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965 LILY POND LN
Franklin Lks NJ 07417-1056
Franklin Lks NJ | IRS ruling year: 2007 | EIN: 37-1540551
SEE MISSION STATEMENT BELOWTO RAISE THE AWARNESS AND FUNDS NECESSARY TO OVERCOME PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS AND TO HELP THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THEM
Great
This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-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: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Rating histories are available for a growing number of rated organizations. Check back later to see if this organization has a rating history!
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations.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.
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors has earned a 100% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
This Accountability & Finance score represents IRS Form 990 data up until FY 2020, which is the most recent Form 990 currently available to us.
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Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not ApplicableBoard Composition - 22/22 - 25/25 ptsBoard Composition - 22/22 - 25/25 pts
Charity Navigator looks for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of those members identified as independent (not salaried).
The presence of an independent governing body is strongly recommended by many industry professionals to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Audit or Financial Review - Audited - 20/20 ptsIndependent Audit or Financial Review - Audited - 20/20 pts
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 |
|---|---|
| $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
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsConflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the 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
Board Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 ptsBoard Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the 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
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed - 3/3 ptsDocument Retention and Destruction - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the 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
Whistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsWhistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the 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
Website - Listed - 3/3 ptsWebsite - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the 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
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 0.26% - 15/15 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 0.26% - 15/15 pts
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
| Liabilities to Assets Ratio | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| Less than 50% | Full Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Partial Credit |
| 60% or more | No Credit |
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Ratio - 91.36% - 25/25 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 91.36% - 25/25 pts
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.
| Program Expense Percentage | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| 70% or higher | Full Credit |
| 60% - 69.9% | Partial Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Zero Points for Program Expense Score |
| Below 50% | Zero Points for Both Program Expense AND Liabilities to Assets Scores |
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
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
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
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)
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 search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors) or EIN (371540551) in the 'Search Term' field.
This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. This normally would have reduced their star rating. 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, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Staffing
Grants Received
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
We were unable to have in person fundraising events so the donations to our organization decreased. We were able to have one virtual event, but had to cancel 3 other events.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Patients find out about our services through the social workers at the hospitals. Since many patients were seen via online medical appointments they didn't interact with the social workers.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
We decided to go back to funding our smaller medical grants. We also sent emails to hospitals trying to get in touch with their oncology social workers. We have made a concerted effort to connect with pediatric oncology departments and social workers to increase awareness.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
We will make sure that people who can't attend our gala and silent auction will be able to get the link and access to bid on items remotely.
Not Currently Scored
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors cannot currently be evaluated by our 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.
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The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors reported its two largest programs on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
IRONMATT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED FAMILIES WHO HAVE A CHILD UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR A BRAIN OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) CANCER. HARDSHIPS ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING A CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH A C ... (More)
IRONMATT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED FAMILIES WHO HAVE A CHILD UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR A BRAIN OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) CANCER. HARDSHIPS ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING A CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH A CANCER INCLUDE INCREASED EXPENSES AS THEY EXPERIENCE A DIFFICULT TREATMENT REGIMEN OR EXTENDED HOSPITALIZATION. (Less)
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
THE FOUNDATION (AKA "IRONMATT") FUNDS CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH TO ULTIMATELY FIND A CURE FOR PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS. IRONMATT ALSO SUPPORTS INVESTIGATORS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO LESSEN THE NEGATIVE LONG-TER ... (More)
THE FOUNDATION (AKA "IRONMATT") FUNDS CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH TO ULTIMATELY FIND A CURE FOR PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS. IRONMATT ALSO SUPPORTS INVESTIGATORS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO LESSEN THE NEGATIVE LONG-TERM EFFECTS THAT TREATMENT INCLUDING SURGERY, CHEMOTHERAPY (Less)
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors has earned a 100% for the Culture & Community beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 ptsConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 pts
30% 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.
Who are the people you serve with your mission? Describe briefly.
