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Hunter Brooks Watson Memorial Fund

EIN 83-0574041 · Mclean, VA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Hunter's Fund has dual missions in support of young adults. The first is to provide resources to help advance the dreams of passionate, curious young people. The second is to reduce deaths and injuries from distracted driving by increasing awareness among young drivers and gaining their commitment to change.At Hunter's Fund, we support young men and women of diverse interests and talents, so they can let their passions shine.Our inspiration and our mission come from Hunter himself. He was a young man of extremely diverse talents and interests. Wherever he went, whatever he did, he brought a spark and a smile and a contagious energy that inspired those around him.

Income
$208,576
Spending
$330,528
Spent on programs
56%
Reserves
19.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 75%
Employees
1
Volunteers
2,250

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

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 19.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 58% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 36% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    56% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 17 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 83% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $62,794 spent. Grants: During 2025, 13 young innovators received grants and awards that gave them the financial support they needed to pursue their ideas and dreams, bringing the total to more than 125 grants and awards since the program began. Hunter's Fund believes young people hold the seeds of the future. Their ideas, creativity, and courage can shape a better tomorrow.Hunter's Fund invests in young people ages 16 to 25 who have demonstrated talent, experience, and passion. These grants reward innovation and provide support for young people who approach life with powerful ideas. Preference is given to applicants in the areas of music, performing arts, computer science, and entrepreneurship.
  2. $87,840 spent. Safe Driving Campaigns: Entering its tenth year, Hunter's Fund celebrates more than 250 Safe Driving Campaigns and over 120,000 pledges signed through Hunter's Pledge Not to Drive Distracted. The organization has funded campaigns on dozens of college and high school campuses, encouraging tens of thousands of students to make a written commitment to safer choices behind the wheel.More than 3,300 student volunteers have helped lead Safe Driving Campaigns on their campuses, reaching their peers with a message that can save lives. To make these campaigns effective and easy to implement, Hunter's Fund provides turnkey campaign kits containing educational posters, table banners, pledge cards, wristbands, bumper stickers, and other materials that help students host pledge-signing events in places where their classmates gather.Distracted driving crashes are preventable, and changing behavior is one of the most promising ways to reduce them. By inviting students to make a personal commitment not to drive distracted, Hunter's Fund helps turn awareness into action.
  3. $35,812 spent. Education: Through safe driving programs on campuses, print and digital newsletters, website and blog content, social media, email communications, and educational materials, Hunter's Fund continues to build awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of investing in young people and their potential.The organization has touched the lives of more than 125 young people through grants and awards and has reached students nationwide through its safe driving efforts. Every pledge signed, every campaign hosted, and every grant awarded carries forward the belief that young lives are precious, young ideas matter, and both are worth protecting.

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

  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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2019.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.