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Purpose Learning Lab the Premier Drop-In Studio

EIN 84-5032978 · Durham, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our goal is to create pathways during non-school hours for minority students that ignite confidence, provide evidenced-based alternatives, encourage hands-on innovation, and academic advancement.

Income
$394,492
Spending
$252,134
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
6.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
2
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$54,300, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 36% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 90% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    73% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 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)
  1. $108,130 spent. The STEM & Wellness After School Care program provides academic enrichment and recreational opportunities for children in grades K-8. The program runs daily daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and includes a variety of structured activities such as STEM education, enrichment classes, crafts, and recreational play. Homework support is also provided after 4:00 p.m., with students receiving guidance from tutors, volunteers, mentors, or assistants. This comprehensive program enhances students learning, promotes creativity, and fosters physical wellness in a supportive after-school environment. Expenses for these programs include costs for transportation, food, tutoring, and arts and crafts supplies. These essential services ensure that students and participants have access to safe travel, nutritious meals, academic support, and creative materials, which contribute to a well-rounded and enriching experience.
  2. $54,341 spent. The STEM & Wellness Camp Program operates on select non-school days and during the summer, providing full-day care from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children in grades K-8. This program incorporates live STEM experiments, STEM learning excursions, recreational activities, and wellness seminars, along with hands-on innovation projects. Mentorship opportunities, healing through art courses, and other enrichment activities further enhance the experience. Transportation plays a critical role in this program, for trips to STEM learning excursions and recreational activities, including visits to Carowinds Amusement Park, United Skates, and Galaxy Fun Park. These trips offer scholars exciting, hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, reinforcing the programs focus on combining education and wellness.
  3. $21,485 spent. The Haven 360 Project and Teen Liberation Nights create a safe and supportive third space for middle and high school students. This program offers mental health support, creative arts experiences, service-learning opportunities, and social events, all designed to help teens develop life skills and find a sense of community. This program prioritizes emotional well-being, empowerment through arts, and personal development, providing an inclusive environment for personal growth and social interaction. Program expenses cover transportation, food, music, creative arts, and mental health sessions, all of which play a crucial role in fostering social and personal development. Additionally, the STEM After Dark program provides an innovative and engaging environment where students can explore STEM-related activities after regular hours, further enhancing their learning experience and personal growth.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 2024.

    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 October 2020.

    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.