional menu reform and strengthen nutrition standards in schools. In 2024, the team initiated a national research project analyzing school menus from 90+ districts across the United States to determine whether school breakfasts and lunches provide adequate dietary fiber and to model how replacing meat-based entrées with bean-based, high-fiber alternatives could affect overall nutrition quality. Using descriptive statistics, meal simulations, and substitution analysis, the project examines fiber content, identifies primary sources of dietary fiber on menus, and estimates the nutritional impact of plant-based substitutions on key nutrients such as protein, saturated fat, and sodium. This research will inform upcoming publications, policy recommendations, and technical guidance to help schools close the fiber gap and improve meal quality nationwide.

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 June 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 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.