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Vietnamese American Organization - Vao

EIN 83-4209351 · San Jose, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair69 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

VAO | Vietnamese American Organization's mission is to empower individuals to actively engage, learn, and take the lead in strengthening the local community through social service, education, leadership, and cultural activities, all while steadfastly promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources that uplift individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Our programs and services aim to promote learning, personal growth, and the development of leadership skills. Additionally, we celebrate and honor the rich cultural diversity within our community.

Income
$55,737
Spending
$99,412
Reserves
11 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 99%
Highest pay
$18,000, executive director

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 78% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 (16)
  1. $54,818 spent. Community Outreach & Engagement - Through community outreach and engagement programs, our platform is structured to achieve our objectives by establishing the necessary infrastructure to stabilize our operations. Moreover, we aim to broaden avenues for community engagement through outreach initiatives and expand opportunities for community involvement. VAO also offers a range of services to help organizations and agencies achieve their goals and deliverables. One of our core strengths lies in community engagement, outreach, and participant recruitment. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we can assist organizations and agencies in connecting with the Vietnamese community and recruiting participants for various programs and initiatives.
  2. Organizing & Advocacy - VAO continually strives to advancement and uplifting of our community. We engage, promote and advocate social issues, civic and health awareness through organized events and collaborative activities with local nonprofit partners, government and public agencies.
  3. Language & Cultural Arts - At VAO, we believe that preserving and promoting language and cultural arts is essential to maintaining the identity, pride, and resilience of the Vietnamese American community. Through a range of programs and events, we provide meaningful opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage with Vietnamese language, traditional arts, and cultural heritage.
  4. Community Help Line - A non-emergency telephone helpline to assist immigrants and the underserved community by connecting them to available programs and resources.
  5. Community Craft Day - Community Craft Day is an inclusive event that offers a plethora of opportunities for community engagement. Volunteers and partner organizations come together to host arts and craft workshops, providing community members with the chance to explore their creativity and learn new skills. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of camaraderie and empowerment within the community, while also promoting the importance of artistic expression and hands-on learning.
  6. Community Portrait Day - Community Portrait Day is a heartwarming event designed to bring families together. It offers the opportunity for community members to have professional photo portraits taken by skilled photographers who volunteer their time and expertise. This event not only captures cherished moments but also fosters a sense of togetherness and unity within the community.
  7. Community Festival- Community Festival, aimed at promoting community involvement, celebrating culture, and providing entertainment, unity, inspiration, and empowerment for all.
  8. Mid Autumn Festival - The Mid-Autumn Festival ignites joy and enthusiasm among families and children as they come together to celebrate Vietnamese American culture. This vibrant event features traditional lanterns, delectable Mid-Autumn cakes, and a variety of cultural activities. It serves as a cherished opportunity for the community to reconnect with their heritage, share stories and traditions, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
  9. Christmas Toys Giving - The Christmas Toys Giving event presents a wonderful opportunity for community engagement, as volunteers come together to dedicate their time during the festive season. We collect and distribute toys to hundreds of children and families, spreading joy and holiday cheer. Alongside the toy distribution, the event features games, activities, and opportunities for families to capture cherished memories with Santa through family photos. It serves as a heartwarming occasion for the community to come together, celebrate, and create lasting moments of happiness.
  10. Vietnamese American Leadership Initiative - Vietnamese American Leadership Initiative (VALI) aims to bridge the generational gap and create a pathway for the next generation to discover their potential and contribute to the community's growth. By nurturing emerging leaders, VALI seeks to inspire a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and empowerment among Vietnamese Americans. Through VALI, we provide a comprehensive platform that equips participants with essential leadership skills, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of their heritage.
  11. Community Spotlight - Community Spotlight is a social media project committed to showcasing and sharing stories of leadership and inspiration that positively impact the Vietnamese American community. Whether it's individuals, groups, or businesses, our aim is to showcase those who are making a positive impact.
  12. Deportation Defense: VAO is dedicated to supporting individuals facing deportation by providing clear guidance, essential resources, and effective advocacy. Our Deportation Support Services offer compassionate, comprehensive case management, step-by-step guidance, advocacy, and resource connections to empower those facing deportation.
  13. Tieng Viet with FRIENDS:Tieng Viet with Friends is a Vietnamese language club hosted in San Jose, California as part of Vietnamese American Organization (VAO)
  14. Community Award Gala - The Community Award Gala is a premier event honoring the Vietnamese American journey. This celebration is dedicated to gratitude, legacy, and resilience, recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses who have made meaningful contributions to the Vietnamese American community in the Bay Area.
  15. Deportation Defense - VAO is dedicated to supporting individuals facing deportation by providing clear guidance, essential resources, effective advocacy, and comprehensive case management. Our goal is to ensure their rights are protected, their contributions are valued, and their families remain united. No one should have to face this fight alone.
  16. Know Your Rights - help individuals and families discover their constitutional rights as immigrants and provide guidance on how to express them confidently.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 December 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 May 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.