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors serves children, parents and families affected by pediatric brain tumors and central nervous system cancers. We also work with and partner with medical professionals such as Social Workers, Researchers, Physicians and Nurses that connect patients and families with "Iron Matt" services. We provide assistance to reduce family hardship, fund pediatric brain tumor research and advance patient care.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
SMS text surveys, Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Paper surveys, Case management notes, Community meetings or town halls, Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees, Suggestion box/email
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
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship with them or shifted power - over decisions, resources, rules or in other ways - to them?
It has improved relationships with the people we serve. They feel ownership and feel that we are willing to listen to suggestions on newer/better ways of doing things. When you ask for feedback, people are more connected and engaged.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
In addition to reinstating our special events during the Covid pandemic, we have implemented direct mail appeals to our donors and expanded grant writing solicitations. We have also been reaching out to more Children's Hospitals and Social Workers to develop new relationships in order to help more families going through treatment.
Equity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 ptsEquity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 pts
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 100 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 14 Equity Practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective equity policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
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 (7/7) | |
|---|---|
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. | |
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors has earned a 100% for the Leadership & Adaptability beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
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.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableMission - 10/10 ptsMission - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
SUPPORT PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH AND RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS NECESSARY TO OVERCOME PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS AND TO HELP FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THEM.
Vision - 10/10 ptsVision - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
BUILD A NETWORK COMMITTED TO REDUCING FAMILY HARDSHIP, FUNDING PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH AND GIVING CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals - 20/20 ptsGoals - 20/20 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: INCREASE AND EXPAND OUR FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. GENERATE A CONSISTENT REFERRAL MECHANISM FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH A PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR AND HELP MORE FAMILIES.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: WE RECENTLY HIRED A DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT TO GUIDE US AS THE FOUNDATION IS GROWING. WE PLAN TO INCREASE PHILANTHROPIC REVENUE THROUGH CORPORATE SUPPORT, GRANT WRITING AND DEVELOP A PR PROGRAM.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Three: WE ARE GOING TO EXPAND OUR RESEARCH INITIATIVES. INVESTING IN A LIST SERVE, ADVERTISING IN MEDICAL JOURNALS AND OBTAIN GUIDANCE FROM OUR MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL HELP US ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Leadership Development - 15/15 ptsLeadership Development - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
We have hired a full time Director of Development who is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience working for prominent non-profit organizations. We have recruited and added key new members to our Board of Directors who are in leadership positions at successful companies. We have embarked on a new Strategic Planning initiative to develop a five year sustainability and growth model.
Mobilizing for Mission - 15/15 ptsMobilizing for Mission - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
We engage in strategic partnerships with other organizations in a variety of ways. We work with many non-profit health systems around the country to support their pediatric brain tumor patients through our Family Assistance Program. Our Medical Advisory Committee is comprised of 13 well respected physicians from prominent healthcare facilities and they help us to select important cancer research initiatives to support with our grants program. We have provided six figure research grants at major institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Stanford University and Memorial Sloan Kettering. We engage in thought leadership activities by attending national and regional medical conferences and CSW conferences to increase awareness and promote our mission. We raise awareness of our mission through our special events, direct mail, informative email blasts and social media platforms. We are happy to have a relationship with "The Children's Place" that supports families in our Family Assistance Program
Adaptability Story - 30/30 ptsAdaptability Story - 30/30 pts
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
Due to Covid 19, hospital admissions and visits were down around the country. Many Social Workers had less face to face interaction with their pediatric patients. We made a special effort to reach out to our Social Worker network of contacts around the country to remind them that we are here for their patients and families. We have hired a Director of Development to focus on increasing philanthropic revenue. We reached out to many of our generous donors to remind them that their continued support is needed. We have empowered the Board of Directors to build a new Strategic Plan with a focus on growth and sustainability for the next five years. We conducted our first ever virtual gala that was very successful.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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