Achieve Foundation of South Orange and Maplewood Inc.

“The treasurer is the primary reviewer of the 990 form, however, the president and executive director also review the form before it is finalized. Trustee board members also receive a full copy of the document for their records.”

“Board members and officers disclose conflicts of interest annually upon request.”

“Compensation for the executive director was determined based upon historical data of hours and rate. The achieve program coordinator role was transitioned to a salaried role to be held by an education professional. The compensation was determined by the going rate for a professional with the qualifications sought in the position description. Several members of the foundation's board and the school administration provided input into the description, and as well as advice concerning the compensation for the role.”

“UPON REQUEST”

“More than 400 volunteers offered their time in support of achieve foundation activities: achieve foundation board of trustees: twenty board members provided oversight for the organization's operations. They also participated on various committees to plan and carry out the foundation's work (fundraising, funds distribution, events, grant programs, communications, financial recording, etc.) achieve volunteer tutor program: training was offered to 300 volunteers, who provided academic assistance to students in the school district of south orange and maplewood (nj). Tutors gave an average of 20 hours of service over the course of the fiscal year. Achieve school liaisons: twelve volunteers served as liaisons between the achieve foundation and the district's nine schools. The liaisons maintained on-going communications with parents and educators and promoted achieve's programs and fundraisers, and recruited new volunteers. Fundraising committees: approximately 30 volunteers served on planning committees for five fundraising initiatives. These committees solicited sponsors and new donors, planned logistics, carried out public relations, recorded donations and followed up with donors at the conclusion of the initiatives. Achieve program volunteers: fifty volunteers assisted with achieve programs, including a free, educational community fair, a music awards program, and a professional development fellowship. These volunteers carried out their work in collaboration with the achieve board and staff and school district educators.”

“In january 2017, the foundation returned administrative control of the beyond the bell after-school program to the school district of maplewood and south orange. The foundation did not have any assets or liabilities associated with the program.”

“Steam (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) and music education. The foundation is exploring optimal ways to support the district, as it introduces and transitions to 21st century learning in the schools. Steam education employs critical thinking, creative problem solving and hands-on activities, with the benefit of the latest technology. Achieve aims to engage students of all backgrounds and interests and equip them with skills required in higher education and the workplace. Funding has been provided for the robotics program, maker spaces at most schools, digitization of the columbia high school archives, grants for educators and an annual community-wide maker fair launched in 2015. The foundation has also implemented initiatives to improve music resources and expand access to music education for all students in the south orange- maplewood school district, and to support music training for students with financial need who demonstrate exceptional talent. Funding has been provided for the repair and maintenance of existing music equipment, the acquisition of equipment and music lessons for students and fulfillment of grant requests in support of music education.”

“Returned grants 2,590 discontinued operation -47,505 total -44,915 discontinued operation - in january 2017, the foundation returned administrative control of the beyond the bell after-school program to the school district of maplewood and south orange. The foundation did not have any assets or liabilities associated with the program.”