Mission: Cara Collective's mission is to unlock the power and purpose within our communities and ourselves to achieve real and lasting success. Through our personal and profe ... (More)
The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1999, and donations are tax-deductible.
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Important note on the timeliness of ratings
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Financial and Accountability & Transparency score for The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
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Star Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Exceptional
This charity's score is 90.82, earning it a 4-Star rating. Donors can "Give with Confidence" to this charity.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 87.65 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 96.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2020, the latest year published by the IRS.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Star Rated Report
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Program Expense Ratio
76.8%
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Administrative Expenses
13.4%
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expenses
9.6%
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
35.2%
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency
$0.16
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
0.77 years
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 Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. 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
Program Expense Growth
10.48%
We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
Source: IRS Form 990
Governance
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Governance: | |
|---|---|
| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) 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 – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
| |
| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
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| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) | |
| Compensates Board ... (More) |
Policies
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Policies: | |
|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) |
Transparency
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Transparency: | |
|---|---|
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Audited Financial Statements on Website ... (More) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) |
Additional Information
Unscored
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Total Revenue and Expenses
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
Presented here are this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. 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
Maria Kim, President, CEO
$214,133 (1.94% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
Business Master File Data
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
Activities:
Activity data not reported from the IRS
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
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to view this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available).
Pandemic Response
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Staffing
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
Our social enterprise and private revenue were impacted by the cancellation of festivals and other events. We made up the bulk of the gap in expected funding through PPP and enrollment of program participants in other government grants.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
The core curriculum of Cara Collective's training program had always been delivered in person. While our social enterprises continued to provide in person on-the-job training as essential services, the rest of our leadership development curriculum shifted to virtual delivery.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Cara Collective developed a framework known as LAMAMA (legally allowable, medically advisable, mission advanceable) to guide our pandemic era decision making and return to campus policies. The majority of our staff began to work remotely in March 2020. Our solutions team ensured all staff were set up for remote connectivity and worked with participants to assess their technological needs as well. After a brief 3-week pause, our largest social enterprise, Cleanslate, reopened its doors with full safety precautions put in place. Over time, we equipped all of Cara Collective's campuses with ample PPE and developed protocols for limited capacity, in-office work. This new structure has remained through the present, with an increasing presence of staff and participants returning to campus, particularly from June 2021 onward. We continue to remain nimble and equipped for a blend of in-person and virtual programming and staff time.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Cara Collective holds monthly all-staff meetings. Prior to the pandemic, these meetings were held in person at our downtown campus. Just 2 weeks into the pandemic, we experimented with a virtual staff meeting on the RingCentral platform. This platform allows for much interaction and enables staff across campuses (and even some team members working from out-of-state) to engage in the meeting. On the program services front, a number of teams came together to create a virtual onboarding for new participants joining the Cara Collective community. We previously held separate onboardings for each portal or pathway, but this new approach streamlines content, maximizes staff efficiency, and helps create more of a cohort feel for participants accessing Cara Collective in different ways.
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 7/1/2022 | 2020 | 91.26 | |
| 2/1/2022 | 2020 | 90.82 | |
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. | |||
| 4/1/2021 | 2019 | 89.37 |  |
| 11/1/2020 | 2019 | 89.16 | |
| 6/1/2019 | 2018 | 90.78 | |
| 11/1/2018 | 2017 | 89.59 | |
| 7/1/2018 | 2017 | 88.48 | |
| 8/1/2017 | 2016 | 85.80 | |
| 8/1/2016 | 2015 | 84.33 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 86.32 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 8/1/2015 | 2014 | 90.18 | |
| 7/1/2015 | 2014 | 89.78 | |
| 8/1/2014 | 2013 | 83.64 | |
| 7/1/2014 | 2013 | 82.11 | |
| 2/1/2013 | 2011 | 90.52 | |
| 12/1/2011 | 2010 | 92.46 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2009 | 96.80 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 12/22/2010 | 2009 | 97.89 | |
| 11/1/2010 | 2008 | 90.62 | |
Previous: Finance & Accountability / Next: Leadership & Adaptability
Impact & Results
This score estimates the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Impact & Results Score
Not Currently Scored
The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) cannot currently be evaluated by our Encompass Rating Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Do you work at The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective)? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
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Largest Programs
The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) reported its three largest programs on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
$3,809,187
Spent in most recent FY
45%
Percent of program expenses
Training and Placement Program
$2,852,131
Spent in most recent FY
33%
Percent of program expenses
TCP Staffing
$1,756,499
Spent in most recent FY
20%
Percent of program expenses
Clean Slate
Previous: Impact & Results / Next: Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
This score 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.
