Publicolor Inc

“The founder/president, ruth lande shuman, vice chair, michael shuman, and secretary dana bronfman have a family relationship.”

“The organization has its form 990 prepared by an independent accounting firm and is then reviewed and approved by the cfo prior to distribution to all board members. The return is then filed with the irs.”

“The conflict of interest policy includes all persons having a financial interest in publicolor, inc., directly or indirectly, through business, investment or family relationships. In connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest, and is then given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the board of directors regarding the proposed transaction or arrangement. An interested person is any director, principal officer, or committee member with board of director delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest. The interested party or parties will be excused from the room as the board of directors discuss the disclosure and determine if a conflict of interest exists. The board chair may appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed action or transaction. After exercising due diligence, the board will determine if the organization can obtain a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest. If a more advantageous transaction is not possible, the board will determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors if the transaction or arrangement is in the organization's best interest, is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination, the board will decide by majority vote. If it is discovered that a board member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, the board member will be provided with the opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose. If the board determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, the board will take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action. Minutes from the board meetings will contain the names of the person(s) who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest, the nature of the interest, actions taken to determine if a conflict exists including the content of discussions held and alternatives proposed, the names of persons present for the discussions, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings. At the organization's annual business meeting, each director and principal officer annually signs a statement to affirm the board member has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy, has read and understands the policy, and agrees to comply with the policy. A copy of the annual statement is retained with the organization's books and records.”

“The compensation committee consisting of the chairman of the board and two members of the executive committee (finance chair and development chair) determine the compensation of the president/founder. The compensation committee uses other non-profit organization salaries through their 990's, with guidestar non-profit compensation report, and other salary surveys to determine the president/founder's compensation. The compensation process is documented in the compensation committee minutes and this process was last undertaken in fy24. The president/founder recommends the compensation of the cfo based on the board approved budget and using other non-profit organization salaries through their 990's, with guidestar's non-profit compensation report, and other salary surveys. The compensation committee then approves the cfo's compensation based on the president/founder's recommendation. The approval is documented in the human resources department record and was last undertaken in fy22.”

“The form 990 is available for public inspection as required under section 6104 of the internal revenue service code as it is posted on the organization's website. In addition, the organization's financial statements, conflict of interest policy, articles of incorporation and bylaws are available upon written request.”

“Starting in january 2024, the organization contracted with a professional employer organization (peo) for services, including but not limited to, payroll, timekeeping, employee benefits, hr administration and workforce regulatory compliance needs.”

“Publicolor is an extended-day youth development program that engages disaffected students in their education 3 days a week for 4-6 years through a continuum of design-based programs that mentor them for success in school, college, career, and life. The power of color and project-based learning are fundamental to publicolor's approach. Unique to publicolor, and central to its mission, is the revitalization of public and civic spaces through the power of color and design, the affordable medium of paint, and community collaborations that engage students and the community as a whole. In fiscal year 2023-2024 (fy24), these locations included allerton, belmont, fordham, parkchester, and morris heights in the bronx; bedford stuyvesant and crown heights in brooklyn; kips bay in manhattan; and corona, east elmhurst, jackson heights, and woodside in queens. Publicolor served 1,324 students and completed 13 school transformations. The unprecedented challenges created by covid-19 continued to have a disproportionate impact on underserved students living in low-income communities. In fy24, publicolor provided academic, career readiness, and social-emotional learning opportunities to students through its innovative project-based models, and further strengthened student outcomes with enhanced supports. Paint club, publicolor's flagship program, engages students in painting a color-filled transformation of their school into a safe and welcoming learning environment. This extended-day program meets tuesday through friday and all day saturday. For up to 10 weeks, students practice creative problem-solving, develop leadership, teamwork, and commercial painting skills, and learn how to break down a large task into small do-able steps. The overall result is a transformative experience which makes lasting change in their school and community. In fy24, paint clubs increased annual enrollment to 607 students. Alongside hundreds of community and corporate volunteers, students revitalized hallways, stairwells, playgrounds, classrooms, and cafeterias. Design studio is an innovative s.t.e.a.m.-based program that brings project-based learning and design thinking into the classroom. Students learn advanced skills in design software, the basic tenets of architecture, and the process of design thinking to work on a variety of design projects. In many cases, students develop public service announcements addressing serious social issues like climate change, sustainability, and the democratic process. These psa's are displayed in their schools and in city councilmembers' offices. Demand from teachers and principals for design studio continues to grow, and publicolor engaged 401 students in fy24. Over 4 to 6 years and then through college, publicolor's multi-layered continuum programs color club, next steps, and summer design studio offer guidance in life skills, academic concepts, design thinking, and planning for college and career. Active participants in the gateway programs (paint club + design studio) are invited to join the continuum if they evidence one or more risk factors for dropping out of school, such as chronic absenteeism/suspension, repeating a grade, experiencing homelessness, or failing a core subject. In 2023-2024, 167 students participated in publicolor's color club (grades 7-9) and next steps (grades 10-12) programs. Students participate in person at life skills, career readiness workshops and online academic tutoring sessions once a week, and painting transformation days during the weekend. Publicolor also engaged 123 students in the 2023 7-week summer design studio program on pratt institute's campus. In addition to our innovative programs, we provide additional supports to meet needs related to food insecurity and mental health. We provide weekly healthy food packages for the 85% of students who report food insecurity, and individualized mental health counseling with a part-time mental health professional. Fresh coat, a semi-professional t”

“Loss on uncollectible pledges -12,000. Loss on asset disposal -48,826.”

“The organization has a committee responsible for the oversight of the audit of its financial statements and the selection of an independent accountant. The process has not changed from the prior year.”