David's Harp Foundation

What it reported doing in 2024

The transformation house, also known as the launchpad, was created in response to a critical need observed within the david's harp foundation's biz pod program: nearly 60% of participating youth were experiencing some form of homelessness--sleeping on couches, in cars, or bouncing between unstable housing situations. To address this, tdhf established a residential program that offers both stability and opportunity for transitional-aged youth (1824) working toward independence. Located in southeast san diego--just blocks from public transportation and six miles from tdhf's downtown production facility--the launchpad provides a safe, supportive living environment rooted in relationship. As youth earn income through paid creative work in the biz pod program, they contribute $500 per month toward rent. These payments are held in an escrow savings account and reported to build their credit. After 12 months, youth access their full savings to cover first month's rent, last month's rent, and move-in expenses for their own apartment. The launchpad has since expanded to serve youth through multiple referral pathways, including the less restrictive placement (lrp), probation, and other community partners. While all residents participate in the same workforce, development, mentorship, life-skills training, and structured residential programming, funding models vary by referral source. Youth placed through lrp or probation receive sponsored housing and coordinated support from case managers, probation officers when applicable, and tdhf staff. The launchpad combines workforce engagement with financial literacy, budgeting, and daily life skills. Youth receive wraparound mentorship from artist mentors, including regular check-ins, individualized coaching, and connection to community resources. The program reflects tdhf's core belief that transformation is made possible through trust, consistency, and opportunity. By pairing stable housing with meaningful employment and relationship-based support, the launchpad equips young people not only to exit homelessness--but to thrive as creative, independent leaders in their communities.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 47.3%; rating input score 47
• Program expense ratio: 63.6%; rating input score 64
• Fundraising efficiency: $6.11 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 23; 23rd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 77.8%; rating input score 78; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 5 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 62
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Fail
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 25.6%; rating input score 81; 81st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.85; rating input score 62; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.01; rating input score 73; 73rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 11.8%; rating input score 31; 31st percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 20.9% per year; rating input score 100; 83rd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 23.8% per year; rating input score 100; 89th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 29.4% per year; rating input score 100; 90th percentile among comparable filings