Overview
What is Challenge America?
Challenge America is a nonprofit organization based in Basalt, Colorado, with a primary mission to support veterans suffering from PTSD, MST, or other mental health issues. They have secured a one-year contract with the VA to conduct 13 retreats in rural areas by September 2023, enrolling ten veterans per retreat. Through their partnership with Guitar Center Foundation, they provide each participant with a free guitar, accessories, and materials. The retreat content is designed using a trauma-informed music therapy approach, allowing veterans to connect and collaborate with music therapists and professional songwriters. Over 24 weeks, participants receive 32 hours of virtual real-time sessions. Challenge America has also successfully grown two online platforms, Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI) and Challenge America Veterans Art Community (CAVARTS), which now boast over 5,000 and 6,000 members, respectively. These communities serve as safe spaces for veterans to share information, be creative, and collaborate on goals and concerns. Last September, they led five veterans and numerous volunteers on a challenging hike up Mt. Elbert, the highest 14er summit in the Rocky Mountains, which was an inspiring accomplishment for the veterans participating. With a team of seven dedicated employees, Challenge America is committed to providing resources and solutions that help veterans build community and find purpose in their lives.
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 98%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.
Challenge America has received a commendable Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its high performance in areas of accountability and finance. The organization boasts a perfect score in several key metrics, including a 100% score for its accountability practices and a program expense ratio of 76.20%, indicating that a substantial portion of its funds is directed toward its mission-related programs. The presence of a majority independent board members further strengthens its governance and oversight.
In addition to its strong financial performance, Challenge America excels in constituent feedback, achieving a perfect score in feedback collection and usage. This demonstrates the nonprofit's commitment to engaging with and responding to the communities it serves. The organization's policies, including conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, are also well-documented and accessible, contributing to its overall transparency.
However, while the organization performs exceptionally well in many areas, its equity strategies score of 77 out of 100 indicates room for improvement in addressing equity within its programs and operations. Overall, Challenge America stands out for its strong governance, effective use of funds, and dedication to community engagement, making it a trustworthy choice for donors and supporters.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Challenge America?
100% of the 7 reviewers on Facebook recommend Challenge America. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Many individuals express gratitude for the artistic opportunities provided by the nonprofit, particularly highlighting their involvement in exhibitions that allow veterans to showcase their artwork. Reviewers appreciate the platform that Challenge America offers for sharing meaningful stories through art, enhancing the emotional and sensory experience of the audience.
Overall, it’s clear that this nonprofit creates a positive impact, especially for veterans, by fostering creativity and providing avenues for artistic expression. The organization appears to deliver on its mission, garnering strong support from those who participate in their initiatives.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Challenge America legitimate?
Challenge America is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Challenge America 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: $85,056
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $136,177
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
What is the mission statement of Challenge America?
Challenge America's mission is centered around connecting service members, veterans, and their families to resources and solutions that foster community and provide a sense of purpose in their lives. Through various programs, they aim to provide support, including music therapy retreats, online platforms for veterans to connect and share, and even outdoor challenges like climbing Mount Elbert. The organization's initiatives, such as the music therapy program and the creation of safe online communities, aim to help veterans cope with conditions like PTSD and MST, and offer a space for sharing and achieving personal goals.
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
Who is the CEO of Challenge America?
Houston Cowan is the President of Challenge America. The CEO's salary of Challenge America is $20,833 and their total compensation is $20,833.
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
What is the revenue of Challenge America?
Challenge America's revenue in 2022 was $474,740.
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
Who are the executives of Challenge America and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Challenge America during 2022 was $31,605. There are 7 employees at Challenge America.
Here are 8 key members and their salaries (Challenge America's CEO's salary is $20,833 and their total compensation is $20,833):
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- Compensation: $20,833
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- Compensation: $53,515
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- Other: $10,708
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
Where can I find the form 990 for Challenge America?
Challenge America's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.challengeamerica.com
Learn more at the official website: www.challengeamerica.com
Mission Statement of Challenge America
Challenge America connects service members, veterans, and their families to resources and solutions that build community and provide purpose to their lives. The organization's mission is to offer support and opportunities that empower these individuals, helping them overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. After a successful pilot music therapy program, Challenge America received a contract from the VA to conduct retreats in rural areas, enrolling 10 veterans with PTSD or MST in each retreat. Through a partnership with Guitar Center Foundation, each participant receives a free guitar, accessories, and materials. The retreat content is designed using a trauma-informed music therapy approach, allowing veterans to connect with others and express themselves through music. Over the course of 24 weeks, each veteran receives 32 hours of virtual real-time sessions.
Challenge America has also seen success in growing its online veteran platforms, such as the Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI) and Challenge America Veterans Art Community (CAVARTS). MSI boasts over 5,000 members, providing a safe space for veterans to share information, be creative, and collaborate on goals and concerns. CAVARTS, with nearly 6,000 members, offers similar benefits, fostering a supportive community for veterans. Additionally, Challenge America organized a challenge to climb Mount Elbert, the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains, with five veterans and numerous volunteers. This achievement was a significant milestone for the veterans, many of whom were dealing with conditions such as CRPS, PTSD, or MST. Overall, Challenge America's mission is to uplift and empower service members, veterans, and their families, offering resources, opportunities, and a supportive community to help them thrive.
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Impact
July, 2024
Challenge America has had a significant impact on service members, veterans, and their families by connecting them to resources and solutions that build community and give purpose to their lives. The organization's successful music therapy program, conducted in partnership with the VA, has provided retreats for veterans with PTSD and/or MST in rural areas. Each participant receives a free guitar, accessories, and materials, engaging in trauma-informed music therapy sessions and co-writing songs with professional songwriters. Additionally, Challenge America has grown its online veteran platforms, providing a safe space for over 5,000 members to collaborate and share information. The organization's initiatives, such as the Mt. Elbert Challenge, have supported veterans facing various challenges, showcasing its dedication to empowering and supporting those who have served.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Challenge America. 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.
- Investment Income: $32
- Gross Receipts: $487,871
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $195,264
- Total Liabilities: $35,988
- Net Assets: $159,276
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Organization Details
Founding Year
2009
Phone
(970) 279-1323Principal Officer
Houston Cowan
Main Address
PO BOX 4467, BASALT, CO, 81621
Website
www.challengeamerica.comNTEE Category
Code: W20 - Public benefit
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