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Passes our checks

Running Start

EIN 99-0750988 · Toledo, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak0 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
  • It owes more than it owns.

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

What it says it does

RunningStart is a Toledo Ohio-based nonprofit organization formed to provide linkage to housing food mental health services and employment opportunities to homeless individuals and former prisoners in Northwest Ohio. The organizations mission is to support individuals on their journey to becoming self-sufficient and meaningful members of the Toledo community. RunningStart believes in second and third chances personal growth and societal reintegration offering a continuum of supportive services that address the immediate and long-term needs of its clients. By connecting vulnerable individuals to stable housing and wraparound resources RunningStart works to reduce recidivism alleviate homelessness and strengthen the Northwest Ohio community

Income
$95,750
Spending
$181,693
Reserves
-5.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 64%

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

Financial health

Weak: 0 out of 100. Higher than 0% of charities in its peer group (mental health, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 591% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 90% of income.

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

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ 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)
  1. RunningStart operated a transitional and short-term housing program in Toledo Ohio serving homeless individuals and former prisoners in Northwest Ohio. During the tax year RunningStart consistently maintained housing for at least 30 individuals at any given time providing safe stable short-term residential placements that serve as a foundation for long-term self-sufficiency. In addition to housing RunningStart linked approximately 60 individuals to community-based mental health programs connecting clients to licensed providers and support services that address the underlying challenges contributing to homelessness and recidivism. RunningStarts wraparound approach addresses housing instability mental health needs food access and employment barriers equipping clients with the tools and resources necessary to reintegrate into society as productive and self-sufficient members of the Toledo community.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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? 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 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 2024.

    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.