Dress for Success Cincinnati
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Mission of Dress for Success Cincinnati is to help unemployed women with the resources they need in their journeys toward economic mobility.
- Income
- $1.2 million
- Spending
- $1.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 2.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 73%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 200
- Highest pay
- $113,339, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 40 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (employment, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.6 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 42% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 30% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 13% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (employment, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2523 of 24 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 (1)
- $1.2 million spent. Dress for Success Cincinnati (DFSC) offers a time-tested, successful program that can be adapted and adjusted as the job market evolves. Our ultimate goal is for women and those who identify as women to achieve levels of economic self-sufficiency regardless of race, upbringing or where they live. Clients are referred by a diverse group of non-profit organizations and government agencies, including homeless shelters, immigration services, job training programs, education institutions and domestic violence shelters; other women reach out to us directly to request services. In addition to our signature styling program, DFSC offers a full spectrum of workforce development and career support programs through its career center and thriving services programs.Through our Thriving Services, we walk alongside you as you continue to grow, achieve, and thrive. When a woman thrives, her family, workplace, and community thrive with her. Our programs are designed to provide ongoing support, tools, and community you need to turn opportunity into lasting success. We do this through1:1 coaching where women receive personalized support from expert coaches who will help you set meaningful goals, stay focused, and build the future you envision.Womens Circles that allow women to connect with a powerful network in peer groups that foster community, support, and shared growthbecause no one succeeds alone.Career Services offers expert guidance and strategic resources to help women navigate every step of their professional journey through our Career Development Program. This program is designed to set career goals and build confidence in the job search. We also offer empowering events to help women inspired and connected through regular events that support both personal and professional goals to build a network, confidence, and future.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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 October 13, 2026.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1999.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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 October 21, 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.