Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) and their Form 990. If you're even remotely interested in education, non-profits, or the financial nitty-gritty of how organizations operate, buckle up. We're about to break down what the 990 is, why it matters, and how you can use it to understand NSNO's impact on the New Orleans education scene. Let's get started!

What is Form 990 and Why Should You Care?

Okay, so what exactly is a Form 990? Simply put, it's an annual information return that most tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. are required to file with the IRS. Think of it as the non-profit world's version of a tax return, but with a twist: it's publicly available. This means anyone – yes, you – can access it to see where an organization gets its money, how it spends it, and who's in charge. Understanding the 990 is super important because it brings transparency and accountability to the non-profit sector. By digging into these forms, you can make informed decisions about which organizations to support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

For an organization like New Schools for New Orleans, the 990 provides a detailed snapshot of its financial health and activities. It's not just about the numbers, though. It's about understanding the organization's mission in action. How effectively are they using their resources to achieve their goals? Are they operating efficiently? Are there any red flags that might warrant further investigation? These are the kinds of questions the 990 can help answer. Plus, understanding these financial documents helps you become a more informed and engaged citizen. You can hold organizations accountable, advocate for better practices, and contribute to a more transparent and effective non-profit sector. So, whether you're a donor, a volunteer, a researcher, or just a curious individual, knowing how to navigate a 990 is a valuable skill. It's like having a secret decoder ring for the non-profit world!

New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO): A Quick Overview

Before we dissect their 990, let's get a handle on what New Schools for New Orleans actually does. NSNO is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving education in New Orleans. Founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, NSNO plays a pivotal role in transforming the city's public school system. Their mission is centered around ensuring that every child in New Orleans has access to a high-quality education. They work towards this goal through a variety of initiatives, including:

• Supporting the creation of new schools: NSNO provides resources and support to entrepreneurs and educators looking to start new, innovative schools in New Orleans.
• Improving existing schools: They offer training, coaching, and other resources to help existing schools improve their academic performance and overall effectiveness.
• Advocating for policy changes: NSNO works to influence education policy at the local and state levels to create a more supportive environment for high-quality schools.
• Investing in talent: They invest in recruiting, training, and retaining talented educators and school leaders.

Essentially, NSNO acts as a catalyst for educational reform in New Orleans. They identify promising ideas, provide the necessary resources, and advocate for policies that support their mission. Their work is driven by the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to attend a great school. Understanding NSNO's role in the New Orleans education landscape is crucial for interpreting their 990. The financial information in the 990 provides context for their programs and initiatives, allowing you to assess their impact and effectiveness.

Key Sections of NSNO's 990: What to Look For

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. When you're looking at NSNO's 990 (or any non-profit's 990, for that matter), there are a few key sections you'll want to pay close attention to:

Part I: Summary

This section provides a high-level overview of the organization's activities, finances, and governance. It's like the executive summary of the entire form. Here, you'll find:

• A brief description of the organization's mission: This will give you a quick reminder of what NSNO is all about.
• Total revenue and expenses: This is a crucial indicator of the organization's financial health. Is NSNO bringing in more money than it's spending? Are revenues increasing or decreasing over time?
• Net assets: This represents the organization's overall wealth. Is it growing or shrinking?
• A summary of the organization's program service accomplishments: This section highlights NSNO's key achievements and how they're making a difference in the community. Look for specific, measurable outcomes that demonstrate the organization's impact.

The summary section is a great place to start because it gives you a bird's-eye view of NSNO's operations. It can help you quickly assess the organization's financial stability and identify any potential areas of concern.

Part III: Statement of Program Service Accomplishments

This is where NSNO gets to brag about all the good stuff they've been doing. This section requires the organization to describe its program service accomplishments for the year, including:

• A description of each program service: What activities did NSNO undertake to further its mission?
• The number of people served: How many students, teachers, or schools did NSNO reach with its programs?
• The amount of expenses related to each program service: How much money did NSNO spend on each activity?

This section is super valuable because it allows you to see how NSNO is translating its mission into concrete actions. Look for evidence of impact. Are they actually making a difference in the lives of students and schools in New Orleans? Are they reaching a significant number of people? Are their programs cost-effective?

Part VI: Governance, Management, and Disclosure

This section sheds light on how NSNO is governed and managed. It includes information about:

• The organization's board of directors: Who are the people in charge? What are their backgrounds and qualifications? Are they independent? Board independence is a sign of good governance, as it helps prevent conflicts of interest.
• The organization's policies: Does NSNO have policies in place to prevent conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, and document retention? These policies demonstrate a commitment to ethical and transparent operations.
• Executive compensation: How much are NSNO's top executives being paid? Is their compensation reasonable compared to similar organizations? While it's important to compensate executives fairly, excessive compensation can be a red flag.

By examining this section, you can get a sense of whether NSNO is being run effectively and ethically. Good governance is essential for ensuring that the organization is accountable to its stakeholders and that its resources are being used wisely.

Part VIII: Statement of Revenue

Where does NSNO get its money? This section provides a detailed breakdown of the organization's revenue sources, including:

• Contributions, gifts, and grants: How much money did NSNO receive from individuals, foundations, and government agencies?
• Program service revenue: Did NSNO earn any revenue from providing services, such as training or consulting?
• Investment income: Did NSNO earn any income from its investments?

Understanding NSNO's revenue sources is important for assessing its financial stability and sustainability. Is the organization overly reliant on a single funding source? Are its revenue streams diversified? A diversified revenue base is generally a sign of a healthy organization.

Part IX: Statement of Functional Expenses

How does NSNO spend its money? This section breaks down the organization's expenses into three categories:

• Program services: These are the expenses directly related to NSNO's mission, such as supporting schools and training teachers.
• Management and general: These are the administrative expenses necessary to run the organization, such as salaries, rent, and utilities.
• Fundraising: These are the expenses related to raising money, such as grant writing and fundraising events.

Ideally, a large portion of NSNO's expenses should be allocated to program services. This indicates that the organization is prioritizing its mission over administrative overhead. However, it's also important to remember that management and fundraising are necessary expenses for any non-profit.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While the 990 can provide valuable insights into NSNO's operations, it's also important to be aware of potential red flags. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Excessive executive compensation: Are NSNO's top executives being paid significantly more than their peers at similar organizations?
• Conflicts of interest: Are there any transactions between NSNO and its board members or executives? These transactions could indicate a conflict of interest.
• Declining revenues or net assets: Is NSNO's financial health deteriorating over time?
• A large portion of expenses allocated to management and general or fundraising: Is NSNO spending too much money on overhead rather than on its programs?
• Lack of transparency: Is NSNO providing clear and detailed information about its activities and finances?

If you spot any of these red flags, it doesn't necessarily mean that NSNO is doing something wrong. However, it does warrant further investigation. You might want to ask NSNO for more information or consult with a non-profit expert.

How to Access NSNO's 990

Okay, so you're ready to start digging into NSNO's 990. How do you actually access it? Luckily, it's pretty easy. Since Form 990s are public documents, there are several ways to find them:

• Guidestar: Guidestar is a website that provides information on over 1.8 million non-profit organizations. You can search for NSNO on Guidestar and download their 990 for free.
• The IRS website: The IRS also provides access to Form 990s on its website. You can search for NSNO by name or EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• NSNO's website: Some non-profits, including NSNO, post their 990s on their own websites. Check the