The Foundation United
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Foundation United actively confronts the issue of sex trafficking through education, outreach and awarness programs designed to prevent sex trafficking and exploitation. It also supports intervention and safe housing programs for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.
- Income
- $625,081
- Spending
- $775,096
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 97%
- Employees
- 3
- Highest pay
- $172,426, ceopresident
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
Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.0 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 16% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 24% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 35% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 4 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
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
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, 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 (1)
- $661,729 spent. The Foundation Uniteds program focus is as follows: Empower the Frontlines - This pathway provides entire school districts and homeschools, including all faculty/staff and K-12th graders, with SPEAK UP, a unique train-the-trainer model with proven outcomes to prevent children from exploitation. We also offer The Cool Aunt Series, a unique multi-media experience that walks the foster system, teens and caregivers through the risk factors that lead to sex trafficking and exploitation. Awaken Faith Communities - This pathway includes REAL TALK, a catalytic tool that awakens and empowers faith communities and organizations with tools and resources for kindergarten through leadership. Ignite Global Leaders - This pathway connects world leaders with our scalable solutions and programs.
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
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 2018.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 2026.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: The Foundation (Houston, TX), EIN 92-0742101. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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.