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Brensean Winston Foundation

EIN 99-3040677 · Highland Park, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood88 out of 100GovernanceWeak48 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To empower youth and underrepresented communities through mentorship, leadership training, and career dewvelopment opportunities.To break systemic barriers by providing access to education, financial literacy, and professionals skill building programs.

Income
$528,265
Spending
$103,945
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
49 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 100%
Employees
0

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: 88 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 49.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 42% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 80% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs.

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: 48 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    0 of 1 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

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

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (13)
  1. $103,945 spent. To promote community engagement by fostering relationships betyween youth, mentors, and professionals in various industries. To promote programs that equip young people for long term success in education, entrepeneurship, and workfource readiness. The Corporation shall not operate as a nonprofit organization and shall not engage in any activities that do not align with its charitable mission.
  2. The Bresean Winston Foundation hosted its annual New Year Workshop to help community members begin the year with motivation, direction, and access to resources. The event focused on goal setting, personal development, entrepeneurship, financial literacy, and creating positive habits for success in the new year. Youth, young adults, parents, entrepeneurs, and community members participated in the workshop. Approximately 75 attendees were present throughout the day. Participants received notebooks, vision board materials, motivational resources, refreshments, and informational materials from community partners. The workshop also included guest speakers, interactive activities, and networking opportunities designed to encourage growth and accountability.
  3. Tech Fest - May 30 Tech Fest was created to expose youth and young adults to careers, opportunities, and innovation within the technology industry. The event introduced participants to coding, entrepeneurship, digital media, AI, gaming, content creation, and other emerging tech fields. Students, aspiring entrepenuers, community leaders, and technology professionals participated in the event. Approximately 150 attdendees participated. Giveaways included laptops, tablets, headphones, school supplies, tech assories, gift cards, and educational materials. Attendees also participated in live demonstration, workshops, and networking sessions with professionalsn in the tech industry.
  4. Tech Fest - May 27 Tech Fest 2 Expanded upon the success of the orginal Tech Fest by providing additional hands-on technology experiencesa and workshops. The purpose of the event was to continue bridging the digital divide while inspiring youth to explore careers in innovation and entrepreneurship. Youth participants, families, educators, and community organizations attended the event. Approximately 175 individuals atttended throughout the day. The event included giveaways such as gaming equipment, backpacks, tablets, STEM activity kits, and technology resources. Interactive stations and demonstrations gave participants practical exposure to technology and digital skills.
  5. SWCS Celebrity Softball Game - June 14 The SWCS Celebrity Softball Game was organized to bring the community together through sports, entertainment, and youth engagement. The event promoted mentorship, positive community relationships, and fundraising efforts to support future youth programming. Local celebrities, athletes, influencers, youth participants, families, and community supporters attended the event. approximately 800 attendees participated. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, food vendors, giveaways, raffles, merchandise, and opportunities to meet community figures. The event created a family-friendly atmosphere centered around unity and community support.
  6. Summer Program - July 14-August 15 The Brensean Winston Foundation Summer Program provided youth with a safe engaging, and educational environment during the summer months. The -program focused on leadership development, life skills, wellness, education, recreation, and mentorship. School-aged youth from the community participated in the multi-week progran. Approximately 40 student were inrolled throughout the duration of the program. Participants received meals, educational materials, backpacks, school supplies, program shirts, recreational activities, field trips, guest speakers, and welness programming. The progam emphasized confidence-building, teamwork, and positive youth development.
  7. Golf Outing August 15 The Golf Outing served as a fundraising and networking event to support the mission and programs of the BWIN Foundation. The event broughtr together community leaders, supporters, businesses, and donors to invest in youth and community initatives. Golfers, sponsors, business professionals, elected officials, and community supporters participated in the outing. Approxiamtely 120 attendees were involved throughout the event. Participants received golfer gift bags, meals, refreshments, branded merchandise, raffle prizes, and sponsor giveaways. Funds raised supported future community programming and outreach initiatives.
  8. Back 2 School Giveaway - September 8 The Back To School Giveaway was organizedb to help studentsb and families prepare for the upcoming academic year by providinmg essential school supplies and resources. Families, students, educators and community volunteers participated in the event. approximately 1200 students and parents attended. Giveaways includedb backpacks, notebooks, pencials, folders, hygiene kits, uniforms, shoes, snacks and educational resources, Community partners also provided information regarding youth services and academic support.
  9. Free Mystery Giveaway - September 24 The free Mystery Giveaway was designed to create excitement while giving back to community members through suprise gifts and resources. TYhe event encouraged community engagement and appreciation. Youth, families, and local residents participated in the giveaway. Approximately 100 attendees participated. Items distributed included gift cards, electronics, household items, clothing, toys, food items, and suprise prizes donated by community partners and supporters.
  10. Trunk or Treat Halloween Giveaway - October 29 The Trunk or Treat Halloween Giveawy provided a safe and family-friendly environment for children to celebrate Halloween while receiving treats and community resources. Families, children, volunteers, and local organizations participated in the event. approximately 250 attendees participated. Children received candy, snacks,costumes, toys, school supplies, and other giveaways. Decorated vehicles, music, games, and entertainment created a fun and safe atmosphere for the community.
  11. Turkey Drive - November 22 The Turkey Drive was organized to support families during the Thanksgiving holiday by providing meals and food assistance to households in need. Community volunteers, sponsors, and local families participated in the drive. Approximately 200 families received assistance. Families received turkeys, canned goods, stuffing, produce, desserts and additional grocery items to helpn prepare Thanksgiving meals. The initativeb focused on reducing food insecurity and supporting families during the holiday season.
  12. Thanksgiving Giveaway - November 23 The Thanksgiving Giveaway continued the Foundations efforts to support families and permote community care during the holiday season. The event focused on ensuring families had access to meals, essentials, and support. Families, seniors, and community members attendedb the event. Approximately 1000 individuals participated. Giveaways included prepared meals, grocery items, hygiene products, coats, blankets, gift cards, and additional necessities donated by community partners and supporters.
  13. Holiday Christmas Extravaganza - December 18 The Holiday Christmas Extravaganza was organized to spread joy and provide support to families during the holiday season through entertainment, gifts, and community celebration. Children, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders participatedb in the event. Approximately 1000 attendees participated throughout the celebration. Children received toys, bikes, clothing, electronics, gift cards, and holiday treats. The event also includedn food, music, performances, photos with Santa, games, and additional holiday activities designed to create memorable experiences for families.

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

  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 May 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 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.