Girls on the Run of Greater Summit Girls on the Run of Northeast Ohio

What it reported doing in 2024

Since its founding in 2007, Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio has served more than 21,000 girls across Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage and Lake counties. The organization currently reaches more than 1,600 girls annually through two program sessions per year.Each season is delivered by more than 300 trained volunteer coaches who implement an evidence-based curriculum designed to support the whole girl. Over the course of approximately 20 lessons during an eight-week season, participants engage in a structured program that integrates physical activity with life skills development. Girls build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop essential skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, making intentional decisions and supporting others. The program culminates in a celebratory, non-competitive 5K event that reinforces goal-setting, perseverance and a sense of accomplishment. The milestone experience provides girls with a tangible reminder of their growth and the belief that they can achieve hard things.Girls on the Run is more than just a physical activity program, it is a proven model for building confidence, connection and resilience. Independent research demonstrates that participants experience improved emotional well-being, stronger social skills and increased confidence that extends beyond the program into their everyday lives. The organization remains committed to ensuring access for all participants, with 48% of girls receiving financial assistance to reduce barriers to participation. Explanation of Deficit: The organization experienced a temporary operation deficit during the fiscal year primarily due to a leadership transition and strategic staffing decision. This included an unanticipated overlap in executive leadership during the transition of the founding Executive Director, as well as the decision to expand a part-time role into a full-time position to strengthen organizational capacity and support long-term growth. These investments were made intentionally to ensure leadership continuity, maintain program quality and position the organization for future sustainability. The organization is actively implementing strategies to align expenses and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 92.2%; rating input score 92
• Program expense ratio: 76.7%; rating input score 77
• Fundraising efficiency: $4.85 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 17; 17th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• 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; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -18%; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.97; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.05; rating input score 52; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 12.5%; rating input score 29; 29th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8.4% per year; rating input score 100; 57th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 5.4% per year; rating input score 100; 46th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 11.4% per year; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings