Impact & Measurement
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
The Wardrobe
444 N 3rd Street
Suite 105
Philadelphia PA 19123
Mail donations to:
444 North 4th Street
444 North 4th Street
Suite 105
Philadelphia PA 19123
Philadelphia PA | IRS ruling year: 1997 | EIN: 23-2900156 
An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a business for tax purposes.
An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a business for tax purposes.Organization Mission
Career Wardrobe is a nonprofit social enterprise that uses clothing to inspire change. The Wardrobe believes clothing shouldn't be a barrier to success and works to ... (More)
Rating Information
Good
This charity's score is 80%, earning it a Three-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 35% Accountability & Finance, 44% Impact & Measurement, 9% Leadership & Adaptability, 12% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
Historical Ratings 
Historical Ratings 
Charity Navigator's ratings previously did not consider Leadership & Adaptability, Culture & Community, or Impact & Measurement. The historic rating mainly reflects a version of today’s Accountability and Finance score. More information on our previous rating methodologies can be found on our rating methodology page.
| Date Published | Overall Rating | ||
| 3/1/2021 | | ||
| 8/1/2019 |  | ||
| 9/1/2018 |  | ||
| 11/1/2017 | | ||
| 11/1/2016 | | ||
| 6/1/2016 | | ||
| 10/1/2015 | | ||
 This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 9/1/2014 | | ||
| 6/1/2013 | | ||
Rating Report
Accountability & Finance
Score
88
Most Recent Fiscal Year:
FY 2022
FY 2022
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
Key Accountability Metrics
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No CreditMajority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members10 out of 10 points
Majority Independent Board Members - 100% independent members10 out of 10 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. We check to see that a majority of board members are identified as independent on their tax form.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Board Size - 18 independent members10 out of 10 points
Independent Board Size - 18 independent members10 out of 10 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. For most organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least three independent board members. For large, donor-funded organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least five independent board members
Source: IRS Form 990
Financial Statements - Audit10 out of 20 points
Financial Statements - Audit10 out of 20 points
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
| $2 million or higher and 40% or higher donor support | Expected to complete an audit and have an audit oversight committee |
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Material Diversion of Assets - None20 out of 20 points
Material Diversion of Assets - None20 out of 20 points
A diversion of assets — any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft — also can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We review the charity's most recent IRS Form 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets.
Source: IRS Form 990
Tax Form Disclosures and Policies
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditWebsite Listed on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points
Website Listed on Tax Form - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Whistleblower Policy - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed5 out of 5 points
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes5 out of 5 points
Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes5 out of 5 points
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the IRS Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed5 out of 5 points
Tax Form Distributed to Board Before Filing - Listed5 out of 5 points
Providing copies of the IRS Form 990 to the governing body prior to filing is considered a best practice, as it allows for thorough review by the individuals charged with overseeing the organization. The Form 990 asks the charity to disclose whether or not it has followed this best practice.
Loans to/from Officers - None5 out of 5 points
Loans to/from Officers - None5 out of 5 points
Making loans to related parties, such as key officers, staff, or Board members, is not standard practice in the sector as it diverts the charity's funds away from its charitable mission and can lead to real and perceived conflict-of-interest problems.
The IRS requires charities to disclose on their Form 990 any loans to or from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and other "disqualified persons." Some state laws go so far as to prohibit loans to board members and officers.
Although employees and trustees are permitted to make loans to charities, this practice can also result in real and/or perceived conflict of interest problems for the charity. Furthermore, it is problematic because it indicates that the organization is not financially secure. Our analysts check to see if any loans have been made.
Website Disclosures
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditTax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
Tax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed5 out of 5 points
For almost all charities, we check the charity's IRS Form 990 to see if it discloses that the Form 990 is available on the charity's website. As with the audited financial statement, donors need easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well.
Source: IRS Form 990
Financial Metrics
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditLiabilities to Assets: Ratio - 34.39%22 out of 25 points
Liabilities to Assets: Ratio - 34.39%22 out of 25 points
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent IRS Form 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization's solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense: Ratio - 89.55%25 out of 25 points
Program Expense: Ratio - 89.55%25 out of 25 points
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three IRS Forms 990). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.0425 out of 25 points
Fundraising Efficiency: Ratio - $0.0425 out of 25 points
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital: Ratio - 0.31 years14 out of 25 points
Working Capital: Ratio - 0.31 years14 out of 25 points
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed IRS Form 990. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Additional Information
Total Revenue and Expenses - Data Available
Total Revenue and Expenses - Data Available
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons - Data Available
Salary of Key Persons - Data Available
Presented here are up to five of this organization's highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Sheri Cole, Executive Director
$125,310
Monique Braxton, Director
$0
Erin Allsman, Director
$0
Toya Lawson, Director
$0
Janet Bernstein, Director
$0
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2022
IRS Published Data (Business Master File) - Data Available
IRS Published Data (Business Master File) - Data Available
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
Data Sources (IRS Forms 990) - Data Available
Data Sources (IRS Forms 990) - Data Available
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage accountability and finance data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (The Wardrobe) or EIN (232900156) in the 'Search Term' field.
