Civic Intelligence

Donnie Edwards Best Defense

EIN 82-5125497 • 501(c)3 • Solana Beach, CA

Profile

The organization provides unique and transformative experiences for military veterans of all wars to bring closure and honor to those who have served. Our three key programs, battlefield return, stronghold transition and our education initiative strive to continue the legacy, memory and to preserve their stories for future generations. Our stronghold transition program serves newly transitioned service members of special force operations to build a new life outside the military focusing on rehabilitation and mental health.

249 Hwy 101 Ste 312Solana Beach, CA 92075

www.bestdefensefoundation.org

Siviq Scores

Precomputed percentiles relative to similar nonprofits. These scores are descriptive rather than judgmental.

Liabilities / Assets

48th percentile

0.05x

Higher debt load relative to assets than 48% of similar nonprofits.

501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2024

Liabilities / Revenue

44th percentile

0.05x

Higher debt load relative to revenue than 44% of similar nonprofits.

501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2024

Net Margin

68th percentile

16%

Higher net margin than 68% of similar nonprofits.

501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2024

Top Officer Pay

87th percentile

$180,000

Higher top officer pay than 87% of similar nonprofits.

Top officer pay equals 7.3% of source-year revenue.

501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Source year 2024

Asset Growth

55th percentile

5.4%

Faster asset growth than 55% of similar nonprofits.

501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Annualized from 2023 to 2024

Revenue Growth

63rd percentile

16%

Faster revenue growth than 63% of similar nonprofits.

501(c)3 • $1M-$5M nonprofits • Annualized from 2023 to 2024

Balance Sheet
Liabilities / Assets48th percentile

Assets

Up

$2,210,133

Up $112,686 (+5.4%) from 2023

Liabilities

Down

$120,807

Down $275,850 (-70%) from 2023

Net Assets

Up

$2,089,326

Up $388,536 (+23%) from 2023

Operations
Liabilities / Revenue44th percentileNet Margin68th percentile

Revenue

Up

$2,456,080

Up $337,291 (+16%) from 2023

Expenses

Up

$2,067,544

Up $550,975 (+36%) from 2023

Net Income

Down

$388,536

Down $213,684 (-35%) from 2023

Trend Graphs

Balance Sheet Trend

Asset Growth55th percentile

Grouped bars show assets, liabilities, and net assets across loaded filings.

$3.0M$2.0M$1.0M$0Assets 2018: $193,762Liabilities 2018: $1,236Net Assets 2018: $192,5262018Assets 2019: $352,026Liabilities 2019: $3,451Net Assets 2019: $348,5752019Assets 2020: $581,655Liabilities 2020: $17,021Net Assets 2020: $564,6342020Assets 2021: $792,996Liabilities 2021: $154,295Net Assets 2021: $638,7012021Assets 2022: $1,134,588Liabilities 2022: $36,018Net Assets 2022: $1,098,5702022Assets 2023: $2,097,447Liabilities 2023: $396,657Net Assets 2023: $1,700,7902023Assets 2024: $2,210,133Liabilities 2024: $120,807Net Assets 2024: $2,089,3262024

Highlighted filing

2024

Assets$2,210,133
Liabilities$120,807
Net Assets$2,089,326
Open 2024 Filing

Operations Trend

Revenue Growth63rd percentile

Revenue, expenses, and net income by year, with the latest filing highlighted.

$3.0M$2.0M$1.0M$0Revenue 2018: $444,922Expenses 2018: $252,397Net Income 2018: $192,5252018Revenue 2019: $591,726Expenses 2019: $435,677Net Income 2019: $156,0492019Revenue 2020: $439,816Expenses 2020: $223,754Net Income 2020: $216,0622020Revenue 2021: $797,114Expenses 2021: $723,047Net Income 2021: $74,0672021Revenue 2022: $1,152,563Expenses 2022: $692,694Net Income 2022: $459,8692022Revenue 2023: $2,118,789Expenses 2023: $1,516,569Net Income 2023: $602,2202023Revenue 2024: $2,456,080Expenses 2024: $2,067,544Net Income 2024: $388,5362024

Highlighted filing

2024

Revenue$2,456,080
Expenses$2,067,544
Net Income$388,536
Open 2024 Filing

Filings

Most recent year

2024 • Form 990Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.

