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Nonprofit · EIN 59-3649371

STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC

Tax-exempt · JACKSONVILLE, FL 32245

Financials

$904.6M$1.2B2023$859.4M$912.5M2024
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
June 30, 2025990$859,413,209$912,541,036-$53,127,827$1,727,462,650$984,596,762$742,865,888
June 30, 2024990$904,611,188$1,241,338,513-$336,727,325$1,488,205,086$692,211,371$795,993,715
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$856,374,884
Program service revenue
$0
Investment income
$2,984,320
Net income from fundraising events
$54,005
Other revenue
$54,005

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$790,233,792
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$2,628,593
Other salaries and wages
$38,609,800
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$49,816,468
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Legal fees
$416,291
Accounting fees
$322,495
Occupancy
$512,680
Travel
$841,643
Depreciation
$7,067,996
Program services (functional)
$896,602,694
Management and general (functional)
$13,475,064
Fundraising (functional)
$2,463,278

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$1,488,205,086
Total assets, end of year
$1,727,462,650
Total liabilities, end of year
$984,596,762
Net assets, end of year
$742,865,888
Land, buildings and equipment
$34,722,369
Net assets without donor restrictions
$43,188,778
Net assets with donor restrictions
$699,677,110
Gross receipts
$859,452,676
Employees
250
Volunteers
958
Year formed
2000
State of legal domicile
FL

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensationFrom related orgsOther / benefits
RUTH ROSECHIEF CST. EXP. OFFICER (THRU 09/24)
Officer
36$341,479$35,531$33,916
DOUG TUTHILLCHIEF VISION OFFICER
Officer
36$313,006$34,778$39,962
GRETCHEN SCHOENHAARCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Officer
36$314,956$34,995$24,146
JOSEPH E PFOUNTZTREASURER & CFO
Officer
36$247,522$27,502$39,117
ALEXANDER J MANGANCHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER (THRU 12/24)
Officer
36$231,609$25,734$48,030
LESLEY SEARCYSECRETARY & CGO
Officer
36$248,592$27,621$14,861
SAMANTHA ESPINOSACHIEF HR OFFICER (THRU 06/25)
Officer
36$208,752$23,195$46,323
FRANK E SIKERNITSKYCHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Officer
36$192,893$21,433$31,023
CHARLES A WADESR DIR, ENTERP. STANDARDS/SYST. ARCH.
Highest-paid employee
36$179,335$19,926$42,273
JILL LAROSECHIEF CULTURE OFFICER
Officer
36$196,936$21,882$22,329
SEAN K CHARTIERARCHITECT, DATA
Highest-paid employee
36$181,761$20,196$25,223
CRAIG GONSALVESVP OF IT SOLUTIONS
Highest-paid employee
36$156,170$17,352$46,397
KRISTOPHER KILTONARCHITECT, SOLUTION
Highest-paid employee
36$156,876$17,431$38,909
DAVID FINCHARCHITECT, CLOUD
Highest-paid employee
36$161,651$17,961$30,115
SHAFAYET IMAMCIO, SUFS (THRU 05/24)
Former
36$115,491$12,260$21,965
13 more people on this return
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationFrom related orgsOther / benefits
JIMMY S ANGLINCHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
Officer
36$39,218$4,358$7,392
JANIE GORDONCHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Officer
36$33,102$3,678$1,250
JULEE SANDERSONCHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Officer
36$27,475$3,053$479
JOHN F KIRTLEYBOARD CHAIR
Trustee or director
36$0$0$0
PAUL SHERMANVICE CHAIR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
DENISHA ALLEN MERRIWEATHERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
MICHAEL CONLINDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
KAREN HOBBSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
TERRY JOVEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
LINH LAMDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
ALFRED AL LAWSONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
RICHARD OUTRAMDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
CURTIS STOKESDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 23 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationFrom related orgsOther / benefits
DOUG TUTHILLPRESIDENT
Officer
36$312,563$34,730$40,244
SHAFAYET IMAMCIO, SUFS (THRU 05/24)
Officer
36$233,821$25,980$46,525
JOE PFOUNTZTREASURER & CFO
Officer
36$237,608$26,400$39,456
LESLEY SEARCYSECRETARY & CGO
Officer
36$241,973$26,886$13,211
JILL LAROSECHIEF CULTURE OFFICER
Officer
36$193,861$21,540$20,645
ASHA DESHPANDESR DIR ENT DATA OP STG(THRU 08/24)
Highest-paid employee
36$192,272$21,367$11,721
CRAIG GONSALVESVP OF IT SOLUTIONS
Highest-paid employee
36$156,316$17,368$42,871
SUSAN DUGANVP OF FINANCE (THRU 12/23)
Highest-paid employee
36$172,044$19,116$10,288
JILLIAN METZVP OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Highest-paid employee
36$150,365$16,708$28,677
SEAN K CHARTIERARCHITECT, DATA
Highest-paid employee
36$155,621$17,292$18,473
ALEXANDER J MANGANCHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER
Officer
36$132,845$14,760$26,176
SAMANTHA ESPINOSACHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Officer
36$123,619$13,736$19,390
RUTH ROSECHIEF CUST. EXP. OFFICER(THRU 09/24)
Officer
36$103,307$11,478$13,038
JOHN F KIRTLEYBOARD CHAIR
Trustee or director
36$0$0$0
ALFRED AL LAWSONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
RICHARD OUTRAMDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
CURTIS STOKESDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
TERRY JOVEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
JOHN LEGGDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
DENISHA MERRIWEATHERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
LINH LAMDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
BARON CONCORSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0
KAREN HOBBSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
2$0$0$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
PO BOX 54429, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32245-4429
Principal officer (990 for 2024)
JOSEPH E PFOUNTZ, 4655 SALISBURY ROAD 400, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256
Signed the 990
JOSEPH E PFOUNTZ, CFO
Phone
(904) 863-6229
Return prepared by
RSM US LLP

