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Variety-The Childrens Charity of Wisconsin Inc

EIN 39-0977152 · Elm Grove, WI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair62 out of 100GovernanceStrong97 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

ENRICHING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Income
$509,854
Spending
$640,766
Spent on programs
52%
Reserves
10.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
4
Volunteers
120
Highest pay
$75,074, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 62 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 25% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 26% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    52% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 32 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 97 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 17 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a 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

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 (5)
  1. $132,211 spent. THE FREEDOM PROGRAM IMPROVES A CHILDS MOBILITY, CONFIDENCE, INDEPENDENCE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BY PROVIDING FUNDING FOR MOBILITY AND OTHER ENABLING EQUIPMENT. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED EQUIPMENT INCLUDE ADAPTIVE BIKES, WHEELCHAIRS, WALKERS, LIFTS, RAMPS, VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS ADN MORE. THE ORGANIZATION ASSISTS WHEN FAMILIES ARE UNABLE TO COVER THE EXPENSIVE COST OF THE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT AND THEY ARE DENIED ACCESS TO INSURANCE COVERAGE.
  2. $38,542 spent. CHATTER MATTERS COMMUNICATION CAMP GIVES CHILDREN A VOICE BY TEACHING FAMILIES HOW TO INCORPORATE A SPEECH GENERATING DEVICE INTO THEIR EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES. THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH UW-WHITEWATER, GRADUATE SPEECH PATHOLOGY STUDENTS AND OTHER STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AND INSTRUCTORS HOST THIS OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WHO USE ASSISTIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES. THROUGH CAMP ACTIVITIES THE CHILD IMPROVES HIS OR HER DEVICE USE TO BECOME A MORE COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR. LEARNING OCCURS THROUGH FUN CAMP ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ARTS AND CRAFTS, ADAPTIVE SPORTS, GAMES, MUSIC, STORIES CAMPFIRE AND MORE.
  3. $112,711 spent. OTHER, INCLUDING DISCOVER PROGRAM - VARIETY SPONSORS FREE, QUARTERLY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THAT PROVIDE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES A WAY TO CONNECT, DISCOVER NEW FRIENDS AND SCOCIALIZE THROUGH FUN, CASUAL EXPERIENCES.
  4. $48,455 spent. CARE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON PROVIDING FUNDING FOR SPECIALIZED CARE, SUCH AS RESPITE CARE, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, AND MORE.
  5. CARE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON PROVIDING FUNDING FOR 48455. 47500. 0.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2024, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

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

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

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since July 1960.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.