Step Forward Foundation
Step Forward Foundation shows consistent revenue growth and zero executive compensation over eight years.
EIN: 208172439 · Morgan Hill, CA · NTEE: I800 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Step Forward Foundation Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Step Forward Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Step Forward Foundation
Step Forward Foundation (EIN: 208172439) is a nonprofit organization based in Morgan Hill, CA, classified under NTEE code I800. The organization reported total revenue of $2.4M and total assets of $1.2M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Step Forward Foundation'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 Step Forward Foundation 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, Step Forward Foundation 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.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation has consistently been reported as 0% across all eight years of filings, indicating that no officers received compensation from the organization. This is a highly positive indicator, suggesting that all funds are directed towards the organization's mission and operational costs, rather than executive salaries.
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 Step Forward Foundation:
- Consistent and significant revenue growth (from $252,632 in 2016 to $2,477,627 in 2023).
- Zero officer compensation reported across all eight years of filings, indicating high dedication to mission.
- Healthy asset growth, increasing from $42,910 in 2016 to $1,221,659 in 2023.
- Consistent financial surpluses (revenue generally exceeds expenses, e.g., $2,477,627 revenue vs. $2,175,064 expenses in 2023).
- Regular and consistent IRS 990 filing history (8 filings), demonstrating transparency and good governance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Step Forward Foundation
Is Step Forward Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Step Forward Foundation (EIN: 208172439) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Step Forward Foundation spend its money?
Step Forward Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Step Forward Foundation tax-deductible?
Step Forward Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 208172439). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is Step Forward Foundation a good charity?
Based on the provided IRS 990 data, Step Forward Foundation appears to be a very good charity. They demonstrate strong financial growth, consistent surpluses, and a remarkable commitment to their mission by reporting 0% officer compensation for eight consecutive years.
How has Step Forward Foundation's revenue grown over time?
Step Forward Foundation has experienced significant revenue growth, increasing from $252,632 in 2016 to $2,477,627 in 2023, representing nearly a tenfold increase in eight years.
What is the trend in Step Forward Foundation's assets?
The organization's assets have shown a strong upward trend, growing from $42,910 in 2016 to $1,221,659 in 2023, indicating increasing financial stability and capacity.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Step Forward Foundation showing financial trends over 8 years of public records:
Over 8 years of IRS 990 filings (2016–2023), Step Forward Foundation's revenue has grown by 880.7%, moving from $253K to $2.5M. Total assets increased by 2747% over the same period, from $43K to $1.2M. Total functional expenses rose by 892.9%, from $219K to $2.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Step Forward Foundation reported a surplus of $303K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $264K in liabilities against $1.2M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 21.6%), resulting in net assets of $957K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.5M | $2.2M | $1.2M | $264K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $2.0M | $1.7M | $885K | $230K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.8M | $1.8M | $596K | $227K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.4M | $1.3M | $568K | $194K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $894K | $838K | $370K | $108K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $670K | $560K | $255K | $50K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $396K | $405K | $43K | $12K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $253K | $219K | $43K | $3K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $2.2M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +21.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $885K (revenue +10.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $1.8M, and assets of $596K (revenue +32.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $568K (revenue +55.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $894K, expenses of $838K, and assets of $370K (revenue +33.4% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $670K, expenses of $560K, and assets of $255K (revenue +69.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $396K, expenses of $405K, and assets of $43K (revenue +56.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $253K, expenses of $219K, and assets of $43K.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Step Forward Foundation 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.