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Guardian Foundation

EIN 88-3725449 · Hilo, HI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceGood72 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Guardian Foundation empowers Service Members, Veterans, their Families (SMVF), First Responders and Challenged Youth by fostering strong partnerships with like-minded organizations and promoting mental health and well-being. Through meaningful connections, education, and outreach, we offer a wide range of support including scholarships, workshops, hands-on therapeutic activities, recreational opportunities, outdoor adventures, and volunteer programs. Our mission is to ensure those who serve or face unique challenges receive the care, support, and sense of community they deserve to thrive. Monies raised through grants & all donations (monetary, goods & services, volunteer of time) are put towards educational classes, workshops, trainings, outreac, community feedings, support wrap around & resources, scholarships, hands-on therapeutic activities, recreational opportunities, outdoor adventures, and volunteer programs.

Income
$0
Spending
$0
Employees
0
Volunteers
4

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 990 for the year ending July 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 72 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no 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

    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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 (4)
  1. Educational Classes/Workshops- We implemented the start of new programs through partnerships. It will affect our budget in the next year or 2.
  2. Coffee with Vets Program - We implemented the start of new programs through partnerships.. It will affect our budget in the next year or 2.
  3. Any Is Too Many Suicide Awareness Sign Waving Campaign- We implemented the start of new programs through partnerships.. It will affect our budget in the next year or 2.
  4. Invisible Wounds Media - We implemented the start of new programs through partnerships. It will affect our budget in the next year or 2.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 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 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 June 2023.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Guardian Foundation Inc (Ooltewah, TN), EIN 91-1842720. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.