Overview
What is Svara?
Svara is a nonprofit organization situated in Chicago, Illinois. With a team of 17 individuals, Svara fosters a vibrant, intergenerational learning community, inspiring its members to deepen their understanding of the Talmud and Jewish tradition. At its core, Svara's mission is to empower queer and transgender individuals to innovate and redefine Jewish practices and teachings through the spiritual practice of Talmud study. This mission is achieved by providing a supportive environment that encourages the creation of new forms of Torah and tradition.
Official website here: www.svara.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 86% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)
Svara has received a solid score of 86%, which reflects a good performance in accountability and finance. The organization boasts a fully independent board with 91% of its members being independent, and it effectively manages its financial oversight and reporting. Notably, there are no instances of material diversion of assets, reinforcing the integrity of its operations.
However, there are some areas where Svara could improve. The absence of a whistleblower policy and document retention guidelines may raise concerns regarding internal governance and transparency practices. Additionally, the distribution of tax forms to the board before filing is also missing, which could affect board members' preparedness regarding financial disclosures.
Despite these limitations, Svara demonstrates strong fundraising efficiency and a good liabilities to assets ratio, indicating a healthy financial state. The organization appears to be committed to its mission, with a significant portion of its expenses allocated to programs, although the program expense ratio could be enhanced for greater impact. Overall, Svara shows promise but would benefit from bolstering its governance policies.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Svara legitimate?
Svara is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Svara submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $359,021
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $829,131
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.svara.org
What is the mission statement of Svara?
Svara's mission is centered around empowering individuals who identify as queer and trans. Through the spiritual practice of Talmud study, they aim to foster new expressions and traditions within the realm of Torah. Svara supports an expanding, intergenerational learning community, encouraging its members to strengthen their connection to the Talmud and Jewish tradition. By doing so, Svara strives to create a space where alternative perspectives and interpretations of Jewish beliefs can thrive.
Official website here: www.svara.org
Who is the CEO of Svara?
Benay Lappe is the Pres/Rosh Yesh of Svara.
Official website here: www.svara.org
What is the revenue of Svara?
Svara's revenue in 2022 was $2,202,092.
Official website here: www.svara.org
Who are the executives of Svara and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Svara during 2022 was $69,891. There are 17 employees and 24 volunteers at Svara.
Here are 13 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $196,076
- Related: $0
- Other: $15,898
- Compensation: $162,945
- Related: $0
- Other: $32,039
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- Other: $0
Official website here: www.svara.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Svara?
Svara's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.svara.org
Learn more at the official website: www.svara.org
Mission Statement of Svara
Svara, an organization dedicated to empowerment, aims to inspire queer and trans individuals to reshape traditional Jewish teachings and practices through the spiritual discipline of Talmud study. By fostering a nurturing, intergenerational learning community, Svara encourages its members to delve deeper into the rich heritage of Talmud and Judaism, thereby forging a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of these ancient teachings.
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Impact
October, 2024
Svara significantly impacts the queer and trans community by fostering an inclusive environment for the study of Talmud and Jewish tradition. By empowering these individuals to engage deeply with sacred texts, Svara enables them to reinterpret and reshape religious practices in ways that resonate with their identities and experiences. This initiative not only cultivates a sense of belonging and acceptance but also encourages the development of new forms of Torah that reflect diverse voices and perspectives.
The organization builds a vibrant, intergenerational learning community in Chicago, where participants can explore their spirituality in a supportive setting. Through Talmud study, Svara promotes both personal and communal growth, offering tools for deeper connection to tradition while challenging established norms. This transformative work fosters empowerment, resilience, and creativity among its members, ultimately enriching the broader Jewish community by integrating a wider spectrum of experiences and interpretations into its practices.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Svara. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Program Service Revenue: $180,108
- Gross Receipts: $2,202,092
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $935,056
- Total Liabilities: $98,234
- Net Assets: $836,822
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
PROGRAM FEES
Revenue
$180,108
Organization Details
Founding Year
2003
Phone
(847) 864-7863Principal Officer
Benay Lappe
Main Address
4411 N RAVENSWOOD AVE 300, CHICAGO, IL, 60640
Website
www.svara.orgNTEE Category
Code: X30 - Religion related
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