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Maui Cat Rescue

EIN 87-4135259 · Wailuku, HI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong92 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Promotes animal welfare through rescue, care, temporary housing, adoption placement, volunteer-supported transport, community engagement, education, and public outreach supporting Hawaiis rescue cat population.

Income
$72,127
Spending
$70,664
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
7.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
7

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: 92 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.4 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 2% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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

Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 95% of charities in its peer group (animals, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

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

  • 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 (3)
  1. $31,349 spent. Program Name: Maui Cat Rescue - Care, Housing & Adoption Program Achievements: In 2025, the program cared for over 296 rescued and homeless cats, placing many into permanent homes through local and off-island adoptions. The program also strengthened rescue coordination across Maui, Oahu, Molokai, and Hawaii Island, and hosted adoption events, educational programs, volunteer training, and community partnerships to promote animal welfare.
  2. $15,674 spent. Program Name: Fly Hawaii Cats-Volunteer Flight Transport Program Achievements: In 2025, the program coordinated 721 volunteer travlers offering flights to transport resuce cats from Hawaii to mainland rescue partners and adopters. A total of 114 volunteers successfully flew cats in-cabin to safe placement. Transports supported Kitty Charm Farm (55), Cat Cafe Maui (37), Individual rescuers (8), Rescue Kitties Hawaii (8), Maui Humance Society (4), Kona Kat Cafe (1), and Honi Honi Maui (1). these efforts expanded lifesaving transport capacity for at-risk cats across Hawaii.
  3. $15,674 spent. Program Name: Community Engagement, Eduction & Adoption Awarebness Program. Achievements: In 2025, the organization received national recognition as one of the top cat-focused community programs in the United States, increasing awareness of Hawaiis rescue cat poplution and expanding community engagement. The program also hosted adoption events, education activities, volunteer training, and community partnerships to promote humane solutions for homeless cats.

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 February 2022.

    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.