Open filing
Assets
$2,210,133
Liabilities
$120,807
Net assets
$2,089,326
Revenue
$2,456,080
Expenses
$2,067,544
Net income
$388,536
Balance SheetOperations
YearAssetsLiabilitiesNet AssetsRevenueExpensesNet Income
2024Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$2.21$0.12$2.09$2.46$2.07$0.39
2023XML pending. An XML filing is linked for this year, but detailed extraction is still pending.$2.10$0.40$1.70$2.12$1.52$0.60
2022Facts available. Structured filing facts are available, but richer extracted sections are limited.$1.13$0.04$1.10$1.15$0.69$0.46
2021XML pending. An XML filing is linked for this year, but detailed extraction is still pending.$0.79$0.15$0.64$0.80$0.72$0.07
2020XML pending. An XML filing is linked for this year, but detailed extraction is still pending.$0.58$0.02$0.56$0.44$0.22$0.22
2019XML pending. An XML filing is linked for this year, but detailed extraction is still pending.$0.35$0.00$0.35$0.59$0.44$0.16
2018XML pending. An XML filing is linked for this year, but detailed extraction is still pending.$0.19$0.00$0.19$0.44$0.25$0.19
Latest Filing Detail
Jump To
Filing Snapshot
Filing Period
Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024
Signed
Nov 17, 2025
Return Version
2024v5.0
Gross Receipts
$2,456,080
Mission and Program Overview

Mission

See general explanation attachment

The organization provides unique and transformative experiences for military veterans of all wars to bring closure and honor to those who have served. Our three key programs, battlefield return, stronghold transition and our education initiative strive to continue the legacy, memory and to preserve their stories for future generations. Our stronghold transition program serves newly transitioned service members of special force operations to build a new life outside the military focusing on rehabilitation and mental health.

Balance Sheet Detail
LineBeginningEndChange
Assets
Cash and Non-Interest-Bearing Accounts$1,968,270$2,169,227▲ $200,957
Accounts Receivable$60,000--
Total Assets$2,097,447$2,210,133▲ $112,686
Other Assets Total$69,177$40,906▼ $28,271
Liabilities
Deferred Revenue$223,718--
Other Liabilities$172,939$120,807▼ $52,132
Total Liabilities$396,657$120,807▼ $275,850
Net Assets / Fund Balance
Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions$1,424,508$2,089,326▲ $664,818
Net Assets With Donor Restrictions$276,282--
Total Net Assets Fund Balance$1,700,790$2,089,326▲ $388,536
Total Liabilities and Net Assets / Fund Balance$2,097,447$2,210,133▲ $112,686
Compensation and Service Providers
Top Officer Pay87th percentile

Employees

NameTitleFull / Part TimeBaseTotal
Donnie EdwardsExecutive DiFT$180,000$180,000
Donnie EdwardsExecutive Director-$180,000$180,000

Board Members and Trustees

NameTitle
Kathryn EdwardsSecretary
Stewart FrederickTreasurer
Revenue and Support

Revenue Composition

Contributions and Grants
$2,343,422
Program Service Revenue
$0
Investment Income
$109,283
Other Revenue
$3,375
All Other Contributions
$880,320
Change in Net Assets
$388,536
Expenses and Functional Allocation

Major Expense Lines

Line ItemAmount
Other Expenses$1,786,566
Salaries, Compensation, and Employee Benefits$270,237
Grants and Similar Amounts Paid$10,741
Total Fundraising Expense$9,681
Professional Fundraising Fees$0

Functional Expense Allocation

Line ItemProgramManagementFundraisingTotal
Other Salaries and Wages$90,000$161,000-$251,000
Travel$168,043--$168,043
Fees for Services Other$55,879--$55,879
Office Expenses$13,852$35,246-$49,098
Occupancy-$40,232-$40,232
Payroll Taxes-$19,237-$19,237
Fees for Services Legal-$16,625-$16,625
Grants to Domestic Orgs$10,741--$10,741
Advertising--$9,681$9,681
Other Expenses$4,732--$4,732
All Other Expenses$1,630--$1,630
Insurance-$1,073-$1,073
Total Functional Expenses$1,784,450$273,413$9,681$2,067,544
Fundraising, Events, and Gaming
Fundraising activities
No
Gaming activities
No
Professional fundraiser used
No

Fundraising and Gaming Totals

Line ItemAmount
Professional Fundraising Fees$0
Political and Lobbying Activity
Political campaign activity
No
Lobbying activity
No
Subject to proxy tax
No
Debt and Bond Financing

