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Nonprofit · EIN 51-0188951

FAMILIES RISING

Also known as CHILDREN NORTH AMERICAN COUNCIL

Tax-exempt · SAINT PAUL, MN 55114

Financials

$2.5M$2.4M2023$5.7M$5.5M2024$8.1M$7.9M2025
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of FAMILIES RISING by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
December 31, 2025990$8,124,000$7,949,108$174,892$2,002,218$400,521$1,601,697
December 31, 2024990$5,683,811$5,462,350$221,461$1,545,672$118,867$1,426,805
December 31, 2023990$2,494,960$2,352,312$142,648$1,505,862$300,518$1,205,344
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$7,900,358
of which government grants
$7,643,171
Program service revenue
$202,524
Investment income
$13,925
Other revenue
$7,193

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$3,605,745
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$500,058
Other salaries and wages
$2,058,919
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$3,015,407
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Occupancy
$55,399
Travel
$168,622
Depreciation
$54,083
Program services (functional)
$7,605,223
Management and general (functional)
$327,369
Fundraising (functional)
$16,516

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$1,545,672
Total assets, end of year
$2,002,218
Total liabilities, end of year
$400,521
Net assets, end of year
$1,601,697
Land, buildings and equipment
$12,256
Net assets without donor restrictions
$1,601,697
Gross receipts
$8,124,000
Employees
37
Volunteers
35
Year formed
1975
State of legal domicile
MN

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
LIGIA CUSHMANCEO
Officer
40$200,000$8,965
RONI MCKENNACFO
Officer
40$157,666$13,098
NATHAN ROSSCOO
Officer
40$114,573$5,756
DENISE GOODMANPRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
JAERAN KIMVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
KIM GRZYBOWSKIVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
CATHY MURPHYSECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
RONYA FAULKNERTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
MAXIMILLIAN LISEMBEEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
STACEY ANN MASONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
MERCEDES O'BRYANT-GRUZESKIDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
DAVID SIMMONSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
JAREL L SKINNER-MELENDEZDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
KIM STEVENSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
MARLYN WALLDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
1 more people on this return
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
MERCEDES ZAHLERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 14 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
LIGIA CUSHMANCEO
Officer
40$194,853$8,562
NATHAN ROSSCOO
Officer
40$173,890$8,143
RONI MCKENNACFO
Officer
40$143,603$10,669
KIM STEVENSPRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
JAERAN KIMVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
KIM GRZYBOWSKIVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
CATHY MURPHYSECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
RONYA FAULKNERTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
MAXIMILLIAN LISEMBEEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
STACEY ANN MASONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
DAVID SIMMONSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
JAREL L SKINNER-MELENDEZDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
MARLYN WALLDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
MERCEDES ZAHLERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 16 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
LIGIA CUSHMANCEO
Officer
40$158,300$7,774
NATHAN ROSSCOO
Officer
40$112,300$6,974
RONI MCKENNACFO
Officer
40$23,133$1,134
DENISE GOODMANPRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
2$0$0
KIM BROWNVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
2$0$0
KIM GRZYBOWSKIVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
2$0$0
RONYA FAULKNERSECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
2$0$0
PAT O'BRIENTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
2$0$0
JAERAN KIMDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
MAXIMILLIAN LISEMBEEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
STACEY ANN MASONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
CATHY MURPHYDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
TREY RABUNDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
DAVID SIMMONSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
JAREL SKINNER-MELENDEZDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0
MERCEDES ZAHLERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
2380 WYCLIFF ST STE 200 # 11, SAINT PAUL, MN 55114-1257
In care of
% LINDA WEST
Principal officer (990 for 2025)
LIGIA CUSHMAN, 2380 WYCLIFF STREET 200-11, ST PAUL, MN 55114
Signed the 990
LIGIA CUSHMAN, CEO
Phone
(651) 644-3036
Return prepared by
CARPENTER EVERT & ASSOCIATES LTD

Mission

TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF THOSE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE, SUPPORT ADOPTIVE, FOSTER, AND KINSHIP FAMILIES, EDUCATE CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONALS, AND CHAMPION THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. WHETHER YOU ARE SEEKING GUIDANCE OR WORKING TO DRIVE CHANGE, WE ARE HERE TO WALK ALONGSIDE YOU IN YOUR ADOPTION, FOSTER CARE, AND KINSHIP CARE JOURNEY.WE ARE DRIVEN BY A DEEP COMMITMENT TO ENSURING EVERY CHILD IN FOSTER CARE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW UP IN A LOVING FAMILY. WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF FAMILY, THE IMPORTANCE OF IDENTITY, AND THE ROLE OF SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES IN CREATING LASTING CHANGE. WE PRIORITIZE KEEPING CHILDREN CONNECTED TO THEIR FAMILIES WHENEVER POSSIBLE AND SUPPORT ADOPTION WHEN REUNIFICATION IS NOT AN OPTION. WE ARE EQUALLY COMMITTED TO HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF CULTURAL AND PERSONAL IDENTITY, INCLUDING AFFIRMING LGBTQ CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, WHILE BUILDING COMMUNITY AND ADVOCATING FOR POLICIES THAT STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN FAMILIES.

