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www.candlelightersofbrevard.org
436 5TH AVE
Indialantic FL 32903-4241
Indialantic FL | IRS ruling year: 1992 | EIN: 59-3068501
Organization Mission
DEDICATED TO CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES BY OFFERING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
Needs Improvement
This charity's score is 63%, earning it a Two-Star rating.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 40% Accountability & Finance, 60% Impact & Results. 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 As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations.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.
Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. has earned a 59% 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
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not ApplicableBoard Composition - 10/10 - 25/25 ptsBoard Composition - 10/10 - 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 - undefined - 0/20 ptsIndependent Audit or Financial Review - undefined - 0/20 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 - Missing - 0/3 ptsConflict of Interest Policy - Missing - 0/3 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 - Missing - 0/3 ptsDocument Retention and Destruction - Missing - 0/3 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 - Missing - 0/3 ptsWhistleblower Policy - Missing - 0/3 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 - 4.07% - 15/15 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 4.07% - 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 - 65.39% - 13/25 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 65.39% - 13/25 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 2019
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
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 (Candlelighters of Brevard Inc.) or EIN (593068501) 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.
Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Grants Received
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
A major revenue source for Candlelighters of Brevard is fundraisers. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, almost all our in-person fundraising events were cancelled in 2020 and 2021. This caused an average of 40.8% loss of revenue for both 2020 and 2021. We had to respond quickly by applying for new COVID grant programs and shifting our focus to virtual fundraising sources. We also applied for a PPP loan, which made it possible for us to remain fully staffed. In addition to our traditional sources of funding, Candlelighters also operates a small Resale Store to provide additional revenue for the organization. The shop is 100% run by volunteers, many of whom are of a higher age range and thus more susceptible to COVID. Therefore, our store was shut down to protect our volunteers and the at-risk population we serve. Even when the store reopened, we faced many challenges. Compared to previous years, revenue in the shop was down 65% in 2020 and 27.8% in 2021.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Candlelighters of Brevard is most proud of our responsiveness during the continuing pandemic. Our organization was able to provide full funding to our clients throughout 2020 and 2021 to ensure they remained supported during their battle against childhood cancer. Candlelighters' two main pillars of support are financial and emotional. The second pillar, emotional support, is largely carried out through in-person functions offered to our Candlelighter families. These events provide solace to our families in that they are able to meet other families that are walking with them in their journey against pediatric cancer. Unfortunately, due to the high-risk nature of cancer treatment, we were not able to offer these crucial events for our families during the pandemic. Candlelighters has been able to offer virtual options for meet and greets, increased number of interactions, and direct check-in calls from our Family Services representative.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
Our organization was honored to receive critical support from donors that provided additional funding for unanticipated needs created by the pandemic. The staff shifted to remote work and focused on alternative revenue sources due to the shift from in-person events. Direct phone calls to our donors and volunteers allowed the staff to increase donor development initiatives. Candlelighters came together with the help of our community to listen to our clients and adapt in a time that required diligence and perseverance. Our organization continues in 2022 stronger than before and with an even more grateful heart to be able to serve the needs of the children of our community.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Our most significant challenge, like fellow non-profit organizations, is transitioning safely back to in-person interactions and gatherings with our clients and donors. Currently we are streamlining our fundraising events and lowering head counts. We are also using social media to promote participation with our events without having to attend in person. The most recent switch for our clients is that all gatherings with a larger attendance will be held in outdoor settings to allow for safety precautions, essential to protect all participants. For smaller client gatherings we focus on social distancing and look to our clients to provide medical recommendations that they might have received.
Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. has earned a 65% for the Impact & Results beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon estimates the actual impact a charity has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot Applicable
Program
Financial Assistance for Medical Conditions
Activities
Candlelighters of Brevard provides financial assistance to patients with cancer.
Program Type
Financial Assistance for Patients with Medical Conditions
Beneficiaries Served
People with illnesses;People with cancer
Program Geography
Brevard County, FL
Time Period of Data
1/1/2017 to 12/31/2017
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 patient with medical conditions
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.
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 dollar amount of financial assistance attributable to the nonprofit by comparing the financial assistance given by the nonprofit to the financial assistance that would have been provided in the absence of the nonprofit (the “counterfactual”). In this case, we estimate the counterfactual to be zero based on two assumptions. First, we assume there is functionally no upper limit to the amount of cash transfers that continue to be valuable to patients as they are far from reaching the point of diminishing marginal returns, such that aid provided by one nonprofit does not displace aid provided by another. Second, we assume that nonprofits work independently and do not coordinate the provision of aid to the same patient. As a result, all aid provided by the nonprofit to patients with medical conditions can be directly attributable to the nonprofit.
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.
Cost Calculation
$241,869 program costs + $0 partner costs + $0 beneficiary costs = $241,869 total costs
We calculate impact, defined as the change in outcomes attributable to a program divided by the cost to achieve those outcomes.
Impact Calculation
$241,869 total costs / 138,560 of financial assistance provided = roughly $3,100 provides $1,800 in financial assistance to a patient.
Benchmark for Rating
Impact & Results scores of financial assistance to patients 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 80 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 65.
Determination
Not cost-effective
Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. reported its largest program on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT, EMOTIONAL ASSISTANCE AND FAMILY EVENTS. SERVED A TOTAL OF 70 BREVARD BASED FAMILIES. PROGRAMS OFFERED (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) PROVIDE FINACIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRANSPORTATION, LO ... (More)
PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT, EMOTIONAL ASSISTANCE AND FAMILY EVENTS. SERVED A TOTAL OF 70 BREVARD BASED FAMILIES. PROGRAMS OFFERED (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) PROVIDE FINACIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, UTILITIES, PRESCRIPTIONS, AUTOMOBILE, COUNCILING AND OTHER RELATED TREATMENT COSTS - AS WELL AS FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS. (Less)
Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. cannot currently be evaluated by our Culture & Community methodology because we have not received data from the charity regarding its Constituent Feedback or Equity Practices strategies.
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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Candlelighters of Brevard Inc. cannot currently be evaluated by our Leadership & Adaptability methodology because we have not received data from the charity regarding its leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes.
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.
Learn More
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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