Seen and Heard
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Seen & Heard seeks to develop the professional character of system-impacted youth through performing arts training.
- Income
- $502,236
- Spending
- $481,169
- Spent on programs
- 67%
- Reserves
- 11.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 97%
- Employees
- 17
- Highest pay
- $90,000, ceo
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
Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 11.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 14% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1567% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 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
Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (1)
- $324,526 spent. Students cultivate professional interpersonal skills though trauma informed, evidence-based programming. Open to system-impacted youth ages 16-23.Phase One is ten weeks. During this phase, cohorts meet weekly to work, practice and create together. Everyone is needed and everyone is valued. Two trauma informed teachers guide youth through concepts like mindfulness, emotional control, effective communication, and self-confidence with drama at the center of every lesson. At the end of Phase One, students present scenes theyve been working on in a low-key open house with supporters they invite. Then, they journey on together towards Phase Two.Phase Two is eight weeks. Students remain in the same cohort to deepen relationships and build upon concepts from Phase One, while also adding more advanced skills. Phase Two focuses on active listening, achievement motivation, coping ahead, and stress management. These skills are developed though acting exercises and personal creations, with group de-briefs throughout. At the end of Phase Two, youth have the opportunity to participate in a graduation reception where student projects are shared and accomplishments recognized publicly.Seen & Heard Graduates have unique opportunities to explore connections through vetted professionals and partner organizations. They may choose to opt-in for one-on-one coaching, or train to be an Alumni Leader in order to give back to their community. Eligible graduates may also participate in our free summer program which includes drivers education, behind the wheel instruction, and a personal DMV navigator for youth without adult support.
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
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 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 May 2021.
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.