Deaf Refugee Advocacy Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We recognize that deaf refugees, asylum-seekers, immigrants, and those from US territories have unique needs that are best served and assisted by the members of the general deaf community. (Continued on Sch O)Our mission is to: 1. Provide direct services (education and case management services),2. Promote advocacy and full language access for this population, and3. Provide outreach services (collaboration, consultation, and education) to existing community service organizations and agencies.We aim to support them as they strive to be self-sustaining neighbors while still retaining their own cultural heritage, identity, language, and religion. Furthermore, we wish to ensure their inclusion into our Deaf community and into general society.
- Income
- $610,961
- Spending
- $560,610
- Spent on programs
- 69%
- Reserves
- 2.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 86%
- Employees
- 16
- Volunteers
- 18
- Highest pay
- $89,768, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 60 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.7 months of spending.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 67% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 31% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1569% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 253 of 3 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 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 (1)
- $387,075 spent. We provide comprehensive support to the Deaf community, including Deaf refugees, immigrants, and asylees through three areas:Education - Our experienced instructors offer group and individual instruction tailored for adult learners. From ASL and English literacy to financial skills and citizenship preparation, our curriculum builds the knowledge you need to thrive in the United States. Instruction is available at DRA, at your home, or at a location convenient for you.(Continued on Schedule O)Case Management - Our caseworkers connect you to essential resources while providing ongoing advocacy and support. We assist with health benefits, housing, employment, legal services, and immigration processes, working in partnership with other service providers to create comprehensive plans built around your individual circumstances and goals. Outreach and Consultation - We partner with organizations, companies, and agencies to strengthen their capacity to serve deaf clients effectively. Through consultation, training, and workshops, we help build a more equitable community where deaf individuals have full access to resources and opportunities. In 2025, the number of individuals served was 121.This program is primarily supported by contributions.
Source: Form 990 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 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 April 2021.
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.