Hbcu Promise Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
We are an active mentoring organization that works directly with our mentees to remove any barriers and obstacles that could hinder the successful completion of college.
- Income
- $94,701
- Spending
- $98,861
- Reserves
- -26.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 11 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 12978% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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, 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 (3)
- The HBCU Promise Inc. continues to fulfill its mission as an active mentoring organization dedicated to removing barriers that hinder African American males from completing college. In 2025, the organization expanded its efforts with the full launch of the HBCU HOPE Initiative, which provides hands-on mentorship, academic support, and access to resources to high school juniors and seniors in Clark County, Nevada. This initiative has become a critical bridge between high school and higher education at an HBCU, ensuring scholars are motivated to graduate and fully equipped to enroll in and complete college at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Community Involvement The HBCU Promise Inc. deepened its community engagement by launching the HBCU HOPE Initiative for high-school scholars across the Las Vegas area. The organization: * Partnered with local nonprofits and presented on the power and legacy of HBCUs. * Hosted multiple parent and student meetings, engaging over a dozen families. * Visited several high schools across Nevada to introduce students to HBCU pathways. * Met with local elected representatives and attended community events with scholars. * Participated in Juneteenth Las Vegas 2024 celebrations. * Achieved 100% college advancement among the third cohort of HBCU Promise Scholars, each now a junior on track to graduate within four years.
- Getting "To" College Program The Getting "To" College Program ensures African American males are supported throughout their transition from high school to college. The HBCU Promise team met regularly with students and parents to discuss financial literacy, emotional wellness, and college readiness. Through the Dynamic Dorm Initiative, the organization provided thousands in need-based support, including brand-new laptops, dorm room essentials, food, and travel assistance, to students attending HBCUs in Alabama, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C. These efforts have helped ensure that financial or logistical barriers do not derail any student's college journey.
- $43,792 spent. Getting "Through" College Program Once enrolled, HBCU Promise Scholars receive ongoing support through academic check-ins, campus visits, and mental health outreach to sustain their success. The organization's signature Everybody Eats Initiative extends the African tradition of breaking bread as a way to nurture community, peace, and purpose. During on-campus dinners, students and mentors engage in open dialogue about their academic and personal journeys, addressing issues of food insecurity and emotional well-being. These gatherings provide both nutritional and psychological support, helping students cope with stress and stay focused on their academic goals. Regular communication between HBCU Promise representatives and parents keeps families informed and empowered. Representatives also collaborate directly with college and university officials to monitor student progress and ensure timely graduation. In partnership with a local charter school, the HBCU Promise High School HOPE Initiative achieved a 100% high school completion and college acceptance rate for its participants, a transformative milestone for the Las Vegas community.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 December 2024.
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 November 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.
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.