Start Early

Analysis

Start Early is a registered charity in United States, based in Chicago, IL. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in July 1982, 44 years ago. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending June 2023, Start Early reported income of $120.1m and spending of $108.1m, spending 90% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income grew from $66.6m to $120.1m (+80%), an average of +16% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to June 2022, when income rose by 31%. Over the whole period it spent 98% of the income it received.

Among 72,936 United States charities whose main cause is other charitable purposes and that reported income, Start Early sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within IL. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University ($119.9m), Connecticut Foodshare Inc ($120.2m) and The Alameda County Community Food Bank Inc ($119.8m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 97% and program service revenue 1.8% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $2.9m (2.7% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $36.0m. It paid $68k in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $106.7m against liabilities of $32.1m, net assets of $74.6m. It reported 451 employees.