nonprofit logo

Chess For Success

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

EIN: 931208405 ✦ Portland, OR ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause at the same time! With the Give Freely browser extension, you'll automatically save money with coupons, and partner stores will donate to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. Start giving back with a single click. It's safe, free, and spam-free, guaranteed!

Overview

What is Chess For Success?

Chess For Success is a nonprofit organization situated in Portland, Oregon, specifically at 4207 SE WoodStock Blvd Suite 271. Their primary mission is to aid children in developing essential skills for academic success and life, achieved through learning chess. They offer after-school chess programs to over 3,200 students in 82 schools across 20 school districts and 9 counties in Oregon and southwest Washington. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Chess For Success managed to conduct 50 online clubs, serving 750 students in 11 counties. Their programs aim to provide a safe and engaging environment for students to interact with peers and coaches, even in an online format. As of FY21, their focus was on maintaining this online connection. The organization is staffed by 77 dedicated individuals.


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement (Two-Star out of Four Star rating, 67%)

Chess For Success has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating that it needs improvement in its overall accountability and financial performance. While the organization shows strengths in governance, with 100% independent board members and comprehensive policies in place, its liabilities to assets ratio is a concern, signaling potential financial instability.

The organization excels in program expense ratios, indicating that a significant portion of its expenses goes directly to programs rather than administrative costs. This focus on programmatic spending is a positive aspect, demonstrating a commitment to fulfilling its mission. However, the high liabilities to assets ratio suggests that the organization may be carrying a substantial debt load relative to its assets.

Overall, while Chess For Success demonstrates strong governance and program expenditure, the financial health indicators raise some red flags. Continued efforts to improve financial management and transparency will be crucial for the organization to enhance its rating and overall effectiveness.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Chess For Success?

92% of 8 reviewers on Facebook would recommend Chess For Success. Here is a summary of their reviews:

While there is a generally positive sentiment towards the organization, some users have expressed concerns regarding the use of NWSRS ratings for pairings. They feel that not rating the tournaments to support this system is a significant drawback. This sentiment indicates that while the program has support, there are areas where it could improve to enhance the overall experience for participants.

Overall, many individuals appreciate the initiative and its goals, but there are suggestions for better alignment with established rating systems. This feedback highlights a desire for more thorough integration of competitive standards, which could bolster the organization's reputation and efficacy in the eyes of some critics.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Chess For Success legitimate?

Chess For Success is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Chess For Success 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: $92,366
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $517,503

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

What is the mission statement of Chess For Success?

Chess For Success's mission is centered around assisting children in developing vital skills for academic success and personal growth. This is achieved through the medium of chess. The organization offers after-school chess programs, reaching out to approximately 3,200 students in 82 schools across 20 school districts and 9 counties in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Chess For Success transitioned to online platforms, hosting 50 clubs and serving 750 students in 11 counties. During this period, their focus was on providing a safe and engaging online environment for students to interact with their peers and coaches.


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

Who is the CEO of Chess For Success?

Eric Polgar is the Executive Dir. of Chess For Success.


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

What is the revenue of Chess For Success?

Chess For Success's revenue in 2022 was $865,491.


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

Who are the executives of Chess For Success and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Chess For Success during 2022 was $7,920. There are 77 employees and 115 volunteers at Chess For Success.


Here are 11 key members and their salaries:


Curtis Young (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $100,893
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,367
Erin Adams (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gwen Thompson (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Barb Fisher (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Smita Wacker (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Engelberg (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Jolly (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ryan Richardson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Fletcher Ray (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kristin Vanderschick (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Virinda Boyle (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Chess For Success?

Chess For Success's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.chessforsuccess.org

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

Mission Statement of Chess For Success

Chess For Success, a nonprofit organization, is committed to aiding children in developing essential skills for thriving in both school and life. They achieve this objective by introducing the game of chess to their students. Operating in high-poverty K-12th grade schools, Chess For Success provides after-school chess programs in 82 schools across 20 school districts and 9 counties in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Their mission is to utilize chess as a tool to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities in children, enhancing their overall success.

During the pandemic, Chess For Success faced challenges in conducting in-person programs. However, they adapted and managed to continue their mission by offering 50 online clubs, serving 750 students in 11 counties. These online clubs provided a safe and engaging environment for students to interact with their peers and coaches, helping them maintain a connection despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Through these online programs, Chess For Success demonstrated its commitment to upholding its mission, even in the face of adversity.

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!

Impact




July, 2024

Chess For Success has had a significant impact on over 3,200 students across 82 schools in high-poverty areas, spanning 20 school districts and 9 counties in Oregon and Southwest Washington. By providing after-school chess programs, Chess For Success has helped children develop important skills for success in school and in life. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the organization successfully transitioned to online clubs, serving 750 students in 11 counties. This adaptive approach ensured that students continued to engage with peers and coaches in a safe, virtual format, highlighting the organization's commitment to supporting youth education and development.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Chess For Success. 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
$865,491 (2022)
Expenses
$998,803 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Program Service Revenue: $421,573
  • Gross Receipts: $893,597

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $177,165
  • Total Liabilities: $380,650
  • Net Assets: -$203,485

Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely

Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

CLUB REGISTRATIONS

Revenue

$8,773

PROGRAM FEES

Revenue

$412,800

Organization Details

Founding Year

1996

Principal Officer

Eric Polgar

Main Address

4207 SE WoodStock Blvd Suite 271, Portland, OR, 97206

NTEE Category

Code: B90 - Education

If you are a representative of Chess For Success and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.