Shield 616 Inc.
Shield 616 Inc.
5575 MOLLY CT
Colorado Spgs CO 80908-5500
Colorado Spgs CO | IRS ruling year: 2015 | EIN: 47-4347589
Mission not available
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5575 MOLLY CT
Colorado Spgs CO 80908-5500
Colorado Spgs CO | IRS ruling year: 2015 | EIN: 47-4347589
Mission not available
Great
This charity's score is 97%, 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 As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Shield 616 Inc. is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations.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.
Shield 616 Inc. has earned a 97% 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 2019, which is the most recent Form 990 currently available to us.
Learn more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
No Data Available
Key Persons data is currently unavailable for this organization. This data is only available if this charity has at least one year of electronically-filed Form 990 data filed within the last six years.
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 (Shield 616 Inc.) or EIN (474347589) 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.
Shield 616 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:
Donations to our organization declined in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. Because of these declines in donations, the amount of armor and community support we were able to provide was down as well. We applied and received the PPP loan and were able to keep all 4 staff members employed during the pandemic. The demand continues to be great for the all-day rifle rated protective gear we provide because most departments still can't afford this level of protection for every first responder in need. An increase in operational funding would help us have more financial stability moving forward.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Due to COVID and social distancing we were unable to provide as much community support and volunteer opportunities as we would have liked to. One positive from COVID was being able to add a new program to our mission. We fundraised and provided much needed Personal Protective Equipment to first responders during their time of need.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Our organization adapted to COVID by providing virtual options for the vest presentations for our donors and supporters. We provided to the officers, deputies and fire fighters protective equipment in person where we could but in many cases had to cancel presentations and ship armor directly to the departments.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
During the pandemic we started a program to provide PPE to first responders in need. We did this for most of 2020. At the end of 2021 our area had a major fire that burned over 1,000 structures. We created an additional program to support departments who are responding to critical incidents like this. For example, we brought food, snacks, beverages and more to fire and police departments who were on the front lines of the fire. Many officers were guarding burned out neighborhoods and were unable to leave, so we delivered care packages to them to show how much their community appreciates them. Once the pandemic is behind us, we will continue to find and continue programs that show more love and support to departments we work with. Now more than ever, these officers need the positivity and encouragement we provide.
Not Currently Scored
Shield 616 Inc. 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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No 990 Program Data Found
Shield 616 Inc. has earned a 90% 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
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.
SHIELD616 serves a broad target population of first responders in 30 states. We serve police officers, deputies and firefighters. We recently started to serve EMS personnel as well. First responders serve all kinds of populations and come from different backgrounds. There is no one size fits all. We work to better protect ALL first responders in need regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Each department determines which officers will receive the gear based on expiration dates and other factors, such as what shift they are working and where they are patrolling. Once the gear is donated, it is the property and responsibility of the department or agency. The agency is responsible to reach out to SHIELD616 to let us know when gear expires or needs to be replaced.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Paper surveys, Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees, Other means
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 inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
Our staff, Our board, Other means
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?
We believe by asking for feedback it allows us to collaborate with our donors, first responders and suppliers to provide better service to the departments, agencies, and communities we serve.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, We don't have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
In 2019 officers told us that they would prefer lighter weight all-day rifle protection in addition to having the option for a throw over kit. For that reason, we switched from Point Blank armor to Angel Armor. SHIELD616 has always been about providing the highest quality protective gear to the officers that is available. We researched the options and went with Angel Armor because our research showed their gear performed exceptionally well in all the National Institute of Justice testing and departments were asking for it. In addition, we communicate all first responder feedback to our armor manufacturer Angel Armor. As a result of feedback, they continue to expand and improve their product offerings.
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 85 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 5 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 (2/7) | |
---|---|
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 (3/7) | |
---|---|
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. |
Shield 616 Inc. 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
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
SHIELD 616, INC. provides all-day rifle rated protective armor to first responders nationwide who sacrificially serve. We strive to bridge the gap between them and their communities through support and prayer.
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Our organization strives to provide all-day rifle rated protective equipment to agencies and departments in need, so that ALL officers have a better chance of coming home safely. The types of danger and volume of threats faced by first responders have changed over the years. It is more dangerous to be a first responder than it ever has been before. For example, fire fighters are often first on the scene of non-fire related calls like domestic violence calls. They are often in the middle of a "hot zone" that has not been cleared and are in danger themselves. First responders of all kinds are often fired upon before a SWAT type team can arrive and help support them.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: We need to grow and expand, so that we can provide this needed protective gear. By increasing our donations in 2022, we will reach our goal to provide more sets of gear in 2022 than we did in 2021.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Our goal is to continue to support the new programs we created during the pandemic that provide additional community support for departments in need. We are expanding the way we bridge the gap.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Three: We invested in a better financial, fundraising and constituent software. This gave us better control of our finances, donor relationships and made it easier to audit our books and be transparent.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Our organization participated in a 3 day Strat Op session that helped us in a variety of areas. Our team can better understand the leadership style of our President and Founder. We also understand our strengths and weaknesses as a nonprofit and as co-workers. By identifying these things, we have been able to grow and learn as a team. Our President and Founder encourages growth, development and leadership in our specific departments and has become a better leader and communicator based on our experience.
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Raising Awareness
Community Building
Our organization works hard to engage our donors and supporters of our mission. We invite them to participate in any public activities we can. This gives donors the opportunity to meet the first responders who are directly impacted by the donations. It also allows the first responders and their families the opportunity to thank the donors in person. We want donors to see how we are spending their valuable contributions. We also use this opportunity, to help show the first responders how loved and appreciated they are by the general public. Often times all they see on a daily basis is the bad parts of society, which can be very depressing. We use our social media platform and marketing efforts to remind the communities we are in that their officers deserve the very best all-day rifle rated protective gear, even if their department can't afford it. At the end of the day, they ALL deserve to come home safely to their loved ones.
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
During the pandemic, we focused on ways that we could continue to function as a well-oiled team while working with one less staff person. At the beginning of 2020, a team member left to pursue other opportunities. That left us one person short. We have not replaced that person, and instead spread the duties amongst the remaining 4 team members. This taught us flexibility and allowed us to survive during challenging financial times and not lay anyone off. By applying for and receiving the PPE loans, we were able to apply that funding toward our salaries and help cover the shortfall in funding. In addition, we used our new software to be more efficient with our financial record keeping, donor management, and armor procurement. By not having an office and having our team work remotely we have been able to save a substantial amount in operating costs. We work to be very frugal financially so that we can survive challenging times and circumstances. We continue to be inventive with new and existing fundraising opportunities. For example, in 2021 we started several important new fundraisers that we are carrying into 2022. We now have a template for a successful golf tournament and motorcycle run that we will be able to duplicate in other cities. All of these positive changes are a result of our adaptability to change. We try to always have an open mind and a great plan for success.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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