Onward We Learn
Onward We Learn: Strong Program Spending, but Transparency Lacking
EIN: 223031765 · Providence, RI · NTEE: B110 · Updated: 2026-04-04
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $7.6M |
| Total Expenses | $5.6M |
| Program Spending | 88% |
| Net Assets | $8.4M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Onward We Learn Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Onward We Learn directs 88% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Onward We Learn
Onward We Learn (EIN: 223031765) is a nonprofit organization based in Providence, RI, classified under NTEE code B110. The organization reported total revenue of $7.6M and total assets of $11.0M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Onward We Learn's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Onward We Learn is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 36 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 3.9%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $6.3M |
| Total Expenses | $5.6M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$712K |
| Total Assets | $9.2M |
| Total Liabilities | $853K |
| Net Assets | $8.4M |
| Operating Margin | 11.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 9.2% |
| Months of Reserves | 20.0 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Onward We Learn reported a surplus of $712K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 20.0 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 9.2% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2012–2023), Onward We Learn's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +14.6% | +4.1% | +26.0% |
| 2022 | +219.7% | +251.2% | -21.5% |
| 2021 | -70.4% | -67.5% | +4.6% |
| 2021 | +20.0% | -6.8% | +25.5% |
| 2020 | -17.7% | -6.1% | +1.4% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1990 |
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 Onward We Learn 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: 7%
- programs: 88%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Onward We Learn allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 7%, programs: 88%, fundraising: 5%. With 88% 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 $712K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 9.2%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is not readily available in the provided data, making a comprehensive assessment impossible without further filing details.
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 Onward We Learn's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of easily accessible Form 990s on their website raises transparency concerns.
- The provided data does not include executive compensation details, which is a red flag for full financial transparency.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Onward We Learn:
- Consistently high program spending, averaging 88% of expenses in 2023.
- Healthy revenue growth from $1.7M in 2021 to $6.2M in 2023 (fiscal year ending September).
Frequently Asked Questions about Onward We Learn
Is Onward We Learn a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Onward We Learn (EIN: 223031765) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 2 strengths noted.
How does Onward We Learn spend its money?
Onward We Learn directs 88% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Onward We Learn tax-deductible?
Onward We Learn is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 223031765). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Onward We Learn's spending goes to programs?
Onward We Learn directs 88% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Onward We Learn compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Onward We Learn is above average for NTEE category B110 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Onward We Learn located?
Onward We Learn is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island and files with the IRS under EIN 223031765. It is classified under NTEE code B110.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Onward We Learn have?
Onward We Learn 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 $7.6M in total revenue.
What does Onward We Learn do?
Onward We Learn is a nonprofit organization in the Education sector, located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is classified under NTEE code B110.
How much revenue does Onward We Learn have?
Onward We Learn reported total revenue of $7,626,319. Based on 13 IRS 990 filings on record.
What are Onward We Learn's total assets?
Onward We Learn holds total assets of $10,986,963 as reported in IRS 990 filings.
Where is Onward We Learn located?
Onward We Learn is based in Providence, Rhode Island.
What is Onward We Learn's EIN?
Onward We Learn's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 223031765. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations.
What type of nonprofit is Onward We Learn?
Onward We Learn is classified under NTEE code B110 (Education).
Is Onward We Learn a registered 501(c)(3)?
Yes, Onward We Learn is recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the IRS. EIN: 223031765.
Does Onward We Learn file IRS Form 990?
Yes, Onward We Learn has 13 IRS Form 990 filings on record. The most recent covers tax period 202309.
What was Onward We Learn's revenue in 2023?
In the 202309 filing period, Onward We Learn reported total revenue of $6,271,183, total expenses of $5,558,753, and net assets of $9,242,340.
Is Onward We Learn's revenue growing or declining?
Onward We Learn's revenue is growing. Revenue went from $5,470,693 (202209) to $6,271,183 (202309), a +14.6% change. Based on 13 filings on record.
What is Onward We Learn's most recent 990 filing?
The most recent IRS Form 990 filing for Onward We Learn covers tax period 202309. It shows revenue of $6,271,183, expenses of $5,558,753, total assets of $9,242,340, and liabilities of $853,073.
How much does Onward We Learn spend on programs vs administration?
Based on IRS 990 analysis, Onward We Learn allocates approximately 88% of expenses to program services, 7% to administrative costs, and 5% to fundraising. This indicates strong program focus.
Is Onward We Learn a trustworthy charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 data, Onward We Learn appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100 (Excellent). 2 red flags identified. 2 strengths noted.
What are the red flags for Onward We Learn?
The following concerns were identified: Lack of easily accessible Form 990s on their website raises transparency concerns.. The provided data does not include executive compensation details, which is a red flag for full financial transparency.. These flags are based on automated analysis of IRS 990 public filings and should be verified independently.
What are Onward We Learn's strengths?
Positive indicators for Onward We Learn include: Consistently high program spending, averaging 88% of expenses in 2023.. Healthy revenue growth from $1.7M in 2021 to $6.2M in 2023 (fiscal year ending September).. These findings are derived from AI analysis of the organization's financial filings.
How does Onward We Learn compensate executives?
Executive compensation is not readily available in the provided data, making a comprehensive assessment impossible without further filing details. Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require disclosure of officer, director, and key employee pay.
How has Onward We Learn managed to significantly increase its revenue from $1.7M in 2021 to $6.2M in 2023, and what specific initiatives or funding sources contributed to this growth?
The provided data shows a substantial increase in revenue, but the specific drivers (e.g., new grants, major donors, program expansion) are not detailed in the given financial snapshots. Further investigation into their annual reports or donor communications would be needed.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Onward We Learn showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Onward We Learn's revenue has grown by 52.9%, moving from $4.1M to $6.3M. Total assets increased by 24.1% over the same period, from $7.4M to $9.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 41.8%, from $3.9M to $5.6M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Onward We Learn reported a surplus of $712K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $853K in liabilities against $9.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 9.2%), resulting in net assets of $8.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $6.3M | $5.6M | $9.2M | $853K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $5.5M | $5.3M | $7.3M | $587K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.7M | $1.5M | $9.3M | $676K | — | — |
| 2021 | $5.8M | $4.7M | $8.9M | $355K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $4.8M | $5.0M | $7.1M | $817K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $5.8M | $5.3M | $7.0M | $676K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $4.9M | $5.2M | $6.3M | $766K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $4.7M | $5.1M | $6.3M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $4.6M | $4.9M | $6.8M | $1.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $4.7M | $5.6M | $7.8M | $2.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $4.6M | $4.8M | $8.8M | $1.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $4.3M | $4.3M | $8.0M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $4.1M | $3.9M | $7.4M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $6.3M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $9.2M (revenue +14.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $5.5M, expenses of $5.3M, and assets of $7.3M (revenue +219.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $1.5M, and assets of $9.3M (revenue -70.4% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $5.8M, expenses of $4.7M, and assets of $8.9M (revenue +20.0% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $4.8M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $7.1M (revenue -17.7% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $5.8M, expenses of $5.3M, and assets of $7.0M (revenue +18.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $4.9M, expenses of $5.2M, and assets of $6.3M (revenue +5.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $5.1M, and assets of $6.3M (revenue +2.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $4.6M, expenses of $4.9M, and assets of $6.8M (revenue -3.7% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $7.8M (revenue +2.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $4.6M, expenses of $4.8M, and assets of $8.8M (revenue +6.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $4.3M, and assets of $8.0M (revenue +6.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $4.1M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $7.4M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Onward We Learn:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Onward We Learn 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.