VERDICT: FALSE
The claim that My Baby My Way Foundation is a scam is false. The organization holds verified IRS 501(c)(3) status, files annual Form 990 disclosures, operates as an approved California government health partner, and has no record of donor fraud, FTC complaints, or BBB disputes. The scam narrative originates from job applicant confusion — not financial misconduct.
The Claim
Online posts and forum discussions have questioned whether My Baby My Way Foundation (MBMW) is a scam, with some users describing the organization as suspicious based on elements of its hiring process.
What We Checked
To evaluate this claim, we examined:
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization database
- IRS Publication 78 (donation deductibility)
- Form 990 filings via GuideStar
- Charity Navigator rating status
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance records
- FTC complaint database
- California CalAIM partnership records
- MBMW’s June 2025 public transparency statement
- Organization program documentation
The Evidence
IRS Records
A search of apps.irs.gov using EIN 88-4392430 returns:
- Organization: My Baby My Way Foundation
- Status: Active 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Foundation Type: Section 509(a)(2)
- Last Verified: December 9, 2024
The 501(c)(3) designation requires federal application, IRS review, and ongoing annual compliance. It is revoked when organizations fail to meet requirements. MBMW’s status is current and active.
IRS Publication 78 confirms that donations to MBMW are tax-deductible as of December 2024.
Evidence assessment: Strongly supports legitimacy
Form 990 Filings
My Baby My Way Foundation has filed Form 990 for 2022 and 2023, both accessible through GuideStar. The 990 is a legally required annual financial disclosure that covers revenue, expenses, program activity, and governance. Filing false 990s is a federal crime.
Evidence assessment: Strongly supports legitimacy
Government Partnership — CalAIM
MBMW is an official partner in California’s CalAIM program, administered by the California Department of Health Care Services. CalAIM delivers health equity services to Medi-Cal recipients. Approval as a CalAIM partner requires independent vetting by a state government agency.
Evidence assessment: Very strongly supports legitimacy — government-level independent verification
Complaint Databases
| Database | Findings |
|---|---|
| BBB Wise Giving Alliance | No complaints on record |
| FTC Complaint Database | No enforcement actions |
Evidence assessment: Supports legitimacy
Charity Navigator
MBMW does not have a full Charity Navigator rating. Charity Navigator requires two years of electronically filed 990 data for a complete Encompass rating. The organization was founded in 2019 and has filed 990s for 2022 and 2023. The absence of a full rating reflects the platform’s data requirements for newer nonprofits — not any misconduct finding.
Evidence assessment: Neutral — expected limitation for nonprofits of this age
Origin of the “Scam” Claim
We traced the skepticism to its source. The claims circulating online originated from job applicants — not donors, not program participants. The concerns centered on:
- W-9 form usage: MBMW used W-9 forms for external partner incentive payments, separate from employee payroll. This is standard IRS procedure.
- SSN collection timing: SSNs are collected during formal onboarding only, as legally required by federal employment law. Not during interviews.
- Employee vs. contractor classification: CHW positions are W-2 employee roles.
- Hubstaff software: A standard remote work management tool used across industries.
- “Fake clinic” allegation: Categorically false. MBMW is a community health nonprofit.
MBMW published a detailed public transparency statement in June 2025 addressing every concern. Fraudulent organizations do not publish transparency statements — they disappear.
Evidence assessment: Claims traced to hiring confusion, not financial misconduct
Active Programs
Legitimate nonprofits run documented programs. MBMW operates eight:
- FAME House — transitional housing and CHW training (San Jacinto, Oakland, Discovery Bay)
- FAME Milk — breast milk freeze-drying and BIB Initiative
- Women’s FAME Movement — workforce and financial literacy training
- Girls Make MOVES — after-school arts and culture program with tribal partnerships
- Content Crew Program — STEM and AI education for girls 10 to 18
- My Nutrition Mission — weekly Thursday food distribution
- MyBabyMyWay.AI — AI maternal health app (MVP available for download)
- Justice Pathways Initiative — employment and leadership for youth
Evidence assessment: Supports legitimacy — active programs with named locations and partners
Founder Credentials
MBMW’s founder earned certification as an AI For Good Innovator from Stanford University’s AI For Good Institute in August 2024. The board is 100% BIPOC, representing the communities the organization serves.
Evidence assessment: Verifiable credentials, organizational alignment with mission
Summary of Findings
| Check | Result |
|---|---|
| IRS 501(c)(3) Active | ✅ Confirmed |
| IRS Publication 78 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Form 990 Filed (2022, 2023) | ✅ Confirmed |
| BBB Complaints | ✅ None |
| FTC Actions | ✅ None |
| CalAIM Partnership | ✅ Confirmed (government-vetted) |
| Scam Claim Source | ✅ Job applicant confusion, not donor fraud |
| Active Programs | ✅ Eight documented programs |
Conclusion
The claim that My Baby My Way Foundation is a scam is FALSE.
Every verifiable public record confirms the organization’s legitimacy. The scam narrative has no basis in donor complaints, regulatory findings, or financial misconduct. It originates in job applicant confusion about standard employment practices — concerns the organization addressed publicly and thoroughly.
My Baby My Way Foundation operates in full compliance with IRS and California regulations, maintains active government partnerships, and runs documented programs serving BIPOC women, expectant mothers, and at-risk youth across California.
Verify independently: apps.irs.gov (EIN 88-4392430) | guidestar.org | mybabymyway.org | info@mybabymyway.org