N.E. Brigand Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 I'm having trouble finding any information on Spirit. Anyone know if they have a parent of a different name, a la Blue Knights? Google just brought me back to DCP. In this thread from August, I read: I finally found a website called Guidestar that posts financial information for non-profits, and sure enough the failed corps just don't seem to have much information available. The Big 7 are well represented and generally seem to have up-to-date information, as do smaller groups -– but what does running a deficit last year mean? If a corps isn't listed, does that mean they aren't financially sound or just don't report to Guidestar? Spirit of Atlanta is listed as their non-profit status has been revoked because they haven't filed IRS 990 forms for 3 years -- does that mean they're not a non-profit or operating under an AKA? Corps are non-profits so I'm not surprised to see deficits but how much red is too much? $7,000? $50,000? $100,000? Do I ask those directors what their plans are to meet those obligations? What are reasonable answers? Do I ask for copies of bus and housing contracts? Will they even have those by auditions? Do I contact the volunteer coordinators and ask what their rosters look like and who's in charge of food? Can I negotiate paying monthly through the summer so if my kids' left high and dry at least we're not out all our money? If the Board of Directors don't have a lot of experience does that mean the corps is doomed? Just because a Director has tons of experience does that mean the corps is sound? Should a Board have more then 2 members? 3? 7? Oddly, no one here seems to have commented on that observation at the time. Don't know if it's true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IllianaLancerContra Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 Google just brought me back to DCP. In this thread from August, I read: Oddly, no one here seems to have commented on that observation at the time. Don't know if it's true. Maybe they need to call one of the companies that claim to 'fix' IRS problems. I detect a sponsorship opportunity... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsoprano Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 The IRS problem, which arose from a former director's lack of attention to little details like filing 990s, has already been fixed to the IRS's satisfaction and the corps's non-profit status is fully in force. Not sure how long it takes for the updated information to make it onto Guidestar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garfield Posted December 14, 2012 Author Share Posted December 14, 2012 The IRS problem, which arose from a former director's lack of attention to little details like filing 990s, has already been fixed to the IRS's satisfaction and the corps's non-profit status is fully in force. Not sure how long it takes for the updated information to make it onto Guidestar. Do you know what year this problem was resolved? Generally, with extensions, the 990 for a year is due for filing by the 4th quarter of the following year (which is why we're looking at only up to 2011 in this thread). I would think that, if SOA is a continuation of a prior org (i.e. not a new incorporation) the IRS would require the old 990's be prepared and filed. But that's just my guess. Still, SOA marched with new executive staff in 2011 and 2010, I think. I'd expect to see at least one of those years in Guidestar. It may also be that, because SOA was "deactivated", Guidestar does not continue reports unless a manual "switch" is flipped. Maybe I'll contact the corps and see if they can forward their 990s to me. If anyone reading here is connected with the corps, I'd appreciate the help in getting current numbers. If, and when, I get some reports from the current SOA I'll update this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garfield Posted December 14, 2012 Author Share Posted December 14, 2012 (edited) I'm finishing up the consolidated spreadsheet with the major 990 categories for each corps. I'll have it posted in the next couple of days and will give time for its review. Then we'll head on to a more concise view of 13 through as many as I can find in Guidestar. Edited December 14, 2012 by garfield Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyRyder_FMM Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 My post #684 reflects income from "Gaming Activities". While I agree with your point, and although I can't say that BS's gaming is actually bingo and not "instants" or something else like a casino night, they do have a small income from gaming of some sort. EDIT: The headings available under "Gaming" (2011) are "Bingo", "Pull tabs/Instant/progressive bingo", and "Other gaming". All of BS's gaming income was listed in the "Other" category. The gaming revenues were from the raffle we have run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyRyder_FMM Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 Hey Tim, can you identify the items listed under Schedule G, Part I as being the answer to this question? You are correct. They are included in fundraising activities, and are listed as event #1 on Part II of Schedule G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeN Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 Wait, I forgot this view of Blue Stars "efficiency"... The Blue Stars Program "efficiency", as defined above. 2009: Of $771,768 in Total Expenses, $746,314 (96.7%) was Program Service Expenses 2010: Of $930,671 in Total Expenses, $906,869 (97.4%) was Program Service Expenses 2011: Of $958,082 in Total Expenses, $929,552 (97%) was Program Service Expenses I haven't gone back to compare yet, but that sounds like one of the highest we've seen so far. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 I haven't gone back to compare yet, but that sounds like one of the highest we've seen so far. Mike definitely a corps not trying to live beyond it's means Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted December 14, 2012 Share Posted December 14, 2012 (edited) I'm finishing up the consolidated spreadsheet with the major 990 categories for each corps. I'll have it posted in the next couple of days and will give time for its review. Then we'll head on to a more concise view of 13 through as many as I can find in Guidestar. Any chance G-man that you could put them in order of highest financial cushion down to who may be barely hanging on. Edited December 15, 2012 by Ghost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.