Kalamazoo Promise
Kalamazoo Promise consistently grows revenue and assets with zero reported officer compensation.
EIN: 204604504 · Grand Rapids, MI · NTEE: B82 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $59.2M |
| Total Expenses | $24.2M |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $11.1M |
| Transparency Score | 95/100 |
Is Kalamazoo Promise Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Kalamazoo Promise directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Kalamazoo Promise
Kalamazoo Promise (EIN: 204604504) is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, MI, classified under NTEE code B82. The organization reported total revenue of $59.2M and total assets of $22.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Kalamazoo Promise's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Kalamazoo Promise is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 20 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 10.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $28.1M |
| Total Expenses | $24.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$3.9M |
| Total Assets | $11.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $287 |
| Net Assets | $11.1M |
| Operating Margin | 13.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 5.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Kalamazoo Promise reported a surplus of $3.9M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 5.5 months of operating reserves (adequate), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), Kalamazoo Promise's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +19.1% | +14.6% | +53.4% |
| 2022 | -3.2% | +7.5% | +50.8% |
| 2021 | +56.5% | +1.4% | +4298.6% |
| 2020 | -29.3% | +5.9% | -97.2% |
| 2019 | +70.0% | +43.4% | +1616.8% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1200 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2006 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Kalamazoo Promise with a Mission Score of 95 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: 7%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, Kalamazoo Promise allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 3%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $3.9M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation from the organization, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and revenue, and suggests a strong volunteer or externally funded leadership model.
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.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Kalamazoo Promise's IRS 990 filings:
- Unusually low liabilities across multiple years, sometimes negative, which could indicate accounting anomalies or specific financial structures that warrant further investigation.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Kalamazoo Promise:
- Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $8.7M in 2011 to $28.1M in 2023.
- Significant asset accumulation, growing from $63,253 in 2011 to $11,120,656 in 2023.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication to mission.
- Consistent surpluses in recent years (e.g., $3.8M in 2023, $2.4M in 2022), demonstrating sound financial management.
- Strong program focus implied by the NTEE code and the absence of executive compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalamazoo Promise
Is Kalamazoo Promise a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Kalamazoo Promise (EIN: 204604504) some concerns. Mission Score: 95/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Kalamazoo Promise spend its money?
Kalamazoo Promise directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Kalamazoo Promise tax-deductible?
Kalamazoo Promise is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 204604504). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Kalamazoo Promise's spending goes to programs?
Kalamazoo Promise directs 90% to programs, 3% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Kalamazoo Promise compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 95/100 (Excellent), Kalamazoo Promise is above average for NTEE category B82 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Kalamazoo Promise located?
Kalamazoo Promise is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and files with the IRS under EIN 204604504. It is classified under NTEE code B82.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Kalamazoo Promise have?
Kalamazoo Promise has 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $59.2M in total revenue.
Is Kalamazoo Promise a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, Kalamazoo Promise appears to be a very good charity. It consistently generates surpluses, has significantly grown its assets, and reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a strong focus on its mission and efficient use of funds.
How has Kalamazoo Promise's financial health changed over time?
Kalamazoo Promise has shown remarkable financial growth. Its revenue increased from $8,715,000 in 2011 to $28,103,665 in 2023, and assets grew from $63,253 to $11,120,656 in the same period, demonstrating robust and sustained financial health.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation in all available filings, suggesting that its leadership either serves on a volunteer basis or is compensated through other means not reported on the 990, which is a strong indicator of dedication to its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Kalamazoo Promise showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Kalamazoo Promise's revenue has grown by 222.5%, moving from $8.7M to $28.1M. Total assets increased by 17481.2% over the same period, from $63K to $11.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 177.8%, from $8.7M to $24.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Kalamazoo Promise reported a surplus of $3.9M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $287 in liabilities against $11.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $11.1M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $28.1M | $24.2M | $11.1M | $287 | — | — |
| 2022 | $23.6M | $21.2M | $7.3M | $512 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $24.4M | $19.7M | $4.8M | $372 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $15.6M | $19.4M | $109K | $-258 | — | — |
| 2019 | $22.0M | $18.3M | $3.9M | $-111 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $13.0M | $12.8M | $230K | $1K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $11.7M | $11.7M | $58K | $874 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $10.5M | $10.6M | $114K | $1K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $9.8M | $9.7M | $148K | $587 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $8.7M | $8.7M | $63K | $8K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $28.1M, expenses of $24.2M, and assets of $11.1M (revenue +19.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $23.6M, expenses of $21.2M, and assets of $7.3M (revenue -3.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $24.4M, expenses of $19.7M, and assets of $4.8M (revenue +56.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $15.6M, expenses of $19.4M, and assets of $109K (revenue -29.3% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $22.0M, expenses of $18.3M, and assets of $3.9M (revenue +70.0% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $13.0M, expenses of $12.8M, and assets of $230K (revenue +11.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $11.7M, expenses of $11.7M, and assets of $58K (revenue +10.5% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $10.5M, expenses of $10.6M, and assets of $114K (revenue +7.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $9.8M, expenses of $9.7M, and assets of $148K (revenue +12.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $8.7M, expenses of $8.7M, and assets of $63K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Kalamazoo Promise:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Kalamazoo Promise 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.