Variety the Childrens Charity of St Louis

What it reported doing in 2024

Enrichment programs: performing arts - in keeping with the historical roots of our organization, variety theatre is an inclusive theatre program that gives children of all abilities the opportunity to perform on stage. Variety's theatrical summer camp, curtain call, involves intensive instruction in singing, dancing, and acting which culminates with four showcase performances. Any child, regardless of experience or ability, is invited to attend this inclusive and adapted experience directed by professionals from the world of musical theatre. Starting in fiscal year 2024, variety st. Louis and the center of creative arts (coca) collaborated on an inclusive arts program, uniting children and teens aged 9 to 20, both with and without disabilities, and offering every participant the opportunity to shine. 52 talented young performers took the stage in the musical production of seussical jr. And 44 in disneys finding nemo jr. In fiscal year 2025 and 2024, respectively, captivating audiences and delivering a powerful message of inclusion. Our inclusive variety children's chorus program provided opportunities for 29 children and teens of all abilities to perform at a wide range of venues throughout the year. This program ensures participants gain vocal skills, socialization with other chorus members, and confidence from their time performing in the spotlight. Variety also offers a children's dance program that provided 33 children with and without disabilities the chance to learn and practice musical theatre style choreography and creative movement in an inclusive setting. The children's willingness to try new things and take direction has shown an increase in independence, confidence, and dance skills. Both the chorus and dance programs run for thirty-two weeks throughout the school year and culminate with feature performances at variety events throughout the community. In fiscal year 2025, a seated dance class was piloted providing direct instruction in dance while seated in which 3 children participated. The class later joined the main dance program, performing together and boosting participants' self-esteem, confidence, and dance skills.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 72.5%; rating input score 72
• Program expense ratio: 73.6%; rating input score 74
• Fundraising efficiency: $7.52 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 28; 28th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 2 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 33
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• 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: 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: 4.4%; rating input score 49; 49th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.13; rating input score 64; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.12; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 7.5%; rating input score 39; 39th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 1.2% per year; rating input score 100; 18th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 2.1% per year; rating input score 100; 21st percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 4.7% per year; rating input score 100; 33rd percentile among comparable filings