Other Reported Liabilities

LiabilityAmount
Amex$82,976
Operating Lease Liability$40,355
Chase$717
Chase$521
Federal Payroll Tax$126
Expense Reimbursement$-3,888
Governance and Compliance

Governance Checklist

Compiled or reviewed by an accountant
No
Backup withholding compliance
No
Business relationship with 35% controlled entity
No
Business relationship with family members
No
Business relationship with organization members
No
Material changes to governing documents
No
Compensation from other sources disclosed
No
CEO compensation reviewed
No
Other officer compensation reviewed
No
Conflict-of-interest policy
No
Audited financial statements prepared
No
Key decisions subject to board approval
No
Management duties delegated
No

Governance Explanations

Form 990, Page 6, Part VI, Line 9

“Donnie edwards 249 hwy 101 ste 312 solana beach, ca 92075 kathryn edwards 249 hwy 101 ste 312 solana beach, ca 92075 stewart frederick 249 hwy 101 ste 312 solana beach , ca 92075 gregg colvin 249 hwy 101, ste 312 solana beach, ca 92075 jeffrey strauss 249 hwy 101, ste 312 solana beach, ca 92075”

Form 990, Page 6, Part VI, Line 11B

“No review was or will be conducted.”

Form 990, Page 6, Part VI, Line 19

“No documents available to the public”

Filing and Contact Details

Filer

Filer Name
Donnie Edwards Best Defense
EIN
82-5125497
Phone
8583670079
Address
249 HWY 101 STE 312, SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075

Signing Officer

Name
Donnie Edwards
Title
Executive Director
Phone
8583670079
Signed
2025-11-17

Organization Details

Principal Officer
Donnie Edwards
Formed
2018
Legal Domicile
CA
Voting Board Members
5
Independent Board Members
5
Employees
2
Volunteers
110

Preparer

Firm
Edie Moses
Address
2247 SAN DIEGO AVE STE 132, SAN DIEGO, CA 92110-2943
Preparer
Edie Moses
Phone
6195430898
Supplemental Narrative

Additional Explanations

FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION

“The organization provides unique and transformative experiences for military veterans of all wars to bring closure and honor to those who have served. Our three key programs, battlefield return, stronghold transition and our education initiative strive to continue the legacy, memory and to preserve their stories for future generations. Our stronghold transition program serves newly transitioned service members of special force operations to build a new life outside the military focusing on rehabilitation and mental health.”

Form 990, Page 2, Part III, Line 4D

“The foundation provided 30 wwii veterans a return to their battlefield at normandy for the 78th anniversary of d-day with 45 younger veterans serving as caretakers. The veterans are honored for their sacrifice by those they helped liberate and visit local schools to speak with students about the cost of freedom. The foundation sponsored 12 new special force operators with a five day retreat in partnership with former nfl players in the mountains of utah to focus on mental health and physical recovery. Mental health professionals provide our transitioning veterans information on the networks supporting them and assess each one based on their specific needs for assistance. The foundation's education initiative provided virtual meetings with wwii veterans and students across the country. The 'our history live'program teaches students about wwii and they can speak with a wwii veteran. This program reached over 2,000 students internationally and here in the united states. The program created short docuseries and vignettes that preserve the legacies. Also we provide opportunities for veterans of all generations to attend mlb games, nfl and collegiate games, red carpet premiere of 'the terminal list- and additional outings to connect with fellow veterans.”

Raw XML Appendix355 raw XML fields

This appendix keeps the raw XML leaves available for debugging and edge-case review. The human report above is the primary experience.

