Lend a Hand Foundation Inc of Northern California
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To enhance the quality of life of underserved children, youth and families in Oakland and Alameda County California by offering educational support, financial literacy, health and wellness resources, basic needs, and cultural and community engagement activities.
- Income
- $605,622
- Spending
- $541,801
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 2.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 86%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 10
- Highest pay
- $72,000, executive dir.
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
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 28% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% 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
Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
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 (1)
- $487,621 spent. JOY OF GIVING - Days of giving from November 23 - December 20 Over 300 individuals were served a healthy meal at the Joy of Giving event on December 14. Children received new coats, toys and much more. Distributed over 300 turkeys and pantry staples to families in need, ensuring meals for Thanksgiving and beyond. Purchased and distributed 442 coats and pajamas to children, keeping them warm during the colder months. Provided gifts to 55 teens, 110 families, and 75 seniors across multiple events, including Winter Wonderland and various community outreach initiatives. Delivered over 200 complete outfits to students at Madison Primary Academy. Delivered toys and stuffed animals to Childrens Hospital, Kaiser Hospital, and Markham school as well as meals to senior facilities.COMMUNITY CLOSETSThe Lend A Hand Foundation supports five Oakland Unified School District(OUSD) schools, serving approximately 750 underserved students eachquarterand often more frequentlyto help remove barriers that hinder schoolattendance, participation, and academic success. Our Community Closets provide essential items to students, including many who are unhoused, and, at times, extend support to their families. These resources include:* Clothing: Coats, shirts, pants, dresses, and more* Hygiene Essentials: Toiletries, laundry supplies* Comfort Items: Blankets, backpacks* School Supplies: Notebooks, pencils, and other educational materialsBy ensuring access to these necessities, we help students focus on learning andthriving in school.BACK TO SCHOOL - Back to School provided backpacks of school supplies to 12,000 underserved students.OTHER COMMUNITY SUPPORT ACTIVITIESContinued providing resources to variousschools (5) Frick, Madison Primary, Madison Upper, ManzanitaCommunity, West Oakland Middle* Provided snacks to Frick Middle School for several months to over300 middle school students* Provided over 1,200 pairs of shoes to McKinney Vento Students andothers in need* Held Resource Fairs for low-income families quarterly* Escorted families to Golden State Warrior games and other activities* Held skills activity at Reach Academy for lower grade to learn projectskills* Attended Oakland Unified School District Trades Fair* Held special Women and Childrens Resource Fair
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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2024 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2024.
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 September 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.