Empowering Kids Perham
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To empower children, families, and the community by providing support and resources to those with autism or social challenges.
- Income
- $1.1 million
- Spending
- $1.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 76%
- Reserves
- 4.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 85%
- Employees
- 35
- Volunteers
- 13
- Highest pay
- $100,377, secretary/clerk/office man
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 45 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.3 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 42% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 37% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 27% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1576% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 June 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 (3)
- $1.0 million spent. EIDBI ServicesThe Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit is a Minnesota Health Care Program designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals under the age of 21 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related conditions. This benefit is available to those enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA), or other qualifying health care programs.The primary goal of the EIDBI program is to deliver medically necessary, early, and intensive interventions that address the unique Continued on Schedule O...developmental and behavioral needs of individuals with ASD or related conditions. These interventions aim to:1. Improve the individual's independence and ability to participate meaningfully in family, school, and community life.2. Provide education and support to parents and families, empowering them to better understand and address their loved one's needs.3. Enhance overall outcomes and quality of life for individuals receiving services.In FY 2025, the EIDBI program had a significant impact within the community. A dedicated team of 17 therapists delivered over 9,300 hours of individualized services to over 30 clients. These services included direct intervention, family training, and ongoing support. The program continues to play a vital role in helping families navigate the challenges of ASD and related conditions while fostering positive, long-term outcomes for clients and their families.
- $20,641 spent. After-School Groups and Summer Skills GroupsEmpowering Kids offers essential after-school and summer programming for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other related social challenges. Participants, ranging from ages 10 to 19, come together to learn, grow, and connect in a supportive environment.During the past year:-After-School Groups welcomed 12 participants, each attending for two hours weekly.-Summer Social Groups served 18 participants, with sessions running four hours each week.Continued on Schedule O... To keep these opportunities accessible, Empowering Kids offers affordable and reduced rates for families facing financial hardship.Programming combines small-group instruction with structured activities that focus on:-Social-emotional skills - conversation, play, and greetings.-Self-regulation and emotional management - strategies to manage emotions across settings.-Healthy relationships and friendships - understanding boundaries, fostering connections, and developing social awareness.-Life skills - navigating community spaces, problem-solving, and building independence.-Understanding individual disabilities - developing self-awareness and empowerment through education about personal diagnoses.A hallmark of the program is experiential learning through community outings, which allow participants to apply skills in real-world settings. This year's outings included bowling alleys, state parks, museums, zoos, flower fields, and lake days - experiences many participants might not otherwise access. These adventures nurture inclusion, confidence, and a sense of discovery.Beyond direct impact on participants, the program also provides meaningful respite for caregivers, giving families time to recharge while their loved ones engage in enriching and supportive activities.
- $57,269 spent. Occupational TherapyEmpowering Kids provides individualized Occupational Therapy (OT) services that support children and young adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other developmental needs. The OT program is designed to help participants build the foundational skills they need for success at home, in school, and in the community.Through one-on-one sessions, participants work with a licensed occupational therapist on:-Fine and gross motor skills - improving strength, coordination, and dexterity for everyday tasks.Continued on Schedule O...-Sensory processing and regulation - developing strategies to respond appropriately to sensory input and maintain focus.-Daily living skills - from dressing and eating to personal hygiene and organization, building independence in self-care.-Executive functioning - strengthening planning, sequencing, attention, and problem-solving abilities.Therapy sessions are play-based and engaging, meeting each child where they are and helping them progress in meaningful, motivating ways. Our therapist also collaborates closely with caregivers, providing education, resources, and strategies that can be carried into daily routines at home.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 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 June 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 October 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.