Scratch Foundation

“David M. Siegel (Vice Chair of the Scratch Board) is the Co-Chairman of Two Sigma Investments, LP. Sheri Womack (Board Secretary) and Richard Sauer (Board Treasurer) are employees of Two Sigma Investments, LP.”

“The Organization has two members who were elected by the sole incorporator.”

“The members have the right to appoint individuals to the Board of Directors.”

“The Form is prepared by a third party. The Form 990 goes through a detailed review internally by the Treasurer. Once the return has gone through this review, the final Form 990 is distributed via email to each member of the Board of Directors for their review and comment and with a recommendation to file the return with the IRS.”

“The conflict of interest policy and disclosure form are sent to every Board member on an annual basis. During the course of Board meetings, Board members disclose any conflicts related to the agenda item/discussion and abstain from voting. Whenever appropriate, the Board member would be excused from the room during discussion and voting. To ensure the Foundation operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews of this policy are conducted.”

“The Foundation will enter into a written compensation arrangement, specifying the date and terms of any arrangement whereby the Foundation will pay compensation to a person, company or entity, prior to paying compensation to any person, company, or entity. The Foundation can only enter into a compensation arrangement with the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors. When determining whether to vote for a proposed compensation arrangement, the Board of Directors considers information about compensation paid by similarly situated taxable or tax-exempt organizations for similar services, current compensation surveys compiled by independent firms, or actual written offers from similarly situated organizations. The Foundation will record in writing the information on which it bases its decision to approve a compensation arrangement.”

“The Organization considers requests for financial statements, governing documents, or conflict of interest policy on a case by case basis.”

“Richard Sauer is an employee of Two Sigma Investments, LP ("TSI") and was paid for the services he provided to the Foundation through a management contract the Foundation has with TSI. Payments by the Foundation for such services of this officer were made to TSI quarterly in arrears. Total payments received by TSI for accounting services in 2024 were $1,465. The amount paid to TSI for services rendered includes services provided by other employees of TSI to Scratch Foundation, and is not exclusive to Richard Sauer. The actual amount of compensation paid by TSI to Richard Sauer for services rendered to the Foundation is not known by the filing organization.”

“Scratch Foundation (Scratch or the Foundation) is a powerful digital platform that inspires young people (8-16) to think critically and grow as creators. Launched in 2007 by Professor Mitchel Resnick and his Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is rooted in decades of educational research. With Scratch, kids create their own interactive games, animations, and stories while learning foundational coding concepts and computational thinking. Scratch's open-ended interface encourages kids to explore their passions and express their individuality, while its global online community provides a space for sharing projects, learning from peers, and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. Through this process, children develop critical life skills such as persistence, problem-solving, and collaboration. In 2019, Scratch transitioned from MIT to become the independent Scratch Foundation, transforming from a groundbreaking research project into a global phenomenon that supports tens of millions of young people in imagining, connecting, and creating. The Scratch Foundation is guided by three strategic priorities: (1) enhance and innovate the platform; (2) amplify impact; and (3) develop a sustainable business model. Today, Scratch is a leader in preparing young people for a future shaped by technology. As Scratch approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, its mission to "help children everywhere create what they imagine" has never been more critical. These young people are inheriting a world shaped by technology like never before. By centering children's digital learning, play, and well-being in everything we do, Scratch offers an enriching space that nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration, and fosters a strong sense of community. Scratch's impact extends beyond the platform. Through partnerships with educators, nonprofits, and community leaders, the Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC) helps integrate Scratch into a variety of learning environments, fostering equity and accessibility in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) education worldwide. Additionally, the Scratch Youth Advisory Board (YAB) serves to incorporate youth perspectives into the platform's evolution. Scratch Foundation staff leverage the YAB to directly involve young Scratchers in shaping the platform and programs through focus groups, product co-design, and community-building activities. The collective impact of these efforts is a testament to the importance of Scratch's mission to help kids everywhere create what they imagine. By engaging young people through the platform, supporting underserved communities via the Scratch Education Collaborative, and elevating youth voices through the Youth Advisory Board, Scratch is creating a ripple effect that extends across the world. Scratch isn't just a tool for codingit's a global movement that empowers children to think creatively, solve problems, and express their ideas through compelling projects. Together, these initiatives ensure that Scratch remains a leader in equitable STEAM education, inspiring a new generation to develop their creative talents.”

“Other Professional Fees: Program service expenses 2,600,161. Management and general expenses 565,479. Fundraising expenses 11,507. Total expenses 3,177,147.”

“Section 1.263(a)-3(n) Election: Scratch Foundation 459 Columbus Ave, Unit #1112 New York, NY 10024 EIN 46-2612143 Scratch Foundation is electing to capitalize repair and maintenance costs under Regulation Section 1.263(a)-3(n).”