Search Institute

What it reported doing in 2025

Search institute studies and works to strengthen youth outcomes in schools, youth programs, families, and communities. Founded in 1958, search institute was a pioneer in using social science to understand the lives, beliefs, and values of young people. Since that time, more than 6 million children and adolescents have participated in search institute studies and projects. In addition, more than 11,000 youth-serving organizations and almost 120,000 practitioners have utilized the practical resources that search institute has created to help young people thrive. Search institute is more than a research organization; we transform complex findings into practical strategies and tools that support adults in co-creating spaces where youth can be and become their best selves. We work alongside our partners to refine our approaches, ensuring that change is meaningful and enduring. Our approach includes: generating knowledge: our work lives in the dynamic intersection of scientific research, practitioner wisdom, and youth voice, with a commitment to expand the collective knowledge of what all youth need to thrive.co-creating solutions: we anticipate and solve for needs by developing research-informed frameworks, practices, and strategies that are actionable and adaptable across the youth support ecosystem. This collaborative process ensures that our solutions reflect youth voice and are centered on empowering adults to drive tangible and meaningful change.empowering action: our work identifies and promotes best practices, innovation, and meaningful change, including dismantling silos and fostering collaboration within and across sectors. As catalysts for change, we work alongside our partners to create a more cohesive, supportive ecosystem that prioritizes the well-being of young people.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 79.8%; rating input score 80
• Fundraising efficiency: $17.2 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 53; 53rd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -60.5%; rating input score 1; 1st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.85; rating input score 29; 29th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.13; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 22.4%; rating input score 14; 14th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 2.9% per year; rating input score 100; 23rd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -2.9% per year; rating input score 0; 3rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 8.6% per year; rating input score 100; 52nd percentile among comparable filings