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IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt2TREASURER
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IRS990/IRPDocumentCnt010
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IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActyOtherGrp/Desc0THE FOUNDATION PROVIDED 30 WWII VETERANS A RETURN TO THEIR BATTLEFIELD AT NORMANDY FOR THE 78TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY WITH 45 YOUNGER VETERANS SERVING AS CARETAKERS. THE VETERANS ARE HONORED FOR THEIR SACRIFICE BY THOSE THEY HELPED LIBERATE AND VISIT LOCAL SCHOOLS TO SPEAK WITH STUDENTS ABOUT THE COST OF FREEDOM. THE FOUNDATION SPONSORED 12 NEW SPECIAL FORCE OPERATORS WITH A FIVE DAY RETREAT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FORMER NFL PLAYERS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF UTAH TO FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL RECOVERY. MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE OUR TRANSITIONING VETERANS INFORMATION ON THE NETWORKS SUPPORTING THEM AND ASSESS EACH ONE BASED ON THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FOUNDATION'S EDUCATION INITIATIVE PROVIDED VIRTUAL MEETINGS WITH WWII VETERANS AND STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE 'OUR HISTORY LIVE'PROGRAM TEACHES STUDENTS ABOUT WWII AND THEY CAN SPEAK WITH A WWII VETERAN. THIS PROGRAM REACHED OVER 2,000 STUDENTS INTERNATIONALLY AND HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE PROGRAM CREATED SHORT DOCUSERIES AND VIGNETTES THAT PRESERVE THE LEGACIES. ALSO WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS OF ALL GENERATIONS TO ATTEND MLB GAMES, NFL AND COLLEGIATE GAMES, RED CARPET PREMIERE OF 'THE TERMINAL LIST- AND ADDITIONAL OUTINGS TO CONNECT WITH FELLOW VETERANS.
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IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt0THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES UNIQUE AND TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES FOR MILITARY VETERANS OF ALL WARS TO BRING CLOSURE AND HONOR TO THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED. OUR THREE KEY PROGRAMS, BATTLEFIELD RETURN, STRONGHOLD TRANSITION AND OUR EDUCATION INITIATIVE STRIVE TO CONTINUE THE LEGACY, MEMORY AND TO PRESERVE THEIR STORIES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. OUR STRONGHOLD TRANSITION PROGRAM SERVES NEWLY TRANSITIONED SERVICE MEMBERS OF SPECIAL FORCE OPERATIONS TO BUILD A NEW LIFE OUTSIDE THE MILITARY FOCUSING ON REHABILITATION AND MENTAL HEALTH.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt1THE FOUNDATION PROVIDED 30 WWII VETERANS A RETURN TO THEIR BATTLEFIELD AT NORMANDY FOR THE 78TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY WITH 45 YOUNGER VETERANS SERVING AS CARETAKERS. THE VETERANS ARE HONORED FOR THEIR SACRIFICE BY THOSE THEY HELPED LIBERATE AND VISIT LOCAL SCHOOLS TO SPEAK WITH STUDENTS ABOUT THE COST OF FREEDOM. THE FOUNDATION SPONSORED 12 NEW SPECIAL FORCE OPERATORS WITH A FIVE DAY RETREAT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FORMER NFL PLAYERS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF UTAH TO FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL RECOVERY. MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE OUR TRANSITIONING VETERANS INFORMATION ON THE NETWORKS SUPPORTING THEM AND ASSESS EACH ONE BASED ON THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FOUNDATION'S EDUCATION INITIATIVE PROVIDED VIRTUAL MEETINGS WITH WWII VETERANS AND STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE 'OUR HISTORY LIVE'PROGRAM TEACHES STUDENTS ABOUT WWII AND THEY CAN SPEAK WITH A WWII VETERAN. THIS PROGRAM REACHED OVER 2,000 STUDENTS INTERNATIONALLY AND HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE PROGRAM CREATED SHORT DOCUSERIES AND VIGNETTES THAT PRESERVE THE LEGACIES. ALSO WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS OF ALL GENERATIONS TO ATTEND MLB GAMES, NFL AND COLLEGIATE GAMES, RED CARPET PREMIERE OF 'THE TERMINAL LIST- AND ADDITIONAL OUTINGS TO CONNECT WITH FELLOW VETERANS.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt2DONNIE EDWARDS 249 HWY 101 STE 312 SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 KATHRYN EDWARDS 249 HWY 101 STE 312 SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 STEWART FREDERICK 249 HWY 101 STE 312 SOLANA BEACH , CA 92075 GREGG COLVIN 249 HWY 101, STE 312 SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 JEFFREY STRAUSS 249 HWY 101, STE 312 SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt3NO REVIEW WAS OR WILL BE CONDUCTED.
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt4NO DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc0FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
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IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc2FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 9
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc3FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc4FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
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ReturnHeader/BuildTS02025-03-06 01:10:19Z
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ReturnHeader/ReturnTs02025-11-17T17:50:50-05:00
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ReturnHeader/TaxPeriodBeginDt02024-01-01
ReturnHeader/TaxPeriodEndDt02024-12-31
ReturnHeader/TaxYr02024

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