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Dolls & Dreams

EIN 82-2090712 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair51 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Daughters Overcoming Lifes Lessons D.O.L.L.S & DREAMS INC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that teaches girls and young women ages 7-21 whose life experiences have prevented them from unlocking their potential the life skills that they need to succeed. To accomplish this each girl participates in peer groups workshops activities and events that address topics such as social and emotional awareness health and wellness youth development work-readiness and entrepreneurship cultural arts and restorative justice. This exposure helps the girls gain the skills and confidence needed to make healthier decisions for themselves and to become positive leaders and role models in their communities.

Income
$614,066
Spending
$598,162
Spent on programs
96%
Reserves
0 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 100%
Employees
0
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$146,250, executive director interim chair

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

Financial health

Fair: 51 out of 100. Higher than 18% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    2 of 20

    It owes 100% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 60% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    96% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    2 of 3 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 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 (8)
  1. $213,879 spent. The Dream Academys Entrepreneurial Mastery & Workforce Readiness Program
  2. $167,518 spent. Dreams Unleashed
  3. $61,842 spent. Wellness and fitness programming at Ballou and Anacostia High School
  4. $44,302 spent. designated to support equitable access to high-quality Out-of-School-Time OST programs for the Districts students.
  5. $42,531 spent. Polished DOLLS Etiquette Training
  6. $30,750 spent. D.O.L.L.S & DREAMS INC. proudly presented a transformative 12-week journey International Abroad Program: Empowering Girls through Leadership & Travel crafted to elevate empower and inspire 20 girls from Wards 7 & 8. We lead with love and lift crowns with purpose: blending mentorship creative expression cultural immersion and international travel so our girls gain poise voice and vision; ready to lead in their community and in the world.
  7. $10,798 spent. Vocational youth programming
  8. D.O.L.L.S & DREAMS INC. proposes the implementation of The Polished Dolls Experience an innovative program that integrates Polished Dolls Etiquette Training with the DREAMS UNLEASHED - Creative Makers project. This comprehensive initiative is designed to empower young girls and women by instilling the principles of etiquette poise and grace guided by the Grace & Polished Manner curriculum. Through a dynamic combination of immersive workshops engaging activities and impactful discussions participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery confidence-building and personal growth.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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 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 September 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 2019.

    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.