Torch Leadership Academy Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To develop and empower high school student leaders through meaningful connections, experiential learning, and transformative leadership development opportunities that promote personal growth, ethical leadership, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
- Income
- $63,192
- Spending
- $57,656
- Reserves
- 4.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
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
Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 9% 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 (2)
- $49,031 spent. Program Service 1: Summer Leadership Academy - Torch Leadership Academy operated its flagship summer leadership program for high school students, providing a multi-day residential leadership experience focused on self-awareness, communication, relationship-building, ethical leadership, goal setting, service, and community impact. In 2025, the organization served approximately 120 students from approximately 60 schools with the support of approximately 60 volunteer staff and facilitators. Programming included large-group workshops, small-group reflection, peer-led team activities, community-building experiences, leadership exercises, and exposure to nonprofit and civic engagement opportunities. The program is designed to help young people strengthen confidence, leadership skills, and sense of purpose, while building a diverse cross-school network of peers and mentors. Long term, the program seeks to develop ethical, inclusive, and community-minded leaders who create positive impact in their schools and communities. The organization also provided financial assistance and other support intended to reduce barriers to participation for students with financial need.
- $2,890 spent. Program Service 2: Year-Round Leadership Development, Training, and Alumni/Volunteer Engagement - Torch Leadership Academy provided year-round leadership development and program support activities to prepare for and extend the impact of its core youth program. In 2025, these activities included volunteer and counselor training, planning meetings, outreach and recruitment support, program design, alumni and community engagement, and leadership development opportunities for returning student and volunteer leaders. These efforts strengthen program quality, improve student safety and support, expand organizational capacity, and sustain a pipeline of trained near-peer leaders who help deliver the organization's mission. The long-term goal of this work is to build a durable leadership ecosystem in which former participants continue developing as mentors, facilitators, and community contributors.
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
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 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 February 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.