Rooted in Play Corp
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Rooted in Play Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 2019 and based in Tampa, Florida. The organizations mission is to ensure all children have access to child-led play by creating free, self-directed outdoor play opportunities for families, children, and educators in the Tampa Bay area.
- Income
- $233,358
- Spending
- $204,932
- Spent on programs
- 91%
- Reserves
- 3.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 85%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 10
- Highest pay
- $18,400, coo
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
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 13% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 244% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1591% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 83% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 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
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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
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, 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 (1)
- $186,965 spent. Popup Adventure Playground Project: The organization operated monthly free popup adventure playgrounds throughout Hillsborough County. In 2025, the program delivered 10 regular popup events and 5 specialized sensory hour events (15 total), serving 486 unique families across all years of operation, with attendance growing steadily through 2025. Events are free to attend and open to all children and families regardless of income. Every Child Plays Camp Program: In 2025, the organization launched its first summer camp program under the Every Child Plays grant. The program delivered 7 weeks of camp, including 2 shortened holiday-break weeks, 1 spring break week, and 4 consecutive full weeks in June, serving approximately 15-16 children per week at sites in Hillsborough County. Private Event Services: The organization provided playground setup services for schools and community organizations, generating $15,523 in earned revenue - a significant increase from $3,922 in 2024, reflecting growing demand from outside organizations. Financial Summary: Total revenues were $233,358 in 2025, up from $67,870 in 2024. Grant revenue of $207,505 came primarily from the Childrens Board of Hillsborough County ($197,505) and United Way Suncoast ($10,000). Program services represented 91% of total expenses. The organization ended 2025 with net assets of $63,468.
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
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 November 6, 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 December 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 December 2019.
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 November 4, 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.