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1. NPI Evaluation of Citizen Schools
NPI Rating: Neutral
Evaluation as of 10/13/2011
Analyst: Stephanie Ng
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2. NPI Rating: NEUTRAL
Citizen Schools has a solid base of political and corporate
partners, in addition to an extensive amount of research in
support of the organization’s mission. Both contribute to
the organization’s ability to raise funds. However, Citizen
Schools has struggled to generate sufficient funding to
cover its program expenses in recent years. At the same
time, the organization is attempting significant expansion in
the next few years, creating uncertainty around whether it
can generate enough contributions to simultaneously
achieve its growth initiatives and meet the expenses of its
existing operations. We would recommend that large
donors seek clarity on this point.
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3. Citizen Schools: Strengths
▲Extensive studies provide long-term support for mission
and program. “Expanded learning time” and Citizen
Schools has been the subject of several formal studies
launched by state entities and research organizations,
with supporting positive results.
▲Citizen Schools’ program model tends to target
volunteers from business or civic backgrounds and has
attracted relatively high profile partnerships that provide
a source for funding and volunteers.
▲Administrative expenses have been stable and low.
Citizen Schools depends on recruiting and maintaining a
large volunteer base, with a relatively small permanent
staff.
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4. Citizen Schools: Cautions
● After the organization’s rapid expansion from one
state (Massachusetts) to six states in 2006-07, non-
governmental contributions have been inconsistent.
● In recent years, total contributions generated were
not sufficient to cover yearly expenses from existing
operations.
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5. More Information
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