The Suitcase Project

What it reported doing in 2025

During the year, the organization carried out its exempt purpose by collecting, assembling, and distributing suitcases, duffle bags, and essential personal items to children and families in need. These services were primarily directed toward individuals experiencing foster care placement, homelessness, displacement, or other significant life transitions where personal belongings are often transported in inadequate containers. By providing durable luggage and essential items, the organization seeks to restore dignity, promote stability, and support emotional well-being during challenging circumstances. The organization obtained suitcases, duffle bags, and supplies through community donations, fundraising efforts, and direct purchases. Volunteers played a central role in sorting, preparing, and distributing items for use by recipients. Distributions were made through community partnerships and informal referral networks serving children and families in need. The organization does not charge fees for its services, and all assistance is provided without regard to the recipient's ability to pay. Throughout the year, the organization benefited numerous children and families by replacing the use of trash bags, boxes, or other temporary containers with appropriate luggage to transport personal belongings. These efforts helped recipients maintain a sense of dignity and personal ownership during times of upheaval, such as placement into foster care, relocation due to housing instability, or other transitions requiring sudden displacement. The organization's activities were conducted primarily through volunteer efforts, with financial resources used to support program supplies, storage, and distribution needs. The organization did not operate multiple significantly different programs during the year; rather, substantially all activities were devoted to furthering this single exempt purpose through direct charitable support and related outreach efforts.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 22.9%; rating input score 23
• Program expense ratio: 100%; rating input score 100

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Limited

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 77.1%; rating input score 96; 96th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 4.26; rating input score 81; 81st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 66; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: Limited
• Revenue growth: Limited
• Asset growth: Limited