It Only Takes A Spark
It Only Takes A Spark consistently generates significant surpluses, growing assets with zero liabilities and no officer compensation.
EIN: 203731120 · Milbank, SD · NTEE: G30 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is It Only Takes A Spark Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
It Only Takes A Spark directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About It Only Takes A Spark
It Only Takes A Spark (EIN: 203731120) is a nonprofit organization based in Milbank, SD, classified under NTEE code G30. The organization reported total revenue of $296K and total assets of $1.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of It Only Takes A Spark's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates It Only Takes A Spark with a Mission Score of 92 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, It Only Takes A Spark allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership is either unpaid or compensated through other means not categorized as officer compensation, which is highly efficient for a nonprofit of its size.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for It Only Takes A Spark:
- Consistent financial surpluses, e.g., $230,853 revenue vs. $117,180 expenses in 202407.
- Steady asset growth from $217,681 in 201507 to $1,008,589 currently.
- Zero liabilities reported across all filing periods, indicating strong financial stability.
- 0% officer compensation, demonstrating high efficiency and dedication of resources to mission.
- Consistent IRS 990 filing history (13 filings), indicating good transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions about It Only Takes A Spark
Is It Only Takes A Spark a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, It Only Takes A Spark (EIN: 203731120) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 92/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does It Only Takes A Spark spend its money?
It Only Takes A Spark directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to It Only Takes A Spark tax-deductible?
It Only Takes A Spark is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 203731120). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does It Only Takes A Spark manage to operate with 0% officer compensation?
The provided data consistently shows 0% officer compensation, suggesting that leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated through non-officer roles, which significantly reduces administrative overhead.
What specific programs does It Only Takes A Spark fund with its growing assets?
While the NTEE code G30 indicates a focus on 'Youth Development, Services, and Recreation,' the provided financial data does not detail specific programs. Further investigation into their public statements or detailed 990 forms would be needed.
What is the long-term strategy for the accumulated assets of over $1 million?
The consistent growth in assets, from $217,681 in 201507 to $1,008,589 currently, suggests a strategy of building reserves or an endowment. The specific use of these accumulated assets for future programs or sustainability would require reviewing their strategic plans.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for It Only Takes A Spark showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2024), It Only Takes A Spark's revenue has grown by 120.3%, moving from $105K to $231K. Total assets increased by 236.4% over the same period, from $249K to $838K. Total functional expenses rose by 176.2%, from $42K to $117K. In its most recent filing year (2024), It Only Takes A Spark reported a surplus of $114K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $231K | $117K | $838K | $0 | — | — |
| 2023 | $404K | $168K | $727K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $291K | $179K | $491K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $171K | $128K | $379K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $140K | $120K | $335K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $164K | $109K | $315K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $146K | $96K | $260K | $0 | — | — |
| 2017 | $129K | $110K | $210K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $126K | $153K | $191K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $127K | $115K | $218K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $97K | $67K | $205K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $86K | $160K | $175K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $105K | $42K | $249K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $231K, expenses of $117K, and assets of $838K (revenue -42.8% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $404K, expenses of $168K, and assets of $727K (revenue +38.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $291K, expenses of $179K, and assets of $491K (revenue +69.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $171K, expenses of $128K, and assets of $379K (revenue +22.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $140K, expenses of $120K, and assets of $335K (revenue -14.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $164K, expenses of $109K, and assets of $315K (revenue +12.6% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $146K, expenses of $96K, and assets of $260K (revenue +13.3% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $129K, expenses of $110K, and assets of $210K (revenue +2.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $126K, expenses of $153K, and assets of $191K (revenue -1.0% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $127K, expenses of $115K, and assets of $218K (revenue +31.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $97K, expenses of $67K, and assets of $205K (revenue +12.9% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $86K, expenses of $160K, and assets of $175K (revenue -18.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $105K, expenses of $42K, and assets of $249K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for It Only Takes A Spark is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.