Achieve Foundation of South Orange and Maplewood Inc.

“The 990 is reviewed by the treasurer and the executive director. It is also circulated among board members for rview and comment. Any questions or comments are then forwarded to the accounting firm.”

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

“Achieve determines the executive director's salary by considering a number of factors, including: 1) typical salary ranges for executive directors of other non-profits in the region, 2) the specific background and experience of the candidate, 3) available unrestricted funds of the organization, 4) input from the executive committee. The full board of trustees votes on and approves the executive director's salary.”

“No documents available to the public”

“Approximately 580 volunteers offered their time in support of achieve foundation activities: achieve foundation board of trustees: twenty one 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 368 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: eight 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 12 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: 192 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.”

“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.”

“GRANTS REFUNDED 2,330”