990 for the year ended December 31, 2025

Program accomplishments

  • SEE SCHEDULE O.FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA -FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA CONTINUED TO PROVIDE STEADY, RELATIONSHIP-BASED SUPPORT TO ADOPTIVE, FOSTER, AND KINSHIP CAREGIVERS ACROSS THE STATE IN 2025. THIS YEAR MARKED A PERIOD OF BOTH GROWTH AND STABILIZATION, AS WE STRENGTHENED OUR STAFFING STRUCTURE, EXPANDED REGIONAL REACH, AND DEEPENED THE CONSISTENCY OF OUR PROGRAMMING. WITH THE ADDITION OF TWO NEW TEAM MEMBERS SERVING NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA, WE INCREASED OUR ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH FAMILIES ACROSS GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS AND RESPOND MORE DIRECTLY TO LOCAL NEEDS. THIS EXPANSION ALLOWED US TO OFFER MORE IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES WHILE MAINTAINING STRONG VIRTUAL ACCESS POINTS FOR CAREGIVERS STATEWIDE.THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA FACILITATED A MIX OF IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS, INCLUDING GENERAL CAREGIVER GROUPS, KINSHIP-FOCUSED SPACES, AND TRANSRACIAL FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUPS WITH A YOUTH COMPONENT. THESE GROUPS REMAINED A CORNERSTONE OF OUR WORK, PROVIDING CAREGIVERS WITH BOTH PRACTICAL STRATEGIES AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS. CAREGIVERS CONSISTENTLY SHARED REFLECTIONS SUCH AS, "I AM NOT ALONE, AND "MET PEERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR CHALLENGES," REINFORCING THE IMPORTANCE OF PEER-BASED SUPPORT. PARTICIPATION REMAINED STRONG DESPITE NATURAL FLUCTUATIONS RELATED TO SEASONAL TRAVEL, SCHOOL SCHEDULES, AND FAMILY DEMANDS, DEMONSTRATING THE ONGOING NEED FOR FLEXIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE PROGRAMMING.IN-PERSON GATHERINGS AND RETREATS CONTINUED TO BE A HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR. OUR CAREGIVER RETREAT PROVIDED A SPACE FOR PARTICIPANTS TO STEP AWAY FROM DAILY DEMANDS, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, AND ENGAGE IN LEARNING ALONGSIDE OTHERS WHO SHARE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. CAREGIVERS DESCRIBED THESE OPPORTUNITIES AS "A MUCH NEEDED TIME TO DECOMPRESS, LEARN, AND RELAX, AND "SPECTACULAR," EMPHASIZING THE IMPACT OF CREATING INTENTIONAL SPACE FOR BOTH CONNECTION AND REFLECTION. THESE EVENTS REINFORCED THAT BELONGING AND COMMUNITY ARE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF CAREGIVER SUPPORT.FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA ALSO CONTINUED TO EXPAND ITS TRAINING AND RESOURCE OFFERINGS. WITH INCREASED CAPACITY IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WE FURTHER DEVELOPED ON-DEMAND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, ALLOWING CAREGIVERS TO ACCESS CONTENT AT TIMES THAT FIT THEIR SCHEDULES. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE BEGUN ALIGNING OUR TRAINING EFFORTS WITH THE NATIONAL TRAINING MANAGER TO ENSURE CONTENT IS GROUNDED IN EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES WHILE ALSO MAINTAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR REAL-TIME CONNECTION AND DISCUSSION. THIS BALANCE ALLOWS US TO OFFER BOTH ACCESSIBLE LEARNING AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT FOR CAREGIVERS.WE ALSO COMPLETED A PROGRAM EVALUATION THIS YEAR AND ARE USING THE DATA TO GUIDE AND REFINE OUR WORK INTENTIONALLY. INSIGHTS FROM THE EVALUATION ARE INFORMING PROGRAM DESIGN, STRENGTHENING AREAS OF IMPACT, AND ENSURING OUR SERVICES CONTINUE TO MEET THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF FAMILIES.IN ADDITION TO EMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT, FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA REMAINED RESPONSIVE TO FAMILIES' PRACTICAL NEEDS. THROUGH TARGETED OUTREACH AND RESOURCE SHARING, CAREGIVERS RECEIVED SUPPORT RELATED TO FINANCIAL STRAIN, BASIC NEEDS, AND ACCESS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES. FEEDBACK HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUPPORT, PARTICULARLY FOR FAMILIES NAVIGATING HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS AND RESPONSIBILITY.THIS YEAR ALSO MARKED MEANINGFUL PROGRESS IN COMMUNITY COLLABORATION. WE ARE ACTIVELY BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE ESTABLISHED ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THREE COUNTIES TO PROVIDE MONTHLY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOSTER, ADOPTIVE, AND KINSHIP CAREGIVERS. THESE PARTNERSHIPS ALLOW US TO REACH CAREGIVERS IN MORE CONSISTENT AND MEANINGFUL WAYS, SUPPORTING THEIR GROWTH AND STRENGTHENING THEIR CAPACITY THROUGHOUT THEIR PARENTING JOURNEY.THIS YEAR INCLUDED PERIODS OF TRANSITION AND CHALLENGE. STAFFING CHANGES AND A TEMPORARY FUNDING DELAY REQUIRED THE TEAM TO OPERATE WITH FLEXIBILITY WHILE MAINTAINING CORE SERVICES. