Next Step Of West Michigan
Next Step Of West Michigan consistently reports zero officer compensation amidst fluctuating but generally stable revenues.
EIN: 205638361 · Grand Rapids, MI · NTEE: I40 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $4.9M |
| Total Expenses | $1.6M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $4,912,063 |
| Net Assets | $977K |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Next Step Of West Michigan Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Next Step Of West Michigan directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Next Step Of West Michigan
Next Step Of West Michigan (EIN: 205638361) is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, MI, classified under NTEE code I40. The organization reported total revenue of $4.9M and total assets of $2.2M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Next Step Of West Michigan's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Next Step Of West Michigan is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 18 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023).
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.7M |
| Total Expenses | $1.6M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$173K |
| Total Assets | $1.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $177K |
| Net Assets | $977K |
| Operating Margin | 9.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 15.3% |
| Months of Reserves | 8.8 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Next Step Of West Michigan reported a surplus of $173K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 8.8 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 15.3% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -10.2% | +8.0% | -67.5% |
| 2022 | +86.9% | +25.2% | +14.8% |
| 2021 | +479.7% | +175.7% | +28.3% |
| 2020 | -85.0% | -57.9% | -8.9% |
| 2019 | +30.0% | +23.8% | +9.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2008 |
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 Next Step Of West Michigan with a Mission Score of 85 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, Next Step Of West Michigan 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.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $173K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 15.3%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Next Step Of West Michigan consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size (latest revenue $4,912,063) and suggests a volunteer-led or very lean executive structure.
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 Next Step Of West Michigan's IRS 990 filings:
- Significant year-over-year fluctuation in assets (e.g., $3.5M in 2022 to $1.1M in 2023) without clear explanation in provided data.
- Large revenue dip in 2020 ($179,858) compared to surrounding years, indicating potential vulnerability to external shocks.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Next Step Of West Michigan:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
- Generally stable revenue generation over the long term, with recovery after dips.
- Expenses typically below revenue, demonstrating fiscal responsibility in most periods.
- Healthy asset base in most years, providing financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Next Step Of West Michigan
Is Next Step Of West Michigan a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Next Step Of West Michigan (EIN: 205638361) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Next Step Of West Michigan spend its money?
Next Step Of West Michigan directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Next Step Of West Michigan tax-deductible?
Next Step Of West Michigan is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 205638361). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Next Step Of West Michigan CEO make?
Next Step Of West Michigan's highest-compensated officer earns $4,912,063 annually. The organization reported $4.9M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Next Step Of West Michigan's spending goes to programs?
Next Step Of West Michigan directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Next Step Of West Michigan compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Next Step Of West Michigan is above average for NTEE category I40 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Next Step Of West Michigan located?
Next Step Of West Michigan is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and files with the IRS under EIN 205638361. It is classified under NTEE code I40.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Next Step Of West Michigan have?
Next Step Of West Michigan has 13 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 $4.9M in total revenue.
Why did Next Step Of West Michigan's assets decrease significantly from $3,552,348 in 2022 to $1,154,005 in 2023?
The provided data shows a substantial drop in assets, which could be due to various factors such as asset sales, revaluation, or significant debt repayment. Further investigation into the organization's financial statements would be needed to understand the specific reasons for this change.
How does Next Step Of West Michigan manage to operate with 0% officer compensation given its revenue levels?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation suggests that executive leadership may be entirely volunteer-based, compensated through other means not classified as officer compensation, or that the organization has a unique operational model. This is a notable characteristic for an organization with revenues exceeding $1 million in most years.
What caused the sharp decline in revenue in 2020 to $179,858 from $1,195,145 in 2019?
The significant drop in revenue in 2020 likely correlates with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, which affected many non-profits. However, specific details would require reviewing the organization's narrative in its 2020 filing.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Next Step Of West Michigan showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Total assets increased by 853% over the same period, from $121K to $1.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 20834.2%, from $8K to $1.6M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Next Step Of West Michigan reported a surplus of $173K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $177K in liabilities against $1.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 15.3%), resulting in net assets of $977K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.7M | $1.6M | $1.2M | $177K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.9M | $1.5M | $3.6M | $964K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.0M | $1.2M | $3.1M | $996K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $180K | $423K | $2.4M | $189K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.2M | $1.0M | $2.6M | $182K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $920K | $811K | $2.4M | $155K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.6M | $883K | $2.4M | $188K | — | — |
| 2016 | $1.4M | $858K | $1.8M | $439K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $2.3M | $1.7M | $1.3M | $446K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $740K | $672K | $399K | $113K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $752K | $669K | $321K | $103K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $82K | $13K | $282K | $152K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $-31,020 | $8K | $121K | $67K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue -10.2% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $3.6M (revenue +86.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.0M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $3.1M (revenue +479.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $180K, expenses of $423K, and assets of $2.4M (revenue -85.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $2.6M (revenue +30.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $920K, expenses of $811K, and assets of $2.4M (revenue -43.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $883K, and assets of $2.4M (revenue +16.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $858K, and assets of $1.8M (revenue -37.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $2.3M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +205.3% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $740K, expenses of $672K, and assets of $399K (revenue -1.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $752K, expenses of $669K, and assets of $321K (revenue +816.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $82K, expenses of $13K, and assets of $282K.
- 2011: Revenue of $-31,020, expenses of $8K, and assets of $121K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Next Step Of West Michigan:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Next Step Of West Michigan 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.