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The Motivational Edge Inc

EIN 26-2916391 · Miami, FL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak35 out of 100GovernanceGood82 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
  • It owes more than it owns.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

The Motivational Edge uses solutions focused programming as a platform to inspire youth toward academic achievement, increased self-confidence and building essential life skills. In addition, the organization provides under-resourced youth with a creative outlet for self-expression, while integrating therapeutic components into arts, music and wellness programs.

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
-6.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 82%
Employees
7
Volunteers
45
Highest pay
$90,000, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 109% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 25% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    0 of 10

    Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $968,302 spent. See Schedule O for detail about the programs accomplishments. 1,112 youth served across 21 service sites and reaching an in person total of youth served 2,392. Of the 2,392 young students served 39% of them have been diagnosed with a disability and received tailored support. There were nearly 100,000 hours of collective programming instruction and mentoring provided throughout the year. During fiscal year ending in June 2025, about 1,112 youth were served across 21 service sites and reaching an in person total of youth served 2,392. Of the 2,392 young students served 39% of them have been diagnosed with a disability and received tailored support. There were nearly 100,000 hours of collective programming instruction and mentoring provided throughout the year. Out of 498 youth assessed, 92% of students developed essential life skills such as financial literacy, job readiness and personal responsibility. 78% of students reported increased confidence in their ability to live independently after program completion.
  2. Music Instrument Instruction: 82% developed the ability to critically listen to and analyze music. 68% of students worked with peers and/or teachers on composing and performing original music. 74% reported increased confidence in their technical skills and creative abilities82% developed the ability to critically listen to and analyze music. 68% of students worked with peers and/or teachers on composing and performing original music. 74% reported increased confidence in their technical skills and creative abilities.
  3. The Art of Creative Writing and Lyrical Expression Program: 70% of students created and completed original songs and enhanced their ability to convey stories and emotions effectively through their lyrics. 68% of students had the opportunity to showcase their talents by presenting their original work to audience. Visual Arts Program: 94% of students created a work of art focused on improving specific techniques and used art as a medium to better express their emotions, thoughts and personal experiences. 93% of students gained confidence by presenting their work to peers, teachers and the public.
  4. Academic Support Services (Tutoring) 86% of students improved their academic performance. 97.5% of youth successfully passed to the next grade level. Students received an average of 400 + hours of academic support annually. After School Arts Program: 98% of students reported enhanced artistic skills and self-expression. 86% of students demonstrated improved academic performance through increased engagement in creative activities. 85% retention rate with students remaining with The Edge throughout the program. 17 youth received an average of 160 hours of Differentiated Literacy Instruction based on their Needs Assessment

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 2009.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.