Stepping Stones International
Stepping Stones International shows consistent growth with 0% officer compensation but high liabilities relative to assets.
EIN: 202900537 · Salt Lake Cty, UT · NTEE: O50 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $5.5M |
| Total Expenses | $3.9M |
| Program Spending | 80% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $3 |
| Net Assets | $7K |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Stepping Stones International Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Stepping Stones International directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Stepping Stones International
Stepping Stones International (EIN: 202900537) is a nonprofit organization based in Salt Lake Cty, UT, classified under NTEE code O50. The organization reported total revenue of $5.5M and total assets of $2.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Stepping Stones International's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Stepping Stones International is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 21 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 11.1%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $3.9M |
| Total Expenses | $3.9M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-36,210 |
| Total Assets | $2.1M |
| Total Liabilities | $2.1M |
| Net Assets | $7K |
| Operating Margin | -0.9% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 99.7% |
| Months of Reserves | 6.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: C
In 2023, Stepping Stones International reported a deficit of $36K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 6.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 99.7% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Stepping Stones International's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +26.0% | +27.4% | -16.7% |
| 2022 | +46.2% | +45.8% | +80.3% |
| 2021 | +64.6% | +62.2% | +58.3% |
| 2020 | +68.2% | +25.3% | +40.0% |
| 2019 | -11.6% | +19.8% | -9.5% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1200 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2005 |
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 Stepping Stones International 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: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Stepping Stones International allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% 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 deficit of $36K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 99.7%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that the organization's officers do not receive salaries, which is highly unusual for an organization of its size with annual revenues exceeding $3 million.
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 Stepping Stones International's IRS 990 filings:
- High liabilities-to-assets ratio (e.g., 99.7% in 2023, $2,121,230 liabilities vs. $2,127,885 assets)
- Unusually consistent 0% officer compensation for an organization of this size, which may indicate undisclosed compensation methods or reliance on external funding for leadership.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Stepping Stones International:
- Consistent revenue and asset growth over the past decade, indicating expanding reach and capacity.
- Zero reported officer compensation, suggesting a strong commitment to directing funds towards the mission rather than executive salaries.
- Consistent filing history (13 filings), demonstrating transparency and compliance with IRS regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones International
Is Stepping Stones International a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Stepping Stones International (EIN: 202900537) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Stepping Stones International spend its money?
Stepping Stones International directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Stepping Stones International tax-deductible?
Stepping Stones International is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 202900537). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Stepping Stones International CEO make?
Stepping Stones International's highest-compensated officer earns $3 annually. The organization reported $5.5M in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Stepping Stones International's spending goes to programs?
Stepping Stones International directs 80% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Stepping Stones International compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Stepping Stones International is above average for NTEE category O50 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Stepping Stones International located?
Stepping Stones International is headquartered in Salt Lake Cty, Utah and files with the IRS under EIN 202900537. It is classified under NTEE code O50.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Stepping Stones International have?
Stepping Stones International 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 $5.5M in total revenue.
What is the nature of Stepping Stones International's significant liabilities, which were $2,121,230 in 2023, nearly matching its assets of $2,127,885?
The IRS 990 filings indicate a high level of liabilities relative to assets, suggesting potential reliance on debt or other obligations. Further investigation into the specific types of liabilities (e.g., program-related investments, mortgages, payables) would be necessary to understand their financial implications.
How does Stepping Stones International sustain its operations with 0% officer compensation, and who covers the leadership's living expenses?
The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation is highly unusual for an organization of this scale. This could imply that officers are volunteers, compensated through other entities, or have external income sources. This practice, while potentially maximizing funds for programs, raises questions about leadership sustainability and potential conflicts of interest if not transparently managed.
What are the specific programs and activities that account for the significant increase in expenses from $554,708 in 2015 to $3,907,828 in 2023?
The substantial growth in expenses suggests a significant expansion of program activities. A detailed review of the organization's program service accomplishments and related expenses in its Form 990 filings would clarify how these funds are being utilized to achieve its mission.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Stepping Stones International showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Stepping Stones International's revenue has grown by 253.9%, moving from $1.1M to $3.9M. Total assets increased by 176.5% over the same period, from $770K to $2.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 500.3%, from $651K to $3.9M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Stepping Stones International reported a deficit of $36K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $2.1M in liabilities against $2.1M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 99.7%), resulting in net assets of $7K.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.9M | $3.9M | $2.1M | $2.1M | — | — |
| 2022 | $3.1M | $3.1M | $2.6M | $2.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $2.1M | $2.1M | $1.4M | $1.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.3M | $1.3M | $894K | $823K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $759K | $1.0M | $639K | $575K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $859K | $864K | $706K | $368K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.2M | $868K | $769K | $416K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $537K | $671K | $423K | $178K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $558K | $555K | $499K | $57K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $563K | $656K | $593K | $101K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $608K | $610K | $652K | $77K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $703K | $626K | $756K | $97K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.1M | $651K | $770K | $82K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $3.9M, expenses of $3.9M, and assets of $2.1M (revenue +26.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $3.1M, expenses of $3.1M, and assets of $2.6M (revenue +46.2% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $2.1M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +64.6% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.3M, and assets of $894K (revenue +68.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $759K, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $639K (revenue -11.6% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $859K, expenses of $864K, and assets of $706K (revenue -29.6% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $868K, and assets of $769K (revenue +127.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $537K, expenses of $671K, and assets of $423K (revenue -3.8% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $558K, expenses of $555K, and assets of $499K (revenue -0.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $563K, expenses of $656K, and assets of $593K (revenue -7.5% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $608K, expenses of $610K, and assets of $652K (revenue -13.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $703K, expenses of $626K, and assets of $756K (revenue -35.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $651K, and assets of $770K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Stepping Stones International:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Stepping Stones International 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.