Mission

STEP UP FOR STUDENTS EMPOWERS FAMILIES TO PURSUE AND ENGAGE IN THE MOST APPROPRIATE LEARNING OPTIONS FOR THEIR CHILDREN, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FAMILIES WHO LACK THE INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO ACCESS THESE OPTIONS. BY PURSUING THIS MISSION, WE HELP PUBLIC EDUCATION FULFILL THE PROMISE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY.

990 for the year ended June 30, 2025

Program accomplishments

  • FLORIDA TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: IN THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR, 58,414 STUDENTS ATTENDED 1,776 PRIVATE SCHOOLS ON A STEP UP FOR STUDENTS' TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP. THE K-12 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WAS CREATED IN 2001 TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE ENORMOUS EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WHO LIVE IN POVERTY, AND IT IS NOW THE LARGEST SUCH SCHOLARSHIP IN THE NATION. IN 2023, THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE OPENED THE SCHOLARSHIP TO ALL ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS OF FLORIDA. QUALIFIED STUDENTS COULD RECEIVE A MAXIMUM SCHOLARSHIP OF $14,039 DEPENDING ON GRADE LEVEL AND COUNTY RESIDENCE, FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION AND FEES. FLORIDA TAX CREDIT PERSONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (FTC PEP): K-12 FLORIDA STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT ENROLLED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL OR A HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM CAN QUALIFY FOR A PERSONALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM THROUGH THE FLORIDA TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM ALLOWS STUDENTS TO RECEIVE AN AVERAGE SCHOLARSHIP OF $8,000, REGARDLESS OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME, TO RECEIVE PARENT-DIRECTED EDUCATION. THE FUNDS ARE PLACED INTO AN EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT (ESA) AND CAN BE USED TO PAY FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS/CURRICULUM, CONTRACTED SERVICES PROVIDED BY A PUBLIC SCHOOL (INCLUDING CLASSES), TUITION FOR AN ELIGIBLE HOME EDUCATION INSTRUCTION PROGRAM, FEES FOR STANDARDIZED TESTING, PRIVATE TUTORING, POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND DIGITAL MATERIALS EXCLUSIVE OF DIGITAL DEVICES.
    Expenses $819,139,603 · grants $790,233,792
  • THE FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2019 TO PROVIDE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA WHICH HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES WITH EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THEIR EDUCATION. THE FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP WAS EXPANDED INTO TWO BRANCHES: FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS AND FOR STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES (FORMERLY KNOWN AS GARDINER SCHOLARSHIP). FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS: THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS INTENDED TO HELP REDUCE THE WAIT LIST FOR THE TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND SIMILARILY SERVES STUDENTS FROM LOW-INCOME AND WORKING-CLASS HOUSEHOLDS. STEP UP FOR STUDENTS-FLORIDA, AS AN APPROVED SFO, ADMINISTERED THIS SCHOLARSHIP AND SERVED 266,023 K-12 STUDENTS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR. IN 2023, THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE OPENED THE SCHOLARSHIP TO ALL ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS OF FLORIDA. QUALIFIED STUDENTS COULD RECEIVE UP TO A MAXIMUM SCHOLARSHIP OF $14,039 DEPENDING ON GRADE LEVEL AND COUNTY RESIDENCE, FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION AND FEES.FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES (FORMALLY KNOWN AS GARDINER SCHOLARSHIP): IN THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR, STEP UP FOR STUDENTS-FLORIDA ADMINISTERED THIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES WITH SPECIFIC DIABILITIES THAT INCLUDE: AUTISM, CEREBRAL PALSY, DOWN SYNDROME, SPINA BIFIDA, INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, WILLIAMS SYNDROME, AND MORE. THROUGH THIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, 96,678 ELIGIBLE STUDENTS RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR AND 126,446 STUDENTS FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR AT AN AVERAGE OF $10,113 EACH. THE PROGRAM EMPOWERS FAMILIES TO CHOOSE THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES THAT BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR STUDENT, AND THE MONEY CAN BE SPENT FOR SCHOOLS, THERAPISTS, SPECIALISTS, CURRICULUM, TECHNOLOGY EVEN A COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
    Expenses $69,264,499
