Totals
- Total revenue
- $1,156,312
- Total expenses
- $731,454
- Contributions and grants received
- $1,149,786
- Grants paid
- $5,000
- Program service revenue
- $0
- Investment income
- $18,685
- Other revenue
- -$12,159
- Total assets, end of year
- $4,388,905
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $93,852
- Net assets or fund balances, end of year
- $4,295,053
- Program services expenses (Part IX)
- $408,035
- Management and general expenses
- $261,986
- Fundraising expenses
- $61,433
- Program service expenses (Part III)
- $408,035
Program services were 55.8% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.
Line items
Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.
Revenue
Part VIII, the statement of revenue.
-
1a · Federated campaigns
$10,376
-
1b · Membership dues
$0
-
1c · Fundraising events
$99,547
-
1d · Related organizations
$0
-
1e · Government grants (contributions)
$197,227
-
1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants
$842,636
-
1g · Noncash contributions included above
$6,815
-
3 · Investment income
total $18,685 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $18,685
-
4 · Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds
total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0
-
5 · Royalties
total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0
-
6c · Rental income or loss
real property $0 · personal property $0
-
7c · Gain or loss
securities $0 · other assets $0
-
8a · Fundraising events: gross income
$51,597
-
8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c
$99,547
-
8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses
$63,756
-
8c · Net income from fundraising events
total -$12,159 · unrelated business $0 · excluded -$12,159
-
11e · Other revenue, total
$0
Functional expenses
Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.
-
1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments
total $0 · program services $0
-
2 · Grants to domestic individuals
total $5,000 · program services $5,000
-
3 · Grants to foreign organizations and individuals
total $0 · program services $0
-
4 · Benefits paid to or for members
total $0 · program services $0
-
5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
total $206,463 · program services $87,998 · management and general $96,466 · fundraising $21,999
-
6 · Compensation of disqualified persons
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
7 · Other salaries and wages
total $237,108 · program services $177,137 · management and general $41,702 · fundraising $18,269
-
8 · Pension plan contributions
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
9 · Other employee benefits
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
10 · Payroll taxes
total $31,848 · program services $21,107 · management and general $7,484 · fundraising $3,257
-
11a · Fees: management
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
11b · Fees: legal
total $185 · program services $0 · management and general $185 · fundraising $0
-
11c · Fees: accounting
total $33,637 · program services $1,955 · management and general $23,045 · fundraising $8,637
-
11d · Fees: lobbying
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
11e · Fees: professional fundraising services
total $0 · fundraising $0
-
11f · Fees: investment management
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
11g · Fees: other
total $3,947 · program services $800 · management and general $2,159 · fundraising $988
-
12 · Advertising and promotion
total $11,899 · program services $10,006 · management and general $933 · fundraising $960
-
13 · Office expenses
total $26,953 · program services $14,306 · management and general $6,574 · fundraising $6,073
-
14 · Information technology
total $3,278 · program services $23 · management and general $3,255 · fundraising $0
-
15 · Royalties
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
16 · Occupancy
total $24,698 · program services $15,459 · management and general $9,239 · fundraising $0
-
17 · Travel
total $786 · program services $585 · management and general $201 · fundraising $0
-
18 · Travel or entertainment for public officials
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings
total $521 · program services $121 · management and general $400 · fundraising $0
-
20 · Interest
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
21 · Payments to affiliates
total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization
total $65,372 · program services $0 · management and general $65,372 · fundraising $0
-
23 · Insurance
total $17,012 · program services $12,387 · management and general $4,625 · fundraising $0
-
24a · Other expenses: Program and grant supplies
total $54,662 · program services $53,178 · management and general $234 · fundraising $1,250
-
24b · Other expenses: Volunteer expense
total $7,973 · program services $7,973 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0
-
24e · All other expenses
total $112 · program services $0 · management and general $112 · fundraising $0
Balance sheet
Part X, book values.
