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Stay Here Nonprofit Corporation

EIN 84-5073480 · Johnson City, TN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Stay Here is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending suicide and promoting mental health through faith-based support, training, and resources. Our mission is to see a suicide-free generation by equipping individuals and communities with life-saving tools. Our key activities include: Stay Here is a national nonprofit working to end suicide and provide faith-based mental health support. We equip individuals, churches, and schools with tools to save lives and promote hope. Key activities include: Suicide prevention training through our ACT certification Free therapy access with licensed Christian counselors Crisis support via our 24/7 Hopeline and digital resources Church and school partnerships through the Stay Here Network Gen Z outreach via Student Ambassadors and awareness campaigns

Income
$309,238
Spending
$256,276
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
6.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 82%
Employees
2
Volunteers
295
Highest pay
$97,587, ceo

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 82% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 13% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 62% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% 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

Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    2 of 3 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. $108,000 spent. Stay Here launched the Stay Here Network to equip churches, ministries, organizations and schools with the tools and training needed to address mental health and suicide prevention. Members receive access to evidence-based suicide prevention training, downloadable sermon series, youth leader onboarding, crisis response protocols, and free therapy options for pastors. This program empowers faith communities to become safe, equipped, and compliant spaces that can respond to mental health crises with compassion and effectiveness.
  2. $81,000 spent. Stay Here developed and launched a Student Ambassador Program for middle school, high school, and college students to lead mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives on their campuses. Student Ambassadors receive training, tools, and community support to run peer-led clubs, host awareness events, and foster safe, supportive environments for their peers. The program amplifies youth voices and empowers students to become agents of change within their schools and communities. Stay Here accepted 273 total student ambassadors in 2024.
  3. $67,502 spent. Stay Here runs nationwide digital campaigns to reach youth and young adults in crisis with messages of hope, mental health support, and suicide prevention tools. Through social media, SMS campaigns, video reels, and the Stay Here Lifeline NFC bracelet (which links to 988 and other crisis tools), the organization reached millions of people online and directed thousands to life-saving resources. The digital outreach strategy also includes online training events, influencer partnerships, and the promotion of the 'I Will Stay' pledge.

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 March 2021.

    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.