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Objective-See Foundation Inc

EIN 86-3546876 · Kula, HI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceFair56 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Objective-See Foundation advances the security of Apple platforms by Developing free, open-source security tools, publishing technical research and educational resources organizing conferences and training programs, and supporting initiatives that help grow and diversify the macOS and iOS security community

Income
$776,132
Spending
$608,237
Spent on programs
96%
Reserves
9.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 78%
Employees
0
Highest pay
$300,000, president, 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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.8 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 22% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 12% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    96% 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

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 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 (6)
  1. $300,000 spent. Security Tools and Research The Foundation develops and maintains free open-source security tools for macOS designed to help researchers, developers, and everyday users detect malware and better understand the security of Apple systems. These tools are distributed freely to the public and are widely used within the cybersecurity community
  2. $18,511 spent. Books and Other Publications. The Foundation publishes technical books, research papers, and educational resources focused on macOS and iOS security, malware analysis, and defensive techniques. These materials are made freely available online to support education and knowledge sharing across the global cybersecurity community. Printed versions may be made available through third-party publishers.
  3. $149,090 spent. Conferences and Training The Foundation organizes and hosts technical conferences and training events, including the annual Objective by the Sea conference, which brings together security researchers, engineers, and students from around the world to present and discuss the latest research related to Apple platform security
  4. Program Service Expenses 54,558, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Community Programs The Foundation operates community initiatives including Objective-We and Objective for the We, programs designed to support early-career researchers and individuals from underrepresented communities through mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities to participate in technical conferences and training focused on Apple platform security
  5. Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Program Service Objective-We, dedicated to donate and collaborate to make the macOS and iOS security field more inclusive and diverse.
  6. Objective-We is an initiative of the Objective-See Foundation focused on making the Apple security field more accessible and inclusive. The program supports students and early-career professionals through scholarships, educational events, training opportunities, and community initiatives designed to lower barriers to entry into the cybersecurity field.

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

  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 2025.

    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 November 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.