Mission: To encourage and invest in area students to succeed in higher education.
CollegeReady, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1965, and donations are tax-deductible.
Is this your nonprofit? Access the Nonprofit Portal to submit data and download your rating toolkit.
Encompass Rating System by Charity Navigator
Overall Score
100
out of 100
This charity's score is a passing score.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores: 35% Finance & Accountability, 50% Impact & Results, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, and 5% Culture & Community
Learn about the Encompass Rating System: Overview | FAQ | Release Notes
Finance & Accountability
This score provides an assessment of a nonprofit's financial health (stability, efficiency and sustainability) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
Finance & Accountability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by CollegeReady, Inc. is a passing score
This V6 of the Finance & Accountability Score provides a baseline measure of an organization's health including the indicators listed in the report below.
This score represents Form 990 data from 2020, the latest year electronically filed and published by the IRS.
Finance & Accountability Report
100
of 100 points
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Program Expense Ratio
78.35%
Higher effect on score
More data
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
Board Composition
12/12 Independent
Higher effect on score
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
Has Audit/Review
Higher effect on score
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
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
1.41%
Lower effect on score
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
Website
Listed
Lower effect on score
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
Conflict of Interest Policy
Listed
Lower effect on score
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
Lower effect on score
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
Lower effect on score
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
Lower effect on score
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
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
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 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
BRENT ROUBAL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
$95,561
JENNIFER TICE, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
$55,316
DEBBIE HELMLE, PRESIDENT
$0
MARK FISCHER, VICE PRESIDENT
$0
RONDA KINCHELOE, BOARD MEMBER
$0
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:
Scholarships (other) (BMF activity code: 040)
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.
CollegeReady, Inc. reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Balance Sheet
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
From a financial perspective, COVID-19 hindered our ability to raise funds as we normally would. Our main fundraising event went virtual and sponsorships declined. In addition, to ensure our programming continued uninterrupted, the majority of our expenses remained consistent in keeping staff working and on the payroll. However, we were able to benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program, so that helped.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
We were able to continue to deliver our programming virtually. Our scholarship application and selection process was already online, so that continued without any issues. Our afterschool, college readiness programming shifted from in-person to online through Google Classroom and Zoom. While programming continued, active student participation declined due to technology issues including limited or no access to the internet from their homes.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
CollegeReady adapted to COVID-19 by continuing most of our programming and events online through various platforms including Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook. Our fundraising continued through postal mail, email, social media, and personal contacts.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
We have and will continue to conduct many or our internal and volunteer meetings through virtual platforms like Zoom and Teams. This has proven to be more efficient, especially for our volunteers. We will do our best to balance in-person contact with virtual contact in conducting our programs and operations.
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
100
out of 100
CollegeReady, Inc. is highly cost-effective, earning a passing score.
Impact
$3,900 increases income for a scholarship recipient in need by $6,700.
Do you work at CollegeReady, Inc.? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Impact & Results Report
100
of 100 points
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Rated Program
Program
Scholarship Program
Activities
The nonprofit grants scholarships to beneficiaries.
Program Type
Postsecondary Scholarships
Beneficiaries Served
People living in poverty; Students
Program Geography
Green Bay, WI
Time Period of Data
9/1/16 to 8/31/17
Outcomes and Cost
Outcomes: Changes in the lives of those served by a nonprofit. They can be caused by the nonprofit.
Costs: The money spent by a nonprofit and its partners and beneficiaries.
Impact: Outcome caused by a nonprofit relative to its cost.
Cost-effectiveness: A judgment as to whether the cost was a good use of resources to cause the outcome.
Outcome Metric
Increase in income for a scholarship recipient
Outcome Data Source
Ratings are based on data the nonprofit itself collects on its work. We use the most recent year with sufficient data. Typically, this data allows us to calculate direct changes in participants' lives, such as increased income.
Output data collected during the program. The nonprofit publicly reports data on the dollar value of all scholarships it grants and the number of scholarship recipients, which we use to calculate the additional income that the nonprofit's scholarship program generates.
Method for Attributing Outcomes
We don't know if the observed changes were caused by the nonprofit's program or something else happening at the same time (e.g., a participant got a raise). To determine causation, we take the outcomes we observe and subtract an estimate of the outcomes that would have happened even without the program (i.e., counterfactual outcomes).
