Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Since opening our doors in 1934, Easterseals has been a vital partner to individuals and families throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties. Each year, we support more than 1,500 individuals and their families through direct care, education, early intervention, job coaching, day servies, recreation and more.
- Income
- $5.7 million
- Spending
- $6.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 84%
- Reserves
- 16 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 47%
- Employees
- 134
- Volunteers
- 60
- Highest pay
- $129,426, vice president of programs
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 84 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 16.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 1% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1584% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 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
0 of 10Did not give 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, 2024, 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)
- $2.4 million spent. Integrated and Community Services, Supported Employment Securing and maintaining employment can be challenging for individuals with mental health conditions or those in recovery from addiction. Research shows that with the right support, individuals are more likely to keep their jobs, experience improved mental health, and stay engaged in their communities. At Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin, we recognize the importance of personalized employment support. By guiding individuals from application to hire and providing ongoing coaching, we help participants build confidence, independence, and valuable work skills while ensuring employers have motivated, well-prepared staff. Our approach benefits everyone-employees gain meaningful, stable work and personal growth, and employers gain dedicated team members who are set up for success. Through these services, we empower individuals to thrive in the workplace and beyond.
- $1.5 million spent. Adult Day Services Individuals with disabilities thrive when they have opportunities to connect, engage, and participate in meaningful experiences. Our Respite Enrichment programs create safe and supportive spaces where participants can build friendships, strengthen social skills, and explore new activities. From camp, recreation and community outings to structured daytime supports, these programs encourage independence, decision-making, and personal growth while ensuring that individuals feel included and valued. The benefits extend far beyond the individual. By supporting individuals in active, social settings, our programs help families and caregivers find peace of mind and essential respite. At the same time, the community gains from the presence of individuals who are engaged, empowered, and contributing to the world around them. In 2024, our Adult day program service 130 individuals, our Adult Recreation program served 145 individuals, and our camp program served 97 individuals.
- $1.2 million spent. Early Childhood Intervention Autism The earliest years of life are some of the most important for a childs long-term health, learning, and well-being. For expectant mothers and young families, having access to trusted guidance and resources can make all the difference. Families with strong support systems are more likely to thrive, children are healthier, parents feel more confidence in their role, and families as a whole are better equipped to handle challenges. Unfortunately, many parents face significant adversities such as poverty, abuse, or lack of resources during pregnancy and early childhood. Research shows that families who receive early support are more resilient, experience lower stress, and are better able to nurture safe, stable, and loving environments for their children. It is clear that families who receive early support are more likely to experience positive outcomes, children enter school ready to learn, parents are able to provide stable, nurturing environments, and risks of abuse or neglect are significantly reduced. Continued on Schedule O. Early Childhood Intervention Autism Continued At Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin, we believe every child deserves a strong start. Through our Early Childhood Family Services, we walk alongside parents, providing developmental screenings, parenting guidance, and access to resources that foster healthy growth and stronger parent-child bonds. By supporting families from the very beginning, we help build a foundation of stability, resilience, and opportunity for both children and their caregivers.
- Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Integrated and community services
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1944.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.