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO SHARE THAT OUR FUNDING HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL SIX MONTHS, PROVIDING CONTINUED STABILITY AS WE STRENGTHEN PROGRAMMING, DEEPEN PARTNERSHIPS, AND ALIGN OUR WORK FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY. DESPITE EARLIER CHALLENGES, PROGRAMMING CONTINUED, AND STAFF REMAINED COMMITTED TO ENSURING CAREGIVERS HAD ACCESS TO CONSISTENT SUPPORT. THE RETURN TO A FULLY STAFFED TEAM POSITIONS FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA FOR CONTINUED GROWTH AND STABILITY AS WE MOVE FORWARD.ACROSS ALL PROGRAMMING AREAS, CAREGIVER FEEDBACK REFLECTED STRONG TRUST IN FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA STAFF AND SERVICES. CAREGIVERS APPRECIATED HAVING A CONSISTENT, NONJUDGMENTAL SPACE FOR SUPPORT, AS WELL AS CLARITY ON WHOM TO CONTACT FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS. THIS TRUST IS FOUNDATIONAL TO OUR WORK AND CONTINUES TO GUIDE HOW WE DESIGN AND DELIVER SERVICES.FAMILIES RISING MINNESOTA REMAINS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH CONNECTION, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY. IN 2025, WE STRENGTHENED OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, EXPANDED OUR REACH, AND DEEPENED OUR IMPACT. AS WE MOVE FORWARD, WE WILL CONTINUE BUILDING ON THIS FOUNDATION TO ENSURE CAREGIVERS ACROSS MINNESOTA HAVE ACCESS TO THE SUPPORT, RESOURCES, AND RELATIONSHIPS THEY NEED.
    Expenses $831,801
  • SEE SCHEDULE O.CENTER FOR WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE AND LEADERSHIP -IN 2025, THE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE & LEADERSHIP (CWEL), OPERATED BY FAMILIES RISING, ADVANCED A COMPREHENSIVE, MULTI-STATE APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE NATIONAL CHILD WELFARE WORKFORCE CRISIS THROUGH STRATEGIES FOCUSED ON RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AND WORKFORCE WELL-BEING. KEY INITIATIVES INCLUDED THE CLINICAL BRIDGE, WHICH DEVELOPED PATHWAYS TO CLINICAL LICENSURE AND PRODUCED TOOLS, WORKGROUPS, AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORKS TO STRENGTHEN RETENTION; AND COACHUP, WHICH DELIVERED STRUCTURED COACHING AND SUPERVISION SUPPORT TO AGENCY LEADERS, RESULTING IN HIGH SATISFACTION AND REPORTED IMPROVEMENTS IN SUPERVISORY SKILLS, STAFF ENGAGEMENT, AND RETENTION PRACTICES. CWEL ALSO IMPLEMENTED RISEUP, A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE PROJECTS, AND LAUNCHED THE CULTURE KEEPERS FELLOWSHIP, SUCCESSFULLY RECRUITING AND PREPARING A COHORT OF TRIBAL CHILD WELFARE LEADERS. ACROSS ALL STRATEGIES, CWEL EMPHASIZED CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE, EVIDENCE-INFORMED APPROACHES AND STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH STATE AGENCIES, TRIBAL NATIONS, AND NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS.ADDITIONALLY, CWEL SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED THE CHILD WELFARE WORKFORCE PIPELINE THROUGH ITS EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS STRATEGY, AWARDING STIPENDS TO OVER 100 SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES AND STRENGTHENING AGENCYUNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING OF FUTURE PROFESSIONALS. THE COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE COALITION ENSURED THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE INFORMED PROGRAM DESIGN, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, WHILE A NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN AND TARGETED SITE SUPPORT ENHANCED RECRUITMENT MESSAGING AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF CHILD WELFARE CAREERS. CWEL ALSO ESTABLISHED A ROBUST EVALUATION FRAMEWORK, INCLUDING LOGIC MODELS AND OUTCOME MEASURES ACROSS ALL STRATEGIES, TO GUIDE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND SCALABILITY. HOWEVER, DUE TO NEW FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES ANNOUNCED ON DECEMBER 8, 2025, CWEL'S FUNDING WAS DISCONTINUED, RESULTING IN STAFF LAYOFFS AND THE CESSATION OF ALL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. THE ONLY REMAINING ACTIVITY COMPLETED WAS THE RISEUP FELLOWS GRADUATION IN NEW JERSEY, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN JANUARY 2026.
    Expenses $6,323,955 · grants $3,605,745
  • SEE SCHEDULE O.PUBLIC EDUCATION TRAINING AND CONFERENCE -IN 2025, FAMILIES RISING CONTINUED TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND ITS NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM, DELIVERING APPROXIMATELY 28 TRAINING AND COACHING ENGAGEMENTS ACROSS A DIVERSE RANGE OF PARTNERS, INCLUDING STATE AGENCIES, UNIVERSITIES, AND CHILD WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS. THESE ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDED BOTH VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON FORMATS, AS WELL AS MULTI-SESSION COACHING AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS, REFLECTING SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR OUR EXPERTISE IN CAREGIVER SUPPORT, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND CHILD WELFARE PRACTICE.IN ADDITION TO EARNED REVENUE, FAMILIES RISING SECURED A $41,625 GRANT FROM THE O'SHAUGHNESSY FOUNDATION, WHICH PROVIDED CRITICAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND TRAINING CAPACITY. THIS FUNDING CONTRIBUTED TO KEY INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS AND POSITIONED THE ORGANIZATION FOR FUTURE GROWTH.A SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN 2025 WAS THE PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS), MARKING A STRATEGIC SHIFT TOWARD SCALABLE, TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED TRAINING DELIVERY. THIS INVESTMENT ENHANCES THE ORGANIZATION'S ABILITY TO OFFER ON-DEMAND LEARNING, EXPAND ITS NATIONAL REACH, AND BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND DIVERSIFIED TRAINING MODEL.IN FEBRUARY 2025, THE COACHUP PODCAST ACHIEVED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE WITH ITS OFFICIAL LAUNCH, EXPANDING FAMILIES RISING'S APPROACH TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INTO THE PODCAST SPACE. INTRODUCED AS A NEW PLATFORM TO SUPPORT CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONALS, THE PODCAST QUICKLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A LEADERSHIP RESOURCE BY FEATURING HIGH-LEVEL GUESTS INCLUDING FEDERAL LEADERS, NATIONAL ADVOCATES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXECUTIVES, HELPING TO ELEVATE COACHING AS A CRITICAL STRATEGY FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND SYSTEMS CHANGE. IN JULY 2025, THE ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCED A LEADERSHIP TRANSITION WITH THE RESIGNATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF TRAINING, FOLLOWED BY THE SUCCESSFUL ONBOARDING OF A NEW NATIONAL TRAINING MANAGER TO LEAD AND STRENGTHEN THE TRAINING PROGRAM MOVING FORWARD.OVERALL, 2025 REPRESENTS A FOUNDATIONAL YEAR FOR FAMILIES RISING'S TRAINING DEPARTMENT, CHARACTERIZED BY STRONG PROGRAM DELIVERY, STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE, AND MEANINGFUL PROGRESS TOWARD LONG-TERM GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY.CONFERENCE THE FAMILIES RISING ANNUAL CONFERENCE, HELD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA IN OCTOBER 2025, SERVED 367 ADOPTIVE, FOSTER, AND KINSHIP PARENTS, CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONALS, AND OTHERS COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING PERMANENCE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE. PARTICIPANTS WERE ABLE TO CHOOSE FROM 48 EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS FOCUSED ON EFFECTIVE PARENTING TECHNIQUES, SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND OTHER CHALLENGES, RECRUITING, PREPARING, AND SUPPORTING FOSTER, ADOPTIVE, AND KINSHIP FAMILIES, AND RELATED TOPICS.
    Expenses $340,931 · revenue $202,524
  • PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY - THE ORGANIZATION ALSO PROVIDED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR STATE ADVOCATES PURSUING LEGISLATION TO GRANT ADOPTEES ACCESS TO THEIR ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATES. AS A COMMITTED PARTNER IN VOICE FOR ADOPTIONA COALITION OF NATIONAL ADOPTION ORGANIZATIONSFAMILIES RISING CONTINUES TO EDUCATE AND LOBBY CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS ON CRITICAL PERMANENCY ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH. IN MINNESOTA SPECIFICALLY, THE ORGANIZATION ADVOCATED FOR ENHANCED SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR CHILDREN WHO ACHIEVE PERMANENCY BEFORE THEIR 6TH BIRTHDAY. WE WERE INVOLVED WITH EFFORTS WITH OTHER ADVOCATES TO BROADEN THE REACH OF THE FEDERAL ADOPTION TAX CREDIT. WE HELPED THE NATIONAL INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ASSOCIATION IN EXPLAINING THE UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT WAYS THAT TRIBAL NATIONS WILL DETERMINE SPECIAL NEEDS FOR THE CHILDREN THEY ARE PLACING FOR ADOPTION. WE WORKED WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ADOPTION TAX CREDIT WORKING GROUP TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE NEW PARTIAL REFUNDABILITY OF $5,000 PER CHILD WILL APPLY TO ADOPTIONS FINALIZED BETWEEN 2020-2024. WE PARTICIPATED IN FREQUENT CALLS WITH A BROAD COALITION OF NATIONAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WATCHING FOR DIRECT IMPACTS TO CHILD WELFARE FUNDING. THANKFULLY THE DIRECT FUNDING WASN'T TARGETED. HOWEVER, WE ARE WARY THAT COST SHIFTING TO OTHER PROGRAMS WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO STATES LOOKING AT CHILD WELFARE AS BUDGETS GET TIGHTER OVER ALL.ADOPTION SUBSIDY RESOURCE CENTER -IN 2025, FAMILIES RISING PROVIDED ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AND TAX CREDIT INFORMATION TO OVER 800 PEOPLE AND CONDUCTED 15 TRAINING SESSIONS WITH 435 ATTENDEES, WITH MORE THAN 630 ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS ACCESSING RECORDED WEBINARS. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO PROVIDE CASE ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT TO PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES. WE CONTINUED TO ADVOCATE FOR FULL FOSTER CARE RATE IN MINNESOTA FOR CHILDREN WHO OBTAIN PERMANENCY BEFORE THEIR 6TH BIRTHDAY.
    Expenses $108,536