  • NEW WORLDS SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTS PROGRAM: THE NEW WORLDS SCHOLARSHIP WAS CREATED IN 2018 TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DISTRICT OR CHARTER SCHOOLS, WHO STRUGGLED IN READING AND WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MATH IN 2023. STEP UP FOR STUDENTS-FLORIDA, AS AN APPROVED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTERS THE PROGRAM. THE SCHOLARSHIP IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN K- THROUGH FIFTH-GRADE WHO HAVE SCORED A LEVEL 1 OR 2 ON THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND/OR MATH SECTIONS OF THE FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENT. EACH SCHOLARSHIP IS WORTH $1,200, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE STUDENT NEEDS HELP IN EITHER OR BOTH AREAS OF STUDY. THE PARENT CAN USE THESE FUNDS TO PAY FOR TUITION AND FEES RELATED TO PART-TIME TUTORING, SUMMER AND AFTER-SCHOOL LITERACY PROGRAMS, INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND MORE. THROUGH THE NEW WORLDS SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT PROGRAM, 31,764 STUDENTS RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR AND 24,551 STUDENTS FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR. THE STATE OF FLORIDA ELECTED NOT TO FUND THE PROGRAM FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR.
    Expenses $3,688,148
  • FLORIDA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024, THE FLORIDA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WAS MERGED INTO THE FLORIDA TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (FTC) BY FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 1 (2023). THE TAX CREDIT DONATION PROCESS MENTIONED BELOW CONTINUES, FUNDING MORE FTC SCHOLARSHIPS. THE FLORIDA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED BY FLORIDA STATUTE 1002.40, WHICH WAS CREATED IN 2018 TO PROVIDE THE OPTION OF PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ACTS OF BULLYING AND INTIMIDATION. SUFS-FL, AS AN APPROVED SFO, IS AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER FLORIDA HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS. THE FLORIDA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES THAT AUTOMOBILE BUYERS MAY REDIRECT UP TO $105 OF THEIR STATE TAXES ON EACH PURCHASE TOWARD AN AUTHORIZED SFO. THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS MUST BE USED TO PROVIDE TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS TO PARTICIPATING PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN ANOTHER DISTRICT.
  • POLICY, INNOVATION AND EMPOWERMENT: THIS DEPARTMENT TAKES THE MESSAGE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS TO CONSTITUENCY GROUPS, COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS, AND LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL NEWS PUBLICATIONS. IT ISSUES PRESS RELEASES ON TOPICS OF SPECIAL CONCERN AND WRITES COMMENTARY FOR VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS. THE TEAM ANALYZES DEMOGRAPHIC, ACHIEVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION DATA, AND TRENDS IN THE PROGRAM AND EDUCATION CHOICE MOVEMENT. THE TEAM RESPONDS TO NUMEROUS INFORMATION REQUESTS FROM NEWSPAPERS, OTHER MEDIA, AND LEGISLATIVE AND AGENCY OFFICES. THE TEAM ALSO ORGANIZES ADVOCATES AND SUPPORTERS WHO BELIEVE CHILDREN SHOULD BE EDUCATED BASED ON HOW THEY LEARN, RATHER THAN WHERE THEY LIVE. THE TEAM EDUCATES, INFORMS, AND TRAINS PARENTS TO BE ADVOCATES AND SUPPORTERS FOR THE PROTECTION AND EXPANSION OF CHOICE OPPORTUNITIES. THESE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE ORGANIZATION AND MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED TO PARENTS UTILIZING OTHER CHOICE OPTIONS.
    Expenses $2,856,251
  • TRANSPORTATION STIPEND PROGRAM: THE FLORIDA'S TRANSPORTATION STIPEND PROGRAM PROVIDES ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS WITH $750 TO COVER THE COST OF TRANSPORTING THEIR CHILDREN TO FLORIDA NONVIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS DIFFERENT FROM THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THE STUDENT IS ASSIGNED. TRANSPORTATION STIPENDS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE EIGHT (K-8). QUALIFYING PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAY INCLUDE: A MAGNET SCHOOL OR OTHER SCHOOL OF CHOICE OPERATED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT. A CHARTER SCHOOL. A DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH SCHOOL OPERATED BY A STATE UNIVERSITY. A SCHOOL PARTICIPATING IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT'S OPEN ENROLLMENT POLICY.A "HOUSEHOLD" IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO SHARE HOUSING AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES. THE FUNDING IS FROM DIRECT STATE APPROPRIATION. A TRANSPORTATION STIPEND ACCOUNT IS ESTABLISHED FOR EACH CHILD THAT IS AWARDED A TRANSPORTATION STIPEND SCHOLARSHIP. THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION STIPEND PROGRAM, 17,805 ELIGIBLE STUDENTS RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.
    Expenses $1,654,193

