Nonprofit · EIN 23-7108090
OPERATION FRESH START INC
Tax-exempt · MADISON, WI 53704
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2025 | 990 | $8,972,554 | $6,656,724 | $2,315,830 | $10,232,257 | $1,348,753 | $8,883,504 |
| September 30, 2024 | 990 | $6,288,710 | $5,841,502 | $447,208 | $7,298,321 | $730,377 | $6,567,944 |
| September 30, 2023 | 990 | $4,887,055 | $4,740,331 | $146,724 | $6,925,964 | $805,228 | $6,120,736 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $7,701,013
- of which government grants
- $2,634,793
- Program service revenue
- $1,190,494
- Investment income
- $23,411
- Net income from fundraising events
- $57,636
- Other revenue
- $57,636
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $217,373
- Other salaries and wages
- $2,340,077
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $3,183,774
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Accounting fees
- $29,574
- Occupancy
- $156,456
- Travel
- $83,387
- Depreciation
- $100,589
- Program services (functional)
- $6,100,515
- Management and general (functional)
- $346,109
- Fundraising (functional)
- $210,100
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $7,298,321
- Total assets, end of year
- $10,232,257
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $1,348,753
- Net assets, end of year
- $8,883,504
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $407,300
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $6,151,215
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $2,732,289
- Gross receipts
- $8,989,018
- Employees
- 237
- Volunteers
- 60
- Year formed
- 1970
- State of legal domicile
- WI
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 September 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRIAN MCMAHON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 46 | $124,424 | $7,800 |
| KAREN PRITCHARD | FINANCE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $77,026 | $8,123 |
| JEFFERY RUSSELL | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| STEPHANIE HARRILL KYLE | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID LONSDORF | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SALLI MARTYNIAK | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERICA NELSON | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDY PASCALY | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BEA CHRISTENSEN | DIRECTOR (THRU DEC 2024) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAU CHRISTENSEN | DIRECTOR (THRU DEC 2024) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CANDACE ENIS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BEVERLY HUTCHERSON | DIRECTOR (THRU DEC 2024) Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CHRISTOPHER KILGOUR | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOSE LUNA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MONICA MIMS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
6 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAMONA NATERA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| KAREN OBERHAUSER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| KYLE OLSON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ASHLYN SMITH | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| TOM WARD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ROB WEISE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended September 30, 2024: 17 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GREGORY MARKLE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (THRU APR 2024) Officer | 46 | $96,967 | $22,790 |
| KAREN PRITCHARD | FINANCE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $49,651 | $8,487 |
| JEFFERY RUSSELL | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID LONSDORF | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SALLI MARTYNIAK | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERICA NELSON | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TRISH HOWEN | TREASURER (THRU DEC 2023) Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDY PASCALY | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BEA CHRISTENSEN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAU CHRISTENSEN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CANDACE ENIS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| STEPHANIE HARRILL KYLE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BEVERLY HUTCHERSON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KAREN OBERHAUSER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KYLE OLSON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ASHLYN SMITH | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN MCMAHON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 46 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended September 30, 2023: 16 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GREGORY MARKLE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 46 | $100,767 | $21,496 |
| CHARLYNN WOOD | FINANCE MGR THRU FEB 23 Officer | 46 | $74,068 | $7,379 |