-
1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing
beginning of year $898,860 · end of year $1,444,997
-
2 · Savings and temporary cash investments
beginning of year $1,205,697 · end of year $1,223,379
-
3 · Pledges and grants receivable
beginning of year $0 · end of year $72,321
-
4 · Accounts receivable
beginning of year $78,472 · end of year $4,180
-
5 · Loans and receivables from officers and key people
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
6 · Loans and receivables from disqualified persons
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
7 · Other notes and loans receivable
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
8 · Inventories for sale or use
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges
beginning of year $7,213 · end of year $8,911
-
10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis
$1,915,630
-
10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation
$280,513
-
10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net
beginning of year $1,693,910 · end of year $1,635,117
-
11 · Investments: publicly traded securities
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
12 · Investments: other securities
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
13 · Investments: program-related
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
14 · Intangible assets
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
15 · Other assets
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses
beginning of year $12,487 · end of year $93,549
-
18 · Grants payable
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
19 · Deferred revenue
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
20 · Tax-exempt bond liabilities
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
21 · Escrow or custodial account liability
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
22 · Loans and payables to officers and key people
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
24 · Unsecured notes and loans payable
beginning of year $0 · end of year $0
-
25 · Other liabilities
beginning of year $1,470 · end of year $303
-
27 · Net assets without donor restrictions
beginning of year $3,870,195 · end of year $4,145,053
-
28 · Net assets with donor restrictions
beginning of year $0 · end of year $150,000
Mission and programs · 2024
Mission
High Aspirations raises African American males' aspirations by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of their lives spiritually, emotionally, socially and academically.
Activities or mission (Part I)
High Aspirations currently provides services to African American males ages 8-18 who are interested in making positive life choices. We support them socially emotionally, academically and spiritually.
-
High Aspirations (HA) utilizes intensive development and mentoring to help young men stay on the right path and realize their dreams. The program works with a 7:1 ratio of mentees to mentors, allowing for close personal relationship development and positive reinforcement through teaming. HA's programs strengthen social-emotional skills, relationships and community engagement. Every young man who enters the program is expected to establish his own five-step plan designed to raise grades, increase community involvement, and improve relationships. Mentees are expected to participate in HA programs and are evaluated based on their individualized action plans. The current geographic area served is Kansas City, Missouri's urban core. Current programming includes over 92 partnerships: Chess Club: Teaches critical thinking skills, strategy, and patience: weekly sessions and tournaments throughout the year. Leadership/Entrepreneurship Training: Interactive Speakers series on leadership and business, writing and public speaking, and racial and ethnic pride that builds on a foundation of African-American history. HA's Olympics: Competition that engages all participants, parents, and mentors in Youth Leadership and Service Learning activities. Teams strive for excellence in four key areas: Academics, HA Activities, Relationship Building, and Community Service. Pre-Collegiate Program: Young men explore options in higher education, tour colleges, study for college entrance examinations, discuss college life, and if appropriate, engage in remedial classes. Community Service: Mentees donate their time to various groups, creating positive interaction with their community, learning the importance of being good citizens, and appreciating the value of public spaces. Legally Informed: Our young men interact with the Kansas City Police Department, lawyers, and judges to learn their rights as well as their responsibilities, building understanding of the legal system and the importance of staying on the right track. High Aspirations Lawn Service (HALS): During the spring and summer months, our HALS mentees learn how to run their own business, cutting grass and receiving paychecks. High Aspirations is led by its Founder and President, Henry Wash and our Program Manager, Brian Thomas. We also have a full-time Administrative Assistant as well as two part-time Interns who are graduates of the program. High Aspirations remains committed to best and evidence-based practices, strategies, and approaches, in order to evolve continuously through updated and enhanced programs responsive to the needs of Kansas City's at-risk, black male youth. Outreach and collaboration, now grown to 92 plus diverse, multi-sector partners, remains essential to recruitment and retention of program participants and Mentors. The Mentoring Campus at 803 East 27th Street, in the heart of the Longfellow neighborhood in the urban core and is accessible through public transportation. This new environment is conducive to learning and engagement through an open floor plan, youth friendly access to educational tools, and opportunities to earn rewards through a state-of-the-art media room with positive lifestyle components, raised bed gardens, small track and open air-pavilion. 