We estimate the increase in income caused by a nonprofit's scholarship program in two steps. First, we compare the estimated postsecondary graduation rate of its scholars to that of comparable students who did not receive a scholarship (the "counterfactual"). Our estimates are drawn from rigorous social science studies of similar scholarship programs. The result is the number of scholars whose graduation was caused by the nonprofit. Second, we compare the earnings of graduates to non-graduates based on publicly available census data, matching on student demographic characteristics. We apply the earnings boost owing to a degree to those scholars whose graduation was caused by the nonprofit. Both steps are necessary to properly net out counterfactual successes from observed successes. Otherwise, we would be attributing changes (increase in graduation rate and increase in earnings) to the nonprofit when they would have happened anyway. Few nonprofits estimate the counterfactual themselves, so we construct our own counterfactual estimate based on research and publicly available data.
Cost Data Source
After estimating the program's outcomes, we need to determine how much it cost to achieve those outcomes. All monetary costs are counted, whether they are borne by a nonprofit service deliverer or by the nonprofit’s public and private partners.
Program cost data reported by the nonprofit. Partner and beneficiary costs reported by the nonprofit or estimated by Charity Navigator.
Cost Calculation
$585,569 program costs + $65,227 partner costs + $65,227 beneficiary costs = $716,022 total costs
Impact and Determination
We calculate impact, defined as the change in outcomes attributable to a program divided by the cost to achieve those outcomes.
Impact Calculation
$716,022 total costs / $1,217,677 additional income = roughly $4000 increases income for a scholarship recipient in need by $7000.
Benchmark for Rating
Impact & Results scores of postsecondary scholarship programs are based on income generated relative to cost. Programs receive an Impact & Results score of 100 if they increase income for a recipient by more than $1.50 for every $1 spent and a score of 75 if income increases by more than $0.85 for every $1 spent. If a nonprofit reports impact but doesn't meet the benchmark for cost-effectiveness, it earns a score of 50.
Determination
Highly cost-effective
Analysis Details
Analysis conducted in 2019 by ImpactMatters. An analyst searched the Form 990s, annual reports, audited financials and the website of the nonprofit to calculate impact and rate cost-effectiveness. A second analyst conducted quality control.
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Largest Programs
CollegeReady, Inc. reported its two largest programs on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
$589,358
Spent in most recent FY
81%
Percent of program expenses
SCHOLARSHIPS - WE HELP DESERVING STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL NEED MAKE THEIR COLLEGE DREAMS COME TRUE THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS. THIS PAST YEAR WE SUPPORTED 191 LOCAL STUDENTS WITH AWARDS TOTALING $528,600. RE ... (More)
$136,292
Spent in most recent FY
18%
Percent of program expenses
COLLEGE READINESS - OUR NEW SCHOLARS PROGRAM HELPS AREA STUDENTS OVERCOME POVERTY WITH THE POWER OF EDUCATION. THROUGH OUR CURRICULUM, WHICH IS BUILT TO IMPROVE READING, WRITING, AND CHARACTER DEVELOP ... (More)
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 CollegeReady, Inc. is a passing score.
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
To encourage and invest in area students to succeed in higher education.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Every student has access to the tools necessary to pursue higher education.
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: Improve brand and community awareness.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Two: Increase financial resources available to enhance and grow our services.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: Assess and expand our college readiness programming to serve more students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
Annually, funds are allocated for staff leadership and development through both curriculum and non-curriculum based experiences. In this past year, we paid for and supported one of our two Director level staff in a local community leadership program (Leadership Green Bay). Plans are to have the other Director participate in the next cycle of that same program. All staff are encouraged to participate in at least one professional development activitiy on an annual basis.
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?
Our external mobilization efforts include a variety of outlets and affiliations. First, our board is representative or our community and the many constituent groups we serve and work with. Secondly, our staff play a key role in mobilizing our efforts through their community involvement i and with task forces or groups of professionals all working towards a solutions to help those we serve. Lastly, we have a large electronic base from which to raise awareness through email and our array of social media platforms.
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 past year was certainly a year like no other, filled with many challenges and struggles. However, for the students and families we serve, overcoming obstacles is not uncommon, so the past year provided yet another opportunity for them to persevere, change, and grow. Our scholarship recipients experienced missed graduations, unceremonious move-ins, dorm closures, and remote learning. As with most of us, their lives were far from normal and things were constantly changing. But we were there to help support themt as they adapted and continued on a path towards their undergraduate degree. Our NEW Scholars also faced difficulties as COVID-19 entered their homes and closed their schools. Many were left scrambling for technology and internet access. We helped them get connected and moved our programming online. More importantly though, our coaches regularly supported them through one-on-one video chats to help them cope and stay focused. Our staff and organization remained strong, adapted, and provided much needed stability for the students and families we serve. With our help and their perseverance, we made it through these unprecedented times enabling them to remain focused on their future and the promise of what lies ahead.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
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
CollegeReady, Inc. has earned a passing score. 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
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
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.
