Stenson Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 52 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The Stenson Foundation is dedicated to funding innovative pediatric cancer research to improve outcomes and develop safer, more effective treatments for children. The organization raises funds through community-driven events and partnerships, directing proceeds to leading research institutions and collaborative initiatives focused on advancing cures. The Foundation also supports organizations that provide relief and respite to families navigating childhood cancer.
- Income
- $230,435
- Spending
- $218,958
- Spent on programs
- 56%
- Reserves
- 2.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 72%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 40
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
Fair: 53 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (medical research, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.
Spending floor
0 of 1556% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 52 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
Weak: 38 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (medical research, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 256 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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)
- $100,000 spent. The Stenson Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in support of the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Consortium (MaGIC). This funding supports the development of laboratory models using patient tumor samples to advance research and enable testing of new, more effective, and less toxic treatments for pediatric germ cell cancers.
- $5,000 spent. The Stenson Foundation provided a $5,000 grant to Footprints of Fight, a nonprofit organization that delivers direct relief and holiday assistance to families navigating childhood cancer. In addition, the Foundation purchased and distributed holiday gifts specifically for teen patients with cancer in Washington State, helping address an often under-supported age group during the holiday season.
- $11,718 spent. The Stenson Foundation provided holiday gifts and support to teens undergoing cancer treatment, a group often underserved in pediatric care. The program delivered age-appropriate gifts and comfort items to patients at hospitals including Seattle Childrens Hospital and Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital, helping bring joy, relief, and a sense of normalcy during the holiday season while addressing the emotional challenges of treatment.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.