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025June 30, 2026November 16, 2026Not due yet
2024June 30, 2025November 17, 2025990 on file
2023June 30, 2024November 15, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
59-3649371
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
2000
Accounting year ends
June
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Category (NTEE)
Education (B122)
Assets (IRS master file)
$1,727,462,650
Income (IRS master file)
$859,452,676

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990June 2025$859,413,209$912,541,036$1,727,462,650IRS
990June 2024$904,611,188$1,241,338,513$1,488,205,086IRS
990June 2023$913,033,619$755,297,200$1,519,328,624IRS
990June 2022–––IRS
990June 2021–––IRS
990June 2020–––IRS
990June 2019–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 59-3649371).

Questions about STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC

What is the EIN of STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC?
The employer identification number (EIN) of STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC is 59-3649371.
Is STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2000.
Are donations to STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC due?
The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
Who is the principal officer of STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC?
The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names JOSEPH E PFOUNTZ.
Who are the officers and directors of STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC?
The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 28 people; 18 received compensation from the organization, the highest $341,479 (RUTH ROSE, CHIEF CST. EXP. OFFICER (THRU 09/24)).
How much revenue does STEP UP FOR STUDENTS - FLORIDA INC have?
On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $859,413,209, expenses of $912,541,036 and total assets of $1,727,462,650 at year end.

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