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Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 364070692 ✦ Chicago, IL ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)?

Ladder Up, formerly known as City-Wide Tax Assistance Program, is a nonprofit organization situated in Chicago, Illinois. With a mission to aid low-income families and individuals, they offer a range of services. The primary focus is on providing free, high-quality tax preparation, serving as an alternative to paid tax preparers. During the pandemic, they have expanded their offerings and implemented multiple safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both their clients and volunteers. Beyond tax assistance, Ladder Up also delivers financial aid and educational resources, aiming to help individuals climb the economic ladder. With a team of 29 dedicated employees, this organization has been operating one of the largest and oldest state-wide volunteer income tax assistance programs in Illinois, serving over 15,000 individuals through in-person and digital services.


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96% - Four-Star out of Four Star rating

Ladder Up has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in Accountability and Finance with a score of 96%. This high score is indicative of the organization’s commitment to transparency and responsible financial management, supported by a fully independent board and robust oversight mechanisms. The charity maintains a low liabilities-to-assets ratio and allocates a significant 78% of its expenses directly to its programs.

User feedback highlights the organization’s impact on the Chicago community, particularly in assisting low-income individuals with tax preparation services. A former employee praised Ladder Up for its dedication to both tax assistance and financial literacy education for youth. The organization’s exceptional volunteer base and commitment to community engagement were also noted, suggesting a strong culture of service and collaboration.

While the ratings and reviews are overwhelmingly positive, potential donors and volunteers may want to consider the scale and reach of Ladder Up's programs, as the organization primarily focuses on the Chicago area. Overall, Ladder Up is recognized as an impactful nonprofit that effectively uses its resources to foster financial empowerment in its community.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program) legitimate?

Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program) is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program) 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: $223,938
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,053,495

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

What is the mission statement of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)?

Ladder Up, formerly known as City-Wide Tax Assistance Program, is an organization dedicated to assisting low-income families and individuals in accessing the financial resources necessary for upward economic mobility. They offer a range of services, including free tax preparation, financial aid, and financial education. The organization's mission is to help these individuals climb the economic ladder by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge. Their state-wide volunteer income tax assistance program, one of the largest and oldest of its kind, serves over 15,000 individuals annually, offering both in-person and digital services. Ladder Up provides free, high-quality tax preparation as an alternative to paid tax preparers, and in response to the pandemic, they have implemented various safety protocols to ensure the safety of their clients and volunteers.


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

Who is the CEO of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)?

Phyllis Cavallone is the Executive Director (Start 9/1/21) of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program).


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

What is the revenue of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)?

Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)'s revenue in 2022 was $2,908,523.


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

Who are the executives of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program) and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program) during 2022 was $44,049. There are 29 employees and 404 volunteers at Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program).


Here are 8 key members and their salaries:


Robert M Burke (Board Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Chandler (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jamie O'Brien (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Sneider (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sr Mary Paul Mccaughey (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mercedes Williams (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kathleen Stark (Executive Director (Thru 9/1/21))
  • Compensation: $138,816
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Phyllis Cavallone (Executive Director (Start 9/1/21))
  • Compensation: $53,958
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)?

Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)'s most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.goladderup.org

Learn more at the official website: www.goladderup.org

Mission Statement of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program)

Ladder Up, formerly known as City-Wide Tax Assistance Program, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to aid low-income families and individuals. Their primary goal is to help these individuals gain access to the financial resources necessary for them to climb the economic ladder. To achieve this, Ladder Up offers a variety of services, including free tax preparation, financial aid, and financial education.

The tax assistance program is a significant part of Ladder Up's offerings. They operate one of the largest and oldest state-wide volunteer income tax assistance programs in Illinois, serving over 15,000 individuals annually. This service provides families with high-quality, free tax preparation, offering an alternative to paid tax preparers. To cater to the needs of the modern era, Ladder Up also offers digital services.

In response to the pandemic, Ladder Up has expanded its services to ensure the safety of its clients and volunteers. They provide multiple types of services and implement multiple safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for everyone involved. By offering these services, Ladder Up is not only helping individuals navigate the complexities of tax preparation but also empowering them to take control of their financial futures.

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Impact




October, 2024

Ladder Up significantly impacts low-income families and individuals across Illinois by providing essential financial resources and services. As one of the largest and oldest volunteer income tax assistance programs in the state, it serves over 15,000 clients each year. By offering free, high-quality tax preparation, Ladder Up ensures that families can maximize their tax returns without the burden of costly fees associated with paid preparers.

In addition to tax preparation, Ladder Up also provides crucial financial aid and education services, equipping clients with the knowledge and resources needed to improve their financial situations. This comprehensive approach not only alleviates immediate financial stress but also encourages long-term economic stability, allowing individuals and families to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape with greater confidence.

In response to the pandemic, Ladder Up adapted its services to include both in-person and digital options, implementing safety protocols to protect clients and volunteers. This flexibility has maintained access to vital services during challenging times, further enhancing the organization's impact on the community. Overall, Ladder Up plays a pivotal role in supporting economic mobility, enabling individuals to climb the economic ladder and achieve greater financial independence.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Ladder Up (F/K/A City-Wide Tax Assistance Program). 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.

Revenue
$2,908,523 (2022)
Expenses
$2,417,943 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $67,909
  • Gross Receipts: $3,220,817

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,814,683
  • Total Liabilities: $123,251
  • Net Assets: $3,691,432

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1996

Principal Officer

Phyllis Cavallone

Main Address

350 N ORLEANS ST C2-100, CHICAGO, IL, 60654

NTEE Category

Code: B99 - Education

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