| ERICA NELSON | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID LONSDORF | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SALLI MARTYNIAK | CO-VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BEVERLY HUTCHERSON | SECRETARY THRU JAN 23 Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JEFFERY RUSSELL | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TRISH HOWEN | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TERRENCE ADEYANJU | DIRECTOR THRU JAN 23 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BEA CHRISTENSEN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAU CHRISTENSEN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TOM GERMAN | DIRECTOR THRU JAN 23 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PAT KELLY | DIRECTOR THRU JAN 23 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MIKE LIPP | DIRECTOR THRU JAN 23 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KYLE OLSON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDY PASCALY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 2670 MILWAUKEE ST, MADISON, WI 53704-5120
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- BRIAN MCMAHON, 2670 MILWAUKEE STREET, MADISON, WI 53704
- Signed the 990
- BRIAN MCMAHON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Phone
- (608) 244-4721
- Website
- WWW.OPERATIONFRESHSTART.ORG
- Return prepared by
- WIPFLI ADVISORY LLC
Mission
THE MISSION OF OPERATION FRESH START, INC. IS TO EMPOWER EMERGING ADULTS ON A PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EDUCATION, MENTORING, AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING. OPERATION FRESH START (OFS) SERVES DISCONNECTED YOUTH AGES 16-24 IN DANE COUNTY AND GUIDING THEM ON THEIR PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY. OFS HAS HELPED OVER 8,000 YOUNG PEOPLE ON THEIR PATH TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND A BETTER LIFE!OFS PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO TRANSFORM LIVES AT A CRITICAL TIME IN A YOUNG PERSON'S LIFE. OUR PROGRAMS PROVIDE A PATH FORWARD FOR DISCONNECTED YOUTH THROUGH MENTORING, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING. OFS GRADUATES EARN THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND DRIVER'S LICENSE, THEN GO ON TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AND/OR FIND SELF-SUSTAINING EMPLOYMENT.OPERATION FRESH START IS WORKING TO ENSURE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF LOW-INCOME AND PEOPLE OF COLOR IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Program accomplishments
- DRIVE TO SUCCEED: THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED PROGRAM OFFERS MENTORING TO SUPPORT YOUNG ADULTS WITH PAST OR CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS AND METRO HIGH SCHOOL (LOCATED WITHIN THE DANE COUNTY JAIL), OFS SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE IN NAVIGATING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS, SATISFYING FINES TO OBTAIN THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE, AND EARNING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. THIS PROGRAM IS A COLLABORATION WITH JUSTDANE, A NONPROFIT WITH EXPERTISE IN SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS REENTERING SOCIETY AFTER A PERIOD OF INCARCERATION. AS AN INCENTIVE, DRIVE TO SUCCEED PARTICIPANTS EARN A $20 GIFT CARD AFTER ATTENDING EACH MENTORING SESSION.LEGACY PROGRAM: THE LEGACY PROGRAM SUPPORTS PARTICIPANTS IN EARNING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, DRIVER'S LICENSE, AND DEVELOPING EMPLOYMENT READINESS SKILLS. PARTICIPANTS WORK IN SMALL GROUPS WITH AN IN-HOUSE TEACHING STAFF. AS AMERICORPS MEMBERS, PARTICIPANTS ALSO ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK: EITHER AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION OR CONSERVATION WORK. AFTER PROGRAM COMPLETION, OFS STAFF CONTINUE TO SUPPORT GRADUATES AS THEY TRANSITION INTO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR SELF-SUSTAINING EMPLOYMENT. THIS YEAR, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MADISON METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LOCAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, OFS INTEGRATED FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMMING INTO THE LEGACY CURRICULUM.OPTIONS: THE OPTIONS PROGRAM PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO FINISH HIGH SCHOOL, ASSISTING YOUNG ADULTS IN EARNING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, GED OR HSED. OFS STAFF HELP PARTICIPANTS IDENTIFY THE PATH THAT'S RIGHT FOR THEM AND PROVIDE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT WHILE PARTICIPANTS COMPLETE COURSEWORK.DRIVE: DRIVE IS A FREE DRIVER'S LICENSE ATTAINMENT PROGRAM. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE CLASSROOM AND ONLINE INSTRUCTION, FUNDS FOR THEIR PERMIT TEST, BEHIND-THE-WHEEL LESSONS, AND FUNDS FOR THEIR DRIVER'S TEST. IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A CAR AVAILABLE TO USE FOR THE DRIVER'S TEST, A CAR IS PROVIDED.CAREERSCAPE: OFS CAREERSCAPE COUNSELING ASSISTS YOUNG ADULTS (17-24) WHO NEED SUPPORT WITH EXPLORING CAREER OPTIONS, PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND TAKING NEXT STEPS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THEIR CAREER GOALS. CAREERSCAPE STAFF HELP PARTICIPANTS IDENTIFY THEIR INTERESTS, ASSIST WITH SKILL-BUILDING, AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AS THEY EMBARK ON THEIR CAREER JOURNEY.WE WORK WITH PARTICIPANTS ONE-ON-ONE TO DETERMINE THEIR CAREER GOALS AND CREATE A CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN. AS PART OF THIS PROGRAM, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE HOLISTIC CAREER COUNSELING WHICH INCLUDES: IDENTIFYING CAREER INTERESTS THAT ALIGN WITH SKILLS AND PERSONAL VALUES DEVELOPING A RESUME AND COVER LETTER TEACHING INTERVIEW SKILLS & FACILITATING MOCK INTERVIEWS ASSISTANCE WITH POST-SECONDARY PROGRAM REGISTRATION OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT (TRANSPORTATION, MENTAL HEALTH, CHILDCARE, ETC.) CONNECTING WITH LOCAL RESOURCES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EMPLOYERS CAREERSCAPE COUNSELING SERVES ALL RESIDENTS OF DANE COUNTYRESOURCES: THE TOP REFERRALS THE RESOURCE SPECIALIST MAKES FOR YOUNG ADULTS ARE FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE, ACCESS TO SAFE AND AFFORDABLE FOOD, AND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. THE RESOURCE SPECIALIST ALSO ORGANIZES VISITS FOR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS TO COME TO OFS AND CONNECT WITH YOUNG ADULTS. PUBLIC HEALTH MADISON & DANE COUNTY, DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS, AND RAPE CRISIS CENTER HAVE ALL COME TO EDUCATE OFS PARTICIPANTS ABOUT SEXUAL AND MENTAL HEALTH, PLUS HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.Expenses $4,909,878 · revenue $42,535
- THE ACADEMIES: THE ACADEMIES ARE OFS PROGRAMS FOR THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO SHOW REAL PROMISE AND INTEREST IN THE TRADES OR CONSERVATION WORK. BUILD ACADEMY IS FULL-TIME, HIRE-FOR-SERVICE CREWS WHICH WORK ON RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. CONSERVATION ACADEMY IS A FULL-TIME, HIRE-FOR-SERVICE CREW THAT WORKS ON LAND STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.Expenses $1,190,637 · revenue $1,147,959
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 September, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 30, 2026 | February 16, 2027 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | September 30, 2025 | February 17, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | September 30, 2024 | February 18, 2025 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 23-7108090
- 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
- 1971
- Accounting year ends
- September
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Employment (J21Z)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $10,232,257
- Income (IRS master file)
- $8,989,018
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | September 2025 | $8,972,554 | $6,656,724 | $10,232,257 | XML |
| 990 | September 2024 | $6,288,710 | $5,841,502 | $7,298,321 | XML |
| 990 | September 2023 | $4,887,055 | $4,740,331 | $6,925,964 | XML |
| 990 | September 2022 | $4,637,947 | $4,334,751 | $6,406,790 | IRS |
| 990 | September 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2018 | – | – | – | 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 23-7108090).
Questions about OPERATION FRESH START INC
- What is the EIN of OPERATION FRESH START INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of OPERATION FRESH START INC is 23-7108090.
- Is OPERATION FRESH START INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1971.
- Are donations to OPERATION FRESH START INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does OPERATION FRESH START 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 OPERATION FRESH START INC due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending September 30, 2026) is due February 16, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did OPERATION FRESH START INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended September 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of OPERATION FRESH START INC?
- The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 names BRIAN MCMAHON.
- Who are the officers and directors of OPERATION FRESH START INC?
- The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 lists 21 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $124,424 (BRIAN MCMAHON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does OPERATION FRESH START INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $8,972,554, expenses of $6,656,724 and total assets of $10,232,257 at year end.
Other nonprofits in MADISON
- GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN INC EIN 39-1147571 · last filed 990 for 2024
- FORWARD SERVICE CORPORATION EIN 39-1342890 · last filed 990 for 2025
- THRIVING WISCONSIN INC EIN 36-5263016 · last filed 990 for 2024
- ADVANCED EMPLOYMENT INC EIN 39-1729438 · last filed 990 for 2025
- WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN EIN 39-1472579 · last filed 990 for 2025
- ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS WISC INC APRNTCSHP & TRNG TR EIN 39-1633896 · last filed 990 for 2025
- HOUSING INITIATIVES INC EIN 39-1781842 · last filed 990 for 2024
- MADISON ELECTRICAL JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING TRUST FUND EIN 23-7040550 · last filed 990 for 2025