Our Commitment to Transparency
At the Realize Foundation, we believe trust is built through honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Because our supporters place their trust in us and our mission, we believe it is important to
openly share the current status of our federal tax-exempt designation.
The Realize Foundation remains fully committed to its mission of reducing suicide through human connection, storytelling, and hope. This page exists because we believe our supporters deserve complete transparency regarding our current federal tax-exempt status.
What Happened
The Realize Foundation was established in 2020 with one purpose: to reduce suicide through
human connection, storytelling, and hope.
In 2023, we were notified that our IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status had been automatically revoked
due to missed annual informational filings.
As a new nonprofit organization, we misunderstood our annual filing requirements during our early years.
Once we became aware of the issue, we immediately began working with qualified tax professionals to address it.
What We Have Done
Since receiving the revocation notice, we have taken the following steps:
Worked with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to prepare and submit the required Form
990-N filings for the affected years.
Submitted a certified letter to the IRS explaining the circumstances surrounding the missed filings.
Consulted with additional tax professionals to review our records and evaluate the best path forward.
Continued working with professionals to determine the most appropriate process for restoring
or reestablishing our federal tax-exempt status.
Despite these efforts, our federal tax-exempt status has not yet been restored.
Our Current Status
We remain committed to operating with integrity and transparency while we work through this process.
The Realize Foundation does not currently have an active IRS 501(c)(3) determination.
As a result, contributions made directly to the Foundation are generally not deductible as charitable
contributions for federal income tax purposes.
Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
Although our tax status is currently inactive, our mission has never changed.
Every day, we continue working to:
Share stories that inspire hope...
Support courageous authors who use their lived experiences to help others...
Create conversations that reduce the stigma surrounding suicide...
and Build partnerships that place hope into communities where it is needed most.
Looking Forward
This experience has reinforced something we have always believed:
Growth requires accountability, learning, and transparency.
We are committed to doing things the right way, keeping our supporters informed,
and continuing the work that has always been at the heart of the Realize Foundation.
As there are meaningful updates regarding our federal tax-exempt status,
this page will be updated accordingly.
Thank You
Whether you have supported the Realize Foundation by sharing your story, volunteering your time,
donating, partnering with us, or simply encouraging someone who needed hope—
THANK YOU.
Your belief in this mission helps create conversations that save lives, reminds people they are not alone,
and brings hope to those who need it most.
We are deeply grateful for your continued trust and support.
