Jae Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We strive to create hope and a future by taking a transformational approach to mental health awareness, suicide prevention and providing healing for those who have lost loved ones.
- Income
- $3.3 million
- Spending
- $2.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- -5.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 31
- Highest pay
- $112,917, executive director
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: 55 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 48% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 31% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 1% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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
Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 254 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no 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
0 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, 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 (7)
- $1.1 million spent. Boot Initiative - The Foundation reaches individuals and the public via its Boot-Check program. The Foundation focuses on teenagers, specifically high school seniors, business owners, and the general public. We know that early exposure to conversations about mental health is changing and savings lives. Through this initiative, we were able to share Jaes story with thousands of high school seniors, get them their Jae Boots, and have a bold conversation about mental health and ask them to commit to reaching out if they are ever in need of help. We then asked these individuals to go out and create Boot-Check cultures at their respective schools and work places. The feedback on this program has been exceptional.
- $264,006 spent. Jae Foundation Retreats are immersive 4-day, 3 night experiences designed to help individuals step away from daily pressures and focus on personal growth, healing, and connection. These retreats guide participants through a self-leadership journey, combining leadership training, mental wellness strategies and community-building activities to equip individuals with the tools needed to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
- $238,320 spent. Boot-Check Sponsorships and Battle for the Boot - The Foundation partners with several universities and community partners to raise money for mental health awareness. The Foundation contracts with student ambassadors to share our message of hope and a future.
- $139,472 spent. Boot-Check Live, formerly know as Nashville Nights, is a series of community events that unites country music artists from across the country alongside local talent, using the power of music to bring people together. More than just a concert, its an experience designed to spark conversations, create joy, and inspire meaningful conversations about mental health. Jae loved his country music and swing dancing and Boot-Check Live allows us to lean into both these passions and create Boot-Check Moments through music.
- $122,220 spent. Resource Team - It is the goal of the Jae Foundation to provide hope and healing for those in need. Although, it is not our mission to be a crisis center, we do have a Resource Team, consisting of Licensed Counselors and a Social Worker, who are able to Bridge the Gap until additional services become available. This team of high qualified individuals work with area professionals and resources to get an individual connected with area service providers. We do not strive to be a permanent help center for individuals, but we do work diligently to get those in need connected with the best possible resources and get those who struggle their Jae Boots.
- $89,753 spent. Teen Outreach and Scholarships - We have an amazing teen outreach program where we provide monthly teen outreach activities, free of charge. Each month our teen outreach leadership team, consisting of high school students, creates an event for area youth to be hosted at Jaes Place. We have students from numerous high schools at each of these events. These activities have provided exceptional community and connection for area youth. We also have a scholarship program that awards over $35,000 annually in scholarship dollars to raise awareness for mental health and those impacted by suicide.
- $24,271 spent. BTHO Week at the Jae Foundation is a powerful annual event that brings the community together to remember the 50,000 lives lost to suicide each year. Held at Jaes Place, this week-long challenge invites participants to run 50,000 BTHOs, a redefined version of the classic basketball suicide drill, as a tribute to those weve lost. With a basketball court painted at Jaes Place, individiuals and teams check in, log their BTHOs, and contribute to the collective goal, fostering remembrance, resilience, and a shared commitment to mental wellness.
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 July 2019.
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: Folx Foundation Inc (Miami Beach, FL), EIN 86-3600057. 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.