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Ukrainian Refugee Foundation

EIN 88-1318523 · San Rafael, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair50 out of 100GovernanceWeak31 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

URF is a 501(c)(30 nonprofit based in California. We receive funds through private donations and spend them on several programs, providing aid, rescue, and relief for Ukrainian war victims in the form of cash donations for food, shelter, and travel. Our work is carried out by volunteers including the foundation's three board officers and non-related, non-profit organizations. The activities of the organization are carried out in Ukraine and European countries willing to support Ukraine refugees.

Income
$210,187
Spending
$178,828
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
2.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
0

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

Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 65% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 15% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    95% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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

Weak: 31 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 3 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

    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, 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 (8)
  1. $98,674 spent. Kharkiv Resilience Fund (KRF): A sub-fund focused on Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv a frontline community enduring continuous bombardment. This program supports a range of targeted initiatives, from providing science kits and online learning tools to children, to procuring specialty materials such as fabrics for manufacturing vests used by first responders. In accordance with donor specifications, KRF may retain and carry forward restricted balances to ensure continuity and flexibility in mission-aligned project execution.
  2. $28,413 spent. To maximize operational efficiency and impact, the Ukrainian Refugee Foundation (URF) partners with select nonprofit organizations in the EU and Ukraine that share its humanitarian mission. These organizations are often better positioned to carry out certain activities locally. URF enters into Memoranda of Cooperation with each partner, allowing for the transfer of unrestricted funds when appropriate. Unless specified otherwise, such transfers may be used by the partner for general charitable purposes, provided their activities remain consistent with URFs 501(c)(3) status and the terms of the Memorandum.
  3. $19,569 spent. Non-Lethal and Dual-Use Aid for Frontline Defenders: Supplying protective equipment and life-saving gear including tourniquets, warm clothing, and basic field necessities to Ukrainian soldiers and territorial defense volunteers operating in frontline regions.
  4. $11,400 spent. Evacuations and Refugee Assistance: Facilitating evacuations and providing ongoing support to civilians displaced by the war, with a focus on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with disabilities or mental health needs. URF maintains long-term contact with many evacuees after relocation to assist with follow-up care and resettlement.
  5. $5,762 spent. Support for War-Affected Children: Providing gifts for major holidays and targeted material aid to children displaced by the war particularly those who have lost one or both parents. These efforts aim to restore a sense of normalcy and psychological stability.
  6. $3,000 spent. Medical and First-Aid Support: Delivering essential medical equipment, over-the-counter medicines, and first-aid kit components to hospitals and frontline medics treating wounded soldiers and civilians.
  7. $2,000 spent. Programmatic Partnership with Ya Vdoma (YV): Supporting a Kyiv-based Ukrainian nonprofit that organizes humanitarian convoys to frontline communities. Ya Vdoma (I am home) reflects the organizations commitment to rebuilding in place rather than fleeing the country. This partnership operates as a donor-designated sub-fund within URF. Like the Kharkiv Resilience Fund (KRF), YV may retain and carry over donor-restricted balances across calendar years, in accordance with donor intent and programmatic needs, particularly to support large-scale or time-sensitive humanitarian logistics.
  8. $829 spent. Animal Welfare Assistance: Supporting volunteers who care for abandoned pets, assist with rehoming, and prepare animals for re-adoption. URF also runs dedicated projects aiding working dogs serving in frontline communities, such as search-and-rescue dogs trained to find trapped civilians and detect unexploded ordnance.

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 November 6, 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 August 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 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.