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177 BROAD ST
Stamford CT 06901-5003
Stamford CT | IRS ruling year: 1997 | EIN: 06-1462359
THE MISSION OF THE STAMFORD PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION (SPEF) IS TO DELIVER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES THAT ELEVATE STUDENT, EDUCATOR, AND PARENT SUCCESS BY ... (More)
THE MISSION OF THE STAMFORD PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION (SPEF) IS TO DELIVER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES THAT ELEVATE STUDENT, EDUCATOR, AND PARENT SUCCESS BY BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN NEEDS IN THE STAMFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND RESOURCES IN OUR COMMUNITY. (Less)
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This charity's score is 98%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Rating histories are available for a growing number of rated organizations. Check back later to see if this organization has a rating history!
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. has earned a 97% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
This Accountability & Finance score represents IRS Form 990 data up until FY 2020, which is the most recent Form 990 currently available to us.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not ApplicableBoard Composition - 20/20 - 25/25 ptsBoard Composition - 20/20 - 25/25 pts
Charity Navigator looks for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of those members identified as independent (not salaried).
The presence of an independent governing body is strongly recommended by many industry professionals to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Audit or Financial Review - Audited - 20/20 ptsIndependent Audit or Financial Review - Audited - 20/20 pts
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
|---|---|
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsConflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Board Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 ptsBoard Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Missing - 0/3 ptsDocument Retention and Destruction - Missing - 0/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsWhistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Website - Listed - 3/3 ptsWebsite - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 34.53% - 15/15 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 34.53% - 15/15 pts
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
| Liabilities to Assets Ratio | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| Less than 50% | Full Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Partial Credit |
| 60% or more | No Credit |
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Ratio - 75.31% - 25/25 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 75.31% - 25/25 pts
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
| Program Expense Percentage | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| 70% or higher | Full Credit |
| 60% - 69.9% | Partial Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Zero Points for Program Expense Score |
| Below 50% | Zero Points for Both Program Expense AND Liabilities to Assets Scores |
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Presented here are up to five of this organization's highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Described in section 170(b)1)(a)(vi) of the Code (BMF activity code: 994)
Gifts, grants, or loans to other organizations (BMF activity code: 602)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc.) or EIN (061462359) in the 'Search Term' field.
Not Currently Scored
Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
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Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. reported its largest program on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
PROGRAMS: TO SUPPORT THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN STAMFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS THROUGH COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND PHILANTHROPY. AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL THE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS LITERACY INITIATIVES ... (More)
PROGRAMS: TO SUPPORT THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN STAMFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS THROUGH COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND PHILANTHROPY. AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL THE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS LITERACY INITIATIVES AND AT THE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL LEVELS THE FOUNDATIONS FOCUS IS ON COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS. (Less)
Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. has earned a 100% for the Culture & Community beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
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Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 ptsConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 pts
30% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Who are the people you serve with your mission? Describe briefly.
Together with our volunteers, SPEF serves the students, families, and administration in Stamford’s 21 public schools.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Paper surveys, Case management notes, Community meetings or town halls
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship with them or shifted power - over decisions, resources, rules or in other ways - to them?
Feedback from the people we serve helps inform SPEF programmatic decisions. For example, when parent feedback revealed a lack of after-school programs for middle school students, SPEF collaborated with the Stamford Police Department and Ferguson library in the reopening of the Chester Addison Community Center. Additionally, feedback from families served thru SPEF programs help to inform the Stamford Public Schools on how to better support and address the needs of its students and families.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, The people we serve tell us they find data collection burdensome, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time, It is difficult to identify actionable feedback
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
SPEF recently launched its Parent Voice Project. The objective was to employ non-traditional communication channels to gather authentic perspectives from parents who may have been overlooked. The perspectives and voices collected were shared with Stamford Public Schools and community-based organizations to influence program development and best practices. Improvements included better communication between parents and the public school system as well as more Spanish speaking staff to assist with translations services.
Equity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 ptsEquity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 pts
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 100 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 12 Equity Practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective equity policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Equity Practices (6/7) | |
|---|---|
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Equity Policies and Procedures (6/7) | |
|---|---|
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. has earned a 100% for the Leadership & Adaptability beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableMission - 10/10 ptsMission - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
Founded in 1996, the mission of the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF) is to elevate student success by delivering educational programs and solutions that promote equitable access to quality public education in Stamford.
Vision - 10/10 ptsVision - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
We envision a community in which every student is prepared and inspired to thrive.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals - 20/20 ptsGoals - 20/20 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Deepen Program Impact: Universally incorporate holistic approach for every SPEF student in program design. Identify and elevate systemic issues that perpetuate inequities for students/families.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Grow Revenue: Increase organizational assets to meet all programmatic and operational obligations and maintain a four-month operating reserve.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Three: Agile & Scalable Infrastructure: Improve organizational efficiencies and develop operating procedures. Thriving Talent: Invest in attracting and developing talent.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Leadership Development - 15/15 ptsLeadership Development - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
SPEF prioritizes professional and leadership development among our staff by offering trainings, professional development opportunities, and opportunities for promotion whenever available. One recent example of Leadership Development occurred in January 2022. SPEF’s Leadership Team, comprised of the Interim CEO, Chief Programs Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Development and Communications Officer, participated in Fairfield County's Community Foundation’s Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute. It featured three, weekly, virtual sessions focused on equity in the workplace and community-centric leadership. Together the team explored ways to make positive change in our organization and community.
Mobilizing for Mission - 15/15 ptsMobilizing for Mission - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Raising Awareness
Community Building
SPEF's philosophy is to serve as the bridge that connects community resources with the Stamford Public Schools. It is committed to responding to critical needs identified by the district and collaborating with the corporate community and City of Stamford to mobilize caring volunteers, identify critical resources, and secure private funding to support Stamford public school students. SPEF participates in the city-wide collaborative, “Cradle to Career" and collaborates with several community partners: The Ferguson Library, United Way of Western CT, Mayor’s Youth Services Bureau, DOMUS, Family Centers, Person-to-Person, Building 1 Community, Child Guidance, Clothes to Kids, Salvation Army, Kids Helping Kids, and childcare providers such as ROSCCO, STAR Center, Stamford Recreation, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Adaptability Story - 30/30 ptsAdaptability Story - 30/30 pts
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
Until the onset of the pandemic, SPEF did not fully appreciate how adaptable our organization is. During 2020-2021, when the challenges associated with new learning models were escalating, SPEF immediately altered our programming to fit the hybrid and on-line instruction models instituted by the SPS district. We delivered our TutorU program virtually, organized volunteers to help serve 434,000+ meals, launched our Here-to-Help family engagement network, and re-evaluated and modified our flagship Stamford Mentoring program to serve the whole child. We worked collectively with the district, city, and families in the community to have a significant and positive impact on our students and families, regardless of the learning barriers that were rampant due to COVID-19.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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