Ignite Change
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Ignite Change equips vulnerable youth and caregivers in Northern Uganda with practical vocational skills, savings training, and holistic support to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen families. Per our founding documents, "The purpose of Ignite Change is: * To provide affordable and quality education that prepares students to live successful lives * To help families of orphan and vulnerable children develop sustainable income generating activities * To assist with other needs in the community such as vocational training, life skills, and healthcare as needed
- Income
- $106,952
- Spending
- $82,628
- Reserves
- 13.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (international, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 13.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 23% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, 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 September 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)
- $21,399 spent. The Rise Above Poverty program provided structured savings group training, financial literacy, business skills development, and mentorship to caregivers, primarily women, across two parishes in Northern Uganda. During the reporting year, 142 participants completed the seven-month training cycle. Four savings groups were facilitated by trained community coaches. By graduation, over 60% of participants had started or expanded small businesses. Collectively, the groups accumulated more than $1,500 in savings. Participants increased household income stability and strengthened financial resilience for their families.
- $41,117 spent. Ignite Change operated a hands-on vocational training institute (VTI) serving youth ages 16-22 in Northern Uganda. During the reporting year, 52 students were enrolled in carpentry and joinery, building and construction, garment design, and motorcycle mechanics. Students received practical technical instruction, entrepreneurship training, life skills education, and mentorship support. The institute expanded facilities and introduced additional training modules to enhance workforce readiness. Students completed practical projects and developed marketable skills enabling them to pursue employment or self-employment opportunities.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, 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? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 September 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 November 2017.
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 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.