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025December 31, 2025May 15, 2026990 on file
2024December 31, 2024May 15, 2025990 on file
2023December 31, 2023May 15, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
51-0188951
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
1997
Accounting year ends
December
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Category (NTEE)
Human services (P70Z)
Assets (IRS master file)
$2,002,218
Income (IRS master file)
$8,124,000

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990December 2025$8,124,000$7,949,108$2,002,218IRS
990December 2024$5,683,811$5,462,350$1,545,672XML
990December 2023$2,494,960$2,352,312$1,505,862XML
990December 2022$2,170,596$1,975,778$1,310,464IRS
990December 2021–––IRS
990December 2020–––IRS
990December 2019–––IRS
990December 2018–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 51-0188951).

Questions about FAMILIES RISING

What is the EIN of FAMILIES RISING?
The employer identification number (EIN) of FAMILIES RISING is 51-0188951.
Is FAMILIES RISING tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1997.
Are donations to FAMILIES RISING tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does FAMILIES RISING file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of FAMILIES RISING due?
The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did FAMILIES RISING last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
Who is the principal officer of FAMILIES RISING?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names LIGIA CUSHMAN.
Who are the officers and directors of FAMILIES RISING?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 16 people; 3 received compensation from the organization, the highest $200,000 (LIGIA CUSHMAN, CEO).
How much revenue does FAMILIES RISING have?
On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $8,124,000, expenses of $7,949,108 and total assets of $2,002,218 at year end.

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