Fathers in Front of Bars
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
WE HELP CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED FATHERS BY PROVIDING EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY IN THE COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL. THE GOAL IS TO REDUCE ABSENTEE FATHERS WHO ARE INCARCERATED AND GIVE THE CHILD THE TOOLS TO NOT LEAD TO THE SAME PATH.
- Income
- $70,000
- Spending
- $36,500
- Reserves
- 3.3 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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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 (1)
- $34,500 spent. PRIMARY PROGRAM: R.E.E.L.L. SPORTS LEAGUE FATHERS IN FRONT OF BARS OPERATES THE R.E.E.L.L. (REGION 3 EXTRA-CURRICULAR EXTENDED LEARNING LEAGUE), WHICH PROVIDES BASKETBALL, FLAG FOOTBALL, CHEER, AND SOCCER PROGRAMS FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE-SCHOOL YOUTH. THE LEAGUE PROMOTES LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK, CONFLICT-RESOLUTION SKILLS, AND ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY AMONG STUDENTS WHILE ENGAGING PARENTS AND FAMILIES AS ACTIVE PARTNERS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. DURING 2024, THE ORGANIZATION: EXPANDED THE INDOOR SOCCER SEASON IN COLLABORATION WITH COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS AND NATIONWIDE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL. TRAINED AND SUPPORTED VOLUNTEER COACHES, MENTORS, AND CHEER STAFF ACROSS EIGHT SCHOOLS. COLLECTED STUDENT DATA SHOWING IMPROVED ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES. CONDUCTED PARENT LEADERSHIP MEETINGS TO BUILD ADVOCACY SKILLS AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT. SECONDARY PROGRAM: FAMILY RESTORATION INITIATIVE THE FAMILY RESTORATION INITIATIVE CONNECTS FATHERSPARTICULARLY THOSE IMPACTED BY INCARCERATIONWITH THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH LITERACY ACTIVITIES, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES HOME VISITS, MENTORING, AND FAMILY WORKSHOPS THAT STRENGTHEN BONDS AND REDUCE RECIDIVISM. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTCOMES NATIONWIDE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL PROVIDED 70,000 IN SUPPORT FOR COACHING STIPENDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. THE INITIATIVE ENGAGED APPROXIMATELY 45 VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PARTICIPANT SCHOOLS REPORTED DECREASES IN DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS AND INCREASES IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.
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 November 6, 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 June 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 November 4, 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.