Leadership & Adaptability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) is a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating.
Encompass Rating V4 provides an evaluation of the organization's Leadership & Adaptability through the nonprofit organization submitting a survey response directly to Charity Navigator.
Leadership & Adaptability Report
100
of 100 points
Mission
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s mission
Unlock power & purpose within our communities & ourselves to achieve real & lasting success.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Fuel a courageous, national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Strategic Goals
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Solution of Choice: building and sustaining a service delivery and proactive change framework that drives a more inclusive economy
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Investment of Choice: cultivating and stewarding a diversified portfolio of private, public, and earned income that promotes sustainability
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Three: Employer of Choice: curating an experience that excites, invigorates, and prepares our employees for the career they hope for over the long-term
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
All employees have the option to co-create a 70-20-10 development plan. This framework was developed between Cara leadership and The Bridgespan Group. 70-20-10 plans are meant to supplement annual performance goals and provide employees with a framework to further their long-term professional development.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Mobilizing for Mission
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
Cara Collective has an active social media presence meant to promote our mission and regular engagement opportunities for external stakeholders. Cara Plus, one of the entities under the Cara Collective umbrella, devotes its work to sharing best practices and best failures with peer workforce development organizations while advising employers across sectors on inclusive sourcing, hiring, and advancement.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Story of Adaptability
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
The changing labor market has required Cara Collective to adapt in the ways we engage both participants and employment partners. While many participants used to attend a full-time, 4-6 week training program, we have adapted to prioritize independent workshops and temporary job assignments through our social enterprise businesses, Cleanslate and Cara Connects. Our Employment Services team has worked tirelessly to steward employment partners and fill their hiring needs with highly motivated and qualified talent. Some of our traditional partner industries, like hospitality, have taken a hit, while others, like healthcare, have grown significantly. Our team continues to follow micro and macro employment trends to maximize opportunity for our participant pool while maintaining strong relationships with local and national employers. Furthermore, our team has worked closely with some partners, such as Aon and BMO Harris Bank, on targeted recruited campaigns.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
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Organization Leadership
Kathleen S. Caliento
President & CEO
Andrea O'Leary
Interim Chairperson
Previous: Leadership & Adaptability
Culture & Community
This score provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves. Learn more about how and why we rate Culture & Community.
Culture & Community Score
100
out of 100
The Cara Program (dba Cara Collective) has earned a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating. The organization provided data about how it listens to constituents (Constituent Feedback) (see report below).
The Culture & Community Beacon is comprised of the following metrics:
Constituent Feedback: 100/100 (100% of beacon score)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Not Scored
Culture & Community Report
100
of 100 points
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
This organization has not provided information regarding the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices it is presently implementing. As such, the organization has not earned a score on this metric. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective DEI policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Methodology
We are utilizing data collected by Candid to document and assess the DEI practices implemented by the organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the Equity Strategies section of their Candid profiles to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Constituent Feedback
100/100 points
100% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
View this organization's Constituent Feedback Practices
Methodology
We've partnered with Candid to survey organizations about their feedback practices. Nonprofit organizations can fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Analysis and Research
Like the overall Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as metrics are developed and ready for integration. Below you can find more information about the metrics we currently evaluate in this beacon and their relevance to nonprofit performance.
Constituent Feedback
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
