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1415 N BROAD ST STE 221A
Philadelphia PA 19122-3325
Philadelphia PA | IRS ruling year: 2016 | EIN: 47-5617041
HELP WORKING FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT BY PROVIDING FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES, RESOURCE BUILDING AND ASSET DEVELOPMENT.
Great
This charity's score is 99%, 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 As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Campaign for Working Families is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations.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.
Campaign for Working Families 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.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not ApplicableBoard Composition - 8/8 - 25/25 ptsBoard Composition - 8/8 - 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 - 14.93% - 15/15 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 14.93% - 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 - 76.61% - 25/25 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 76.61% - 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 (Campaign for Working Families) or EIN (475617041) 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.
Campaign for Working Families reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Revenue
Staffing
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
Grant funding was delayed and/or redirected in some cases in contrast to previous years.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
In person VITA tax sites were shut down in the beginning of the pandemic to adhere to local restrictions. We were able to invest time and effort to pivot to virtual tax return servicing but virtual numbers are greatly reduced from previous years. We are building back in person services this year and also will continue to utilize virtual services as an alternative to those that are unable to travel to our tax preparation sites.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
We were the first VITA organization in the state of Pennsylvania to create a model to offer virtual tax return services remotely and then were able to train other VITA programs across the state to utilize the same model.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Even as our physical tax sites are now open , we will continue to offer our virtual alternative to offer free tax returns remotely for those that are unable to travel to the tax site due to physical or medical limitations.
Not Currently Scored
Campaign for Working Families 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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Campaign for Working Families reported its largest program on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
CWF PROVIDED FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES (VITA) BY OPERATING 19 TAX SITES IN THREE PA COUNTIES: PHILADELPHIA, DELAWARE, AND MONTOGOMERY, AS WELL AS 14 TAX SITES IN FIVE SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY COUNTIES: ... (More)
CWF PROVIDED FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES (VITA) BY OPERATING 19 TAX SITES IN THREE PA COUNTIES: PHILADELPHIA, DELAWARE, AND MONTOGOMERY, AS WELL AS 14 TAX SITES IN FIVE SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY COUNTIES: ATLANTIC, BURLINGTON, CAMDEN, CAPE MAY, AND CUMBERLAND. A TOTAL OF 24,005 FEDERAL RETURNS AND 15,763 STATE RETURNS WERE PREPARED IN FISCAL YEAR 2020. RESOURCE BUILDING: CWF OFFERS TAXPAYERS ACCESS TO SAVINGS PRODUCTS, HELP WITH CREDIT COUNSELING, FINANCIAL EDUCATION, INFORMATION ABOUT AND APPLICATION ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS. CWF COMPLETED SCREENING OF 5,985 CLIENTS FOR 21 PUBLIC BENEFITS AND SUBMITTED OVER 731 APPLICATIONS FOR ELIGIBLE CLIENTS TO RECEIVE PUBLIC BENEFITS. OF THESE, 362 APPLICANTS RECEIVED ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. CWF ENROLLED 30 CLIENTS INTO AN INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT (IDA) PROGRAM (MATCH PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP & EDUCATION) WITH 27 GRADUATING FROM THE PROGRAM.UPON CLOSURE OF OUR TAX SITES (ON MARCH 14, 2020) DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WE JOINED THE GETYOURREFUND.ORG VIRTUAL VITA PILOT PROGRAM DEVELOPED AND COORDINATED BY DIGITAL SERVICES NON-PROFIT, CODE FOR AMERICA. OVER THE COURSE OF THE EXTENDED TAX SEASON, WE WERE ABLE TO PREPARE OVER 2,800 FEDERAL AND STATE TAX RETURNS THROUGH THIS VIRTUAL PROGRAM. (Less)
Campaign for Working Families has earned a 93% 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 - UnscoredConstituent Feedback - Data Available - Unscored
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. However, it did not respond to one or more survey questions, and therefore is not eligible for a score on this metric. (View our beacon methodology.) 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.
We serve low and moderate income individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey that call or come into our tax preparation sites for completing the tax returns or child tax credits or other benefits access.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Case management notes
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
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
Our staff, Our board, Our community partners
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.
Note: The organization did not respond to this question.
Equity Practices - Data Available - 93/100 ptsEquity Practices - Data Available - 93/100 pts
100% of beacon score
This organization's score of 93 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 8 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 (3/7) | |
|---|---|
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 (5/7) | |
|---|---|
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. | |
Campaign for Working Families 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
EMPOWER WORKING FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE ECONOMIC STABILITY BY PROVIDING FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES TO RECEIVE TAX CREDITS AND ACCESS TO BENEFITS FOR RESOURCE BUILDING AND ASSET DEVELOPMENT TO ASSIST FAMILIES IN ACHIEVING ECONOMIC STABILITY.
Vision - 10/10 ptsVision - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
The Campaign facilitates increased financial stability and asset accumulation for families by connecting them to valuable tax credits, quality financial services, savings options, wealth building resources and public benefits. We operate community based tax sites offering e-file, direct deposit, public benefits applications, as well as access to pre-paid debit cards and saving products screening to help clients save money. Our services allow families to maximize federal and state tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Every working individual is empowered to achieve financial well-being with help from a dedicated team of staff and volunteers so that they can plan for a stable, secure future for themselves and their families, and can participate fully in civic and community life.
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: CWF will increase capacity of staff and trained volunteers and outreach to decrease the participation gap and to serve increased low-income tax fliers that receive earned income/child tax credits.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: CWF will Increase collaborative partnerships to provide more services to include access to additional economic benefits, financial literacy, credit counseling, and asset development.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: CWF will identify improved industry specific evidenced-based technology solutions to improve service delivery, reporting and measurements of effectiveness and impact.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Leadership Development - 15/15 ptsLeadership Development - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
As necessitates by the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual options had to be created and implemted quickly. CWF was the first organization in PA to receive approval for putting its virtual tax program into operation and trained other PA organizations to utilize these enhancements as well. In addition to implementing the new technology to embrace virtual tax filing, staff and volunteers received advanced training before offering virtual services as well. In addition, CWF is closely involved in the planning, implementation and attendance with its VITA partners in the annual Prosperity Now's VITACON conference which strives to improve effectiveness, capacity and leadership in financial empowerment.
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
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
Policy Advocacy
CWF outreach team brings tax preparation, asset development and financial education to businesses, unions, churches and other organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. Our team sets up one day or multi-day sessions for a host site’s clients, staff and employees at the host site’s location. CWF presents bi-monthly public workshops on a variety of financial wellness topics such as first-time homeownership, saving for education, budgeting and income tax basics at local partner neighborhood locations. CWF is available to provide educational presentations for community groups, employees, program participants, parents and others on tax and financial stability issues-- for senior citizens to high school students and everyone in between. CWF is an active partner in advocacy and organizing on a number of local, regional and national advocacy working groups that seek to impact policies to improve lives for working families.
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.
In person VITA tax sites were shut down in the beginning of the pandemic to adhere to local restrictions. We were able to invest time and effort to pivot to virtual tax return servicing but virtual numbers are greatly reduced from previous years. We are building back in person services this year and also will continue to utilize virtual services as an alternative to those that are unable to travel to our tax preparation sites.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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