Where Your Donation Goes
We believe donors deserve to see exactly how their gifts are used. Here's a full accounting of our costs, structure, and accountability practices.
Our Tax-Exempt Status
501(c)(3) determination effective July 19, 2026 — donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law
Public charity status under IRC Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) — not a private foundation
EIN: 42-4008252
Our IRS determination letter is available upon request at [email protected]
Where Your Donation Goes
Surface to Success runs two 12-week cohorts of 20 participants each year — 40 justice-impacted individuals served annually. Here's what it costs to deliver the full program, per participant:
The program is entirely free for every participant. There is no cost to them, ever — every dollar is covered through grants, sponsorships, and donations like yours.
Annual Operating Budget
We keep overhead lean and direct program investment high — the majority of every budget dollar goes toward equipment, instruction, and direct participant support, not administration.
Accountability & Reporting
Surface to Success will file Form 990 annually with the IRS, as required of all public charities — available publicly through the IRS and GuideStar/Candid once filed
Our Board of Directors includes a CPA (Dr. Jordan Liu) who provides ongoing financial oversight
All board members and officers adhere to a formal Conflict of Interest Policy
We track and report program outcomes each cohort, including PADI certification rates, program completion rates, and job placement — published as our track record grows
Questions About Our Finances?
We welcome them. Reach out anytime at [email protected] — transparency isn't just a page on our website, it's how we intend to operate as we grow.