Mikva Challenge Grant Foundation

“The form 990 is reviewed by the ceo, and the managing director of people and operations. Then copies of the form 990 are sent out to the executive committee and the finance committee chair, and then to the entire board.”

“Board members sign a conflict of interest form when they join the board. Annually, mikva challenge reviews information to determine if any conflict exists.”

“The executive committee of the board meets to discuss and deliberate the performance reviews for the ceo. The executive committee evaluates fiscal performance as well as other factors. The executive committee makes a salary recommendation based on performance and in line with the market for an organization of similar size. The board of directors approve any increases.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request.”

“Contract services: program service expenses 399,215. Management and general expenses 725,320. Fundraising expenses 219,810. Total expenses 1,344,345.”

“Since its inception in 1998, mikva challenge continues to deepen and expand its nationwide impact - both through its partnerships with school districts across the country and its signature youth council and fellowship work in chicago and washington dc. It engages young people in particular, young people from historically marginalized communities in programming that develops a new generation of active, empathetic civic leaders. Mikva's youth councils work on issues such as education, safety and juvenile justice and propose policy recommendations to key decision makers in chicago and washington dc. Its elections programs introduce students to the election process and provide over 1,500 youth with the opportunity to act as pollworks each election cycle. Its summer fellows program provides over 60 young people in chicago and washington dc with paid internships in city, county, state and federal elected officials and other government offices. Through its partnerships with teachers and school districts in 14 sites, mikva challenge elevates youth voices across the country, with thousands of students participating in project soapbox - a public speaking curriculum and event that invites young people to name what issue is most important to their school or community and outline to decision makers what should be done about it. Its programs cultivate connections and a sense of community between youth and adult leaders and support youth as they articulate solutions and take action to address the issues impacting them. Its trainings provide educators with professional development opportunities that cultivate a renewed sense of purpose and network of support. After participating in a mikva program: 95.6% of students report wanting to try harder in school and 93.6% of students feel more confident interacting with people of different ages, political backgrounds, and/or beliefs. Over 96% of teachers report having more positive relationships with their students as a result of project soapbox. With over 90% of educators reporting burnout and struggling with the lingering effects of the pandemic, the restorative value of relationships cannot be overstated. 95.2% of teachers reported they were more energized and inspired about their work.”