Impact & Measurement
Score
65
This beacon estimates the actual impact a charity has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Assessments
Impact
65 out of 100 points
100% of Impact & Measurement score
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditImpact Determination - Not Cost Effective65 out of 100 points
Impact Determination - Not Cost Effective65 out of 100 points
Impact Statement
$2.30 provides a dollar's worth of essential goods to someone in need [2021 USD]
Program Context
The program directly distributes goods that fulfill the basic needs of its beneficiaries.
Data Time Period
7/1/22 to 6/30/23
Benchmark for Scoring
Impact & Results scores of goods provision programs are based on comparing the cost to distribute the goods against the market value of those goods. Programs receive an Impact & Results score of 100 if the cost to distribute goods is less than 75% of the value of those goods and a score of 80 if it is less than 125%. If a nonprofit reports impact but doesn't meet the benchmark for cost-effectiveness, it earns a score of 65.
This nonprofit's cost per meal is less than 125% of the local meal cost.
Methodology
Nonprofit submission
Data Source
These data were submitted directly by the nonprofit.
Measurement
Unscored
0% of Impact & Measurement score
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditProgram Planning and Design - No data availableProgram Planning and Design - No data availableThis section assesses the use of crucial evaluation tools in program objective-setting and activities.
Program Development - No data availableProgram Development - No data availableThis section assesses the consideration of stakeholders in program objectives and activities.
Data Collection and Analysis - No data availableData Collection and Analysis - No data availableThis section assesses the best practices used in collecting and analyzing program data.
Reporting and Distribution of Results - No data availableReporting and Distribution of Results - No data availableThis section assesses reporting and disseminating program results.
Use of Results - No data availableUse of Results - No data availableThis section assesses the use of results to guide learning.
Culture & Community
Score
98
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Metrics
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditConstituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points
Constituent Feedback - Data Available100/100 points
33.33% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. The methodology leveraged for Constituent Feedback is based on The Core Principles of Constituent Feedback, which describes listening and responding well to feedback. Charity Navigator participates in a consortium with other feedback experts and leading nonprofit infrastructure platforms to drive Constituent Feedback's advancement, promotion, and data collection.
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Note: The organization reported no challenges faced.
Equity Practices - Data Available97/100 points
Equity Practices - Data Available97/100 points
66.67% of beacon score
This organization's score of 97 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 13 Equity Practices.
The Equity Strategies Checklist, developed by Equity in the Center, consists of practices and policies that promote racial equity in operations and programs. This data is collected in partnership with Candid.
| Equity Practices (7/7) | |
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
| Equity Policies and Procedures (6/7) | |
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Leadership & Adaptability
Score
100
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
- Raising Awareness
- Policy Advocacy
Metrics
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditMission 10/10 points
Mission 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
Note: The organization did not respond to this question.
Vision 10/10 points
Vision 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Note: The organization did not respond to this question.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals 20/20 points
Goals 20/20 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Continue to provide clothing to people in need where they are - online, in person, through 3rd party Community Partners.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Invest in people and technology needed to provide excellent services in a dignified and respectful manner to our community.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Three: Continue to ask "Why Us" to ensure that our programs are providing a unique and unmet need in the community, not duplicating services.
Goal Type: Focus on core programs to achieve mission and scale back on programs not seen as core.
Leadership Development 15/15 points
Leadership Development 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
Continued Board and Staff Development through both informal and formal education has included: Board and Leadership Retreat focusing on diversity and inclusion; Nominating an emerging leader to use work time and resources for a Peer Mentoring Program; Encouraging staff to expand their skills via online courses and training during remote work time (during COVID19 shutdown).
Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points
Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
The Wardrobe has convened a statewide coalition of clothing providers to advocate for continued state investment in the PA WORKWEAR program. PA WORKWEAR provides TANF funding for agencies like ours to provide professional clothing to people receiving welfare assistance in PA.
As the regional provider of the PA WORKWEAR Program, we also contract and assist in program development with agencies serving Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties.
We partner with 100+ nonprofit and government agencies to make our clothing services accessible to their participants. This allows them to focus on their core mission, and not collecting, sorting and distributing clothing which is a large task for smaller organizations.
Adaptability Story 30/30 points
Adaptability Story 30/30 points
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
Since March 2020, we have seen our client service numbers decrease substantially, which is to be expected for a program which is largely physical and relies on referrals from partners who were forced to move their services online. Prior to the pandemic, The Wardrobe was processing nearly 6,000 appointment requests a year, but last year we had requests for 900 appointments. Although we consider this past year to be an anomaly, even prior to the pandemic we had been strategizing on ways to make our services more accessible to people in need, including directly marketing our program to those who are unemployed but not receiving government or social service support. And while we were focused on opening more Wardrobe sites to reach people outside of Philadelphia, we now see online appointments and clothing selection as a viable growth option.
Our new Wardrobe Box service was started by necessity, but has the ability to help us achieve our goal of combating clothing insecurity. Last year, we conducted 289 online appointments for people who were not able to physically come to one of our sites either due to transportation or scheduling issues, or because they lived outside our region. During these appointments, we provided job search advice and 178 clients received a personally styled Wardrobe Box within a week. This year, we are working on scaling and automating this part of our program so that we can reach anyone anywhere they are with the clothing they need. Similar to Stitch Fix, anyone who needs clothing will be able to order their personally styled Wardrobe Box using a pre-set outfit selection portal. We are also offering subscription-based seasonal Wardrobe Boxes to our shoppers and supporters with the hopes that the revenue earned through the subscriptions will subsidize the free Wardrobe Boxes for those in need.