2023 highlights included: -Strengthening the relationship with University of Kansas and Up Metrics for the purpose of engagement in program evaluation and metrics. -Successfully implemented Stage 2 of the Strategic Plan with the intention and goal of increasing to 70 mentees, 10 mentors, 10 volunteers, 1 program specialist and 1 intern. Youth with mentors have an increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, advanced social and emotional development, improved self-esteem and are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol or engage in criminal behavior. Expansion of programming and partnerships to include KPRS/KPRT Radio Show, Keisha Candy Apples, Missouri Department of Conservation, KC Current, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Engage South KC, Park University, K-State, Kansas City Chamber and many others. High Aspirations (HA) changes the lives of the young men we serve as well as the community at large with our all-African American mentoring program in the heart of the city. On average, HA's mentees improve their GPAs by 17%. After completing high school, our young men go to college, the military, pursue a trade or get a job. HA has retained 99.1% of mentees since the inception of the Mentoring Center. In 2022, HA had the following outcomes with their 147 mentees: * GPA average of 2.8 * 100% Graduated High School * 100% went on to college or are college bound 100% of our job aged young men are employed 87% retention of mentees 48 weeks of diversified programming Each young man is expected to evaluate his own progress, based on his five-step action plan. With our Program Specialist, they review report cards, weekly mentee trackers, and attendance and program participation logs. Surveys measure social involvement, attitudes about risk-taking behaviors, and the importance of schoolwork. High Aspirations operates under the core values of Quality, Challenge and Love. Youth are exposed to leadership that provides spiritual enrichment and support. In 2023, HA has retained 89% of mentees since the inception of the Mentoring Center. In 2023, HA had the following outcomes with their mentees, GPA average of 2.5, 100% Graduated High School and 85% went on to college or are college bound. The University of Kansas oversees our program evaluation. Each young man is expected to evaluate his own progress, based on his five-step action plan. With our Program Specialist, they review report cards, weekly mentee trackers, and attendance and program participation logs. Surveys measure social involvement, attitudes about risk-taking behaviors, and the importance of schoolwork. We will continue to work with KU evaluation experts to ensure our outcome measurements are effective. In 2023 High Aspirations achieved remarkable milestones this year, empowering 278 mentees through individualized five-step action plans and delivering over 8,000 contact hours of mentorship. With the support of 92 program partners, the organization made a significant impact, hosting 96 sessions, serving over 5,000 meals, and conducting eight college tours. At single events, such as the Juneteenth 311 celebration and the Back-to-School Backpack drive, 1,200 people attended, with 386 youth receiving essential school supplies and 165 youth benefiting from Shop with a Pro, where they were gifted Christmas presents. These initiatives reflect High Aspirations' ongoing dedication to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of young Black men in Kansas City. The program's extensive network of schools, volunteers, and supporters continues to grow, drawing strength from partnerships with local organizations like Union Station, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Negro League Baseball Museum. Notably, their collaboration with KPRSKPRT has expanded the program's outreach, fostering community awareness and engagement. High Aspirations also partnered with local institutions like YMCA, US Engineering, and the Kansas City Corvette Club, ensuring well-rounded experiences for the mentees, from academic support to community service opportunities like the Harvesters food program. Together, these accomplishments highlight the organization's profound influence and unwavering commitment to shaping the lives of young men.
Expenses $408,035 · Grants $5,000
As filed on the 2024 return.
Listed in Part VII
-
Henry W Wash
President
- Total calculated
- $146,663
- From this org
- $146,663
- From related orgs
- $0
- Other
- $0
- Hours/week
- 40
-
Peter Clune
Chairman
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 10
-
Ted McKnight
Vice Chairman
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Dr Tonya Gardner
Treasurer
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 10
-
John Schmidt
Secretary
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 10
-
Dr Lester Blue Jr
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Mark Brandmeyer
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Rick Butterfield
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Jeff Butts
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Michael Carter
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Bill Dunn Jr
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 10
-
Sheka McKeithen
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 2
-
Dana Nelson
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 2
-
Robert Sniezek
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Bill Snyder
Director
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Tyrell Wheeler
Mentors' Chair
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
-
Jacquelyn Johnson
Mothers' Chair
- Total calculated
- $0
- Hours/week
- 1
Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those.
Grants on this return
No itemized grants to organizations on this return.
Taxable family on this return
Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.
Disregarded entities
Part I: entities that legally are the filer and file no return of their own.
-
High Aspirations Lawn Service
Lawn Service Operation · MO · income $0 · assets $0
Provenance
- Return type
- form_990
- Tax year
- 2024
- Filed
- 11 November 2025
- IRS schema version
- 2024v5.0
- Source object
- 202543159349303889
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