City of Refuge Goodlife Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation is to serve our local community by providing knowledge, skills and resources to help them achieve a better life for themselves and for their families. We accomplish our mission in four (4) targeted areas. They are 1) Workforce Development, 2) Infant Mortality and Maternal Health, 3) Youth training, development & mentoring and 4) Networking with like-minded organizations and solution providers to create and scale the level of programming and successful outcomes.
- Income
- $504,108
- Spending
- $514,251
- Spent on programs
- 83%
- Reserves
- 0 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 71%
- Employees
- 18
- Volunteers
- 5
- Highest pay
- $115,050, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 39 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 79% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 5% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (human services, $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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 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 June 30, 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 (4)
- $67,700 spent. he SKILLBUILDERS Skilled Trades Training Program is designed to equip participants with the skills and credentials necessary to enter and succeed in the skilled trades industry. Each cohort supports up to 15 individuals, with the primary objective of guiding participants to earn a nationally recognized pre-apprenticeship certification through the NCCER Core Curriculum. This certification positions graduates for entry into registered apprenticeship programs and provides a direct pathway to entry-level employment in their chosen trade. During fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025), the program placed an intentional focus on high-school aged students in an effort to introduce them to a career in the construction trades. We successfully conducted two cohorts, serving a total of 25 participants. Of those enrolled, all 25 individuals (100%) completed all program requirements and earned their NCCER pre-apprenticeship certification, along with 6 CTE credits for their high school educational requirements. Beyond the technical training and the career exploration, the program further enhanced workforce development by incorporating financial literacy and mental and behavioral health awareness into its curriculum. Participants having completed all requirements of the program receive additional certificates of completion in the aforementioned areas, further strengthening their readiness for long-term career success. The program's commitment extends beyond graduation by providing ongoing wraparound support services to both the students and to their families. These services include assistance with job placement, housing stability, food security, transportation, and continued mentoring-ensuring participants have the resources and support needed to achieve sustained personal and professional growth.
- $273,062 spent. The Mother's Cove Program is a comprehensive maternal health initiative focused on improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality through targeted education and support. The program prioritizes service delivery in zip codes 43232, 43227, and 43213-areas within the greater Columbus, Ohio community that experience disproportionately high rates of infant mortality among Black infants, with rates as high as 16 deaths per 1,000 live births. The program is designed to serve up to 120 mothers annually through 4-6 cohorts each fiscal year. Participants receive structured, evidence-informed education on maternal self-care before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as essential newborn care practices aimed at ensuring infants reach their first birthday and beyond. Curriculum is delivered by experienced subject matter experts in health, wellness, and family development, and is organized into four core components: Healthy Me: Maternal health, wellness, and prenatal/postnatal care Fund Me: Financial literacy and economic empowerment Teach Me: The importance of education in achieving long-term stability Inspire Me: Postnatal support, motivation, and maternal resilience During fiscal year 2025, the program served 105 mothers, all of whom successfully completed the training and received certificates of completion. To address participation barriers-particularly transportation challenges-the program introduced virtual learning options during the latter half of the fiscal year, increasing accessibility and flexibility for participants. Through its holistic, community-focused approach, the Mother's Cove Program not only equips mothers with critical knowledge and skills, but also connects them to ongoing support systems that promote healthy families, reduce disparities, and strengthen overall community well-being.
- $79,989 spent. he City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation Summer Enrichment Program was developed to provide children ages 8-13 with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment during the summer months while promoting both academic advancement and personal growth. In Fiscal Year 2025, the program was strategically redesigned to address documented gaps in math proficiency and reading comprehension identified by the Ohio Department of Education among public school students. To effectively meet these needs, the Foundation partnered with experienced educational organizations and instructors who specialize in improving outcomes in these critical subject areas. This ensured that learning was both impactful and engaging. The program delivered a dynamic, hands-on curriculum centered on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Through project-based learning, participants were challenged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and apply new knowledge in meaningful ways. Graduate students from The Ohio State University, serving through the See Brilliance organization, played a pivotal role in delivering instruction and mentoring participants throughout the program. In addition to academic support, the program emphasized literacy development and character building. Strategic partnerships provided instruction in reading comprehension, positive behavior, and respect for others, helping students strengthen both their academic skills and social-emotional development. By the program's conclusion, participants demonstrated measurable growth across core subject areas and successfully completed culminating projects that showcased their learning outcomes. To further enrich the experience, the program incorporated educational field trips designed to expand students' exposure and reinforce classroom learning. Destinations included the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, the Ohio Statehouse, COSI Science Center, GYM Skills Recreation Center, and United Skates. These experiences combined education and recreation, creating memorable and impactful learning opportunities. Through its intentional design and strong community partnerships, the Summer Enrichment Program successfully fostered academic improvement, built confidence, and promoted positive youth development-helping participants return to school better prepared for success.
- $3,500 spent. The City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation partnered with Columbus State Community College to deliver a digital literacy course designed specifically for senior citizens. This program aimed to increase participants' confidence and proficiency in using modern technology, including basic computer skills, internet navigation, and communication tools essential for daily living. Through hands-on instruction and supportive learning environments, seniors gained practical knowledge to help them stay connected, access online services, and enhance their independence. Ten seniors successfully completed the course, and was awarded a free laptop computer, ensuring they had the necessary tools to continue practicing their skills and remain engaged in an increasingly digital world.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 October 13, 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 June 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 April 2020.
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 October 21, 2026.
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