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Stepping Stones Foundation

EIN 90-0578693 · Keller, TX

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceFair51 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Stepping Stones Foundation is dedicated to serving youth in crisis throughout North Texas by providing the right tools to make positive life choices. In fiscal year 2024-2025 780 youth were served across all programs

Income
$543,448
Spending
$421,511
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
6.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 74%
Employees
10
Volunteers
400
Highest pay
$52,417, director jun-feb - exec director mar

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 9% 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 65% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 51 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 8 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 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 (7)
  1. $58,514 spent. Project Perseverance - This is our largest outreach program for youth in crisis. Our goal is to provide basic human necessities such as case management; weather-appropriate clothing shoes socks underwear and bras; toiletry items and feminine hygiene products; doctor visits dental care glasses medicine psychological assessments and mental health services; car repairs gas transportation and drivers education; phones and laptops; school supplies books school field trips and GED or trade school programs. In fiscal year 2024-2025 Revenues are from in-kind contributions.
  2. $45,160 spent. Project Hunger Force - This program provides nourishing food for those facing hunger at home or at school. Food is provided from our nonperishable food pantry community gardens and local food pantries. We provide snacks meals groceries gift cards & pay for school lunch accounts. Revenues are from in-kind contributions.
  3. $21,932 spent. Project Oasis - This program improves living conditions & provides needed items for a child to get a good nights sleep feel safe and focus on school. Items provided include mattresses bedding home decor a new shelter and assistance with rent or utilities.
  4. $1,285 spent. Project Career Launch - This program provides jobs for at-risk teens allowing them to learn a trade improve self-esteem and build a bond with a mentor while earning money to support themselves. Students often work for local businesses closely connected to our board members. This program encourages self-discipline teaches financial and professional responsibility instills work ethic and builds self-confidence.
  5. $59,000 spent. Donation of goods to other nonprofits - We receive non-cash donations of goods some of which are donated to other area nonprofits. In fiscal year 2024-2025 donations were made to Furnishing Families of Texas Christs Haven for Children and Community Enrichment Center. Revenues are from in-kind contributions.
  6. $141,175 spent. Stepping Stones Thrift Boutique is a retail thrift store located in Keller Texas. The store carries gently used and new clothing and shoes donated by the community which are distributed free of charge to clients or resold at discounted prices to the public. Further the store provides an opportunity for clients to work and receive mentorship while doing so.
  7. $2,694 spent. Allocation of insurance in support of programs

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on October 15, 2016 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on October 15, 2016.

    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 May 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 August 2017.

    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.