Overview
What is Spark-Y?
Spark-Y is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, dedicated to empowering youth through three primary areas of involvement. Firstly, they offer action-oriented labs within science classrooms, focusing on STEM education and job preparation. Secondly, they provide annual internships rooted in community outreach and sustainable projects, offering real-world job experience and active learning. Lastly, they operate a year-round urban agriculture lab that utilizes sustainable growing practices, serving as a youth job path and business feasibility test ground. Spark-Y directly impacts over 1,900 youth through school programming, community workshops, and internships, pairing hands-on agriculture systems, such as aquaponics, with a custom sustainability, entrepreneurial, and STEM-based curriculum. With a mission to empower young people, Spark-Y offers a platform for STEM education, job experience, and the testing and growth of sustainable solutions in modern communities.
Official website here: www.spark-y.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 56% (One-Star out of Four Stars)
Spark-Y has received a rating of 56%, classified as a One-Star charity, which indicates significant concerns in its financial practices. The overall score is derived solely from its Accountability & Finance metrics, with a particular emphasis on the financial health of the organization. While the nonprofit scores well in areas such as independent board governance and adherence to several policies, its financial ratios are troubling, particularly with a liabilities-to-assets ratio of 105.08% and a program expense ratio of just 30.61%.
The strengths of Spark-Y lie in its solid governance structure, evidenced by 100% independent board membership and comprehensive policy documentation, which suggests a commitment to accountability. Furthermore, the organization has no reported material diversion of assets, reflecting ethical management practices. However, the low program expense ratio raises questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations, as a significant portion of resources may not be directed toward its mission.
In summary, while Spark-Y demonstrates a commendable commitment to governance and transparency, its financial health and allocation of funds are areas of concern that could impact its long-term sustainability and ability to fulfill its mission effectively. Donors and stakeholders may want to consider these factors when evaluating their support for the organization.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Spark-Y legitimate?
Spark-Y is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Spark-Y 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.spark-y.org
What is the mission statement of Spark-Y?
Spark-Y's mission is centered around empowering youth through hands-on learning experiences. The organization provides action-oriented labs, both in and out of the classroom, to foster STEM education and prepare young individuals for future jobs. By integrating sustainable agriculture systems, such as aquaponics, with custom curriculum, Spark-Y encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among its participants. The Urban Ag Lab, featuring a commercial-scale aquaponics system, offers employment opportunities and skills training for youth. Furthermore, the DIY Lab provides resources for youth to test their innovative ideas, promoting the growth of sustainable solutions in modern communities.
Official website here: www.spark-y.org
Who is the CEO of Spark-Y?
Zach Robinson is the Board Member of Spark-Y.
Official website here: www.spark-y.org
What is the revenue of Spark-Y?
Spark-Y's revenue in 2022 was $1,810,000.
Official website here: www.spark-y.org
Who are the executives of Spark-Y and what are their salaries?
There are 20 employees and 167 volunteers at Spark-Y.
Here are 7 key members and their salaries:
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- Compensation: $144,925
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Official website here: www.spark-y.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Spark-Y?
Spark-Y's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.spark-y.org
Learn more at the official website: www.spark-y.org
Mission Statement of Spark-Y
Spark-Y, an innovative nonprofit organization, is committed to empowering youth through action-oriented laboratories both in and out of the classroom. Their mission is to equip young individuals with STEM education, job experience, and a platform to experiment and grow sustainable solutions within modern communities. By offering hands-on agriculture systems, such as aquaponics, coupled with custom sustainability, entrepreneurial, and STEM-based curriculum, Spark-Y provides a unique learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom settings.
The organization's Urban Agriculture Lab, featuring a commercial-scale aquaponics system, serves as a valuable employment opportunity and skills training ground for youth. This lab, paired with Spark-Y's DIY Lab, provides youth with the necessary resources and equipment to test their innovative ideas, fostering a sense of creativity and self-reliance. Spark-Y's multifaceted approach to youth involvement and empowerment includes three key areas: action-oriented labs in science classrooms, focused on STEM education and job preparation; annual internships rooted in community outreach and sustainable projects, offering real-world job experience and active learning; and a year-round Urban Agriculture Lab, utilizing sustainable growing practices and serving as a youth job path and business feasibility testing ground.
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Impact
July, 2024
Spark-Y serves over 1,900 youth directly through school programming, community workshops, and internships. Its programs combine hands-on agriculture systems like aquaponics with sustainability, entrepreneurial, and STEM-based curriculum. The Urban Ag. Lab, featuring a commercial-scale aquaponics system, offers youth employment opportunities and skills training. Additionally, Spark-Y's DIY Lab provides resources for youth to test their innovative ideas. Spark-Y empowers youth through action-oriented labs in science classrooms, annual internships focusing on community outreach and sustainable projects, and a year-round urban agriculture lab. This organization provides a platform for youth to gain STEM education, job experience, and the chance to develop and test sustainable solutions for modern communities.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Spark-Y. 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: $17,060
- Program Service Revenue: $1,408,463
- Gross Receipts: $1,810,000
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $47,014,576
- Total Liabilities: $46,820,611
- Net Assets: $193,965
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
PROGRAM SERICE FEES
Revenue
$1,408,463
Organization Details
Founding Year
2009
Phone
(612) 821-6390Principal Officer
Zach Robinson
Main Address
681 17TH AVE NE 101, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55413
Website
www.spark-y.orgNTEE Category
Code: P30 - Human services
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