Connect Africa Foundation Inc.
Mission:
To support the development of self sufficient citizens
www.connect-africa.org
| 222 PLEASANT ST Newton Center MA 02459-1815
Connect Africa Foundation Inc. is headquartered in Newton Center, MA, and is a 501(c)(3) organization. EIN: 37-1496337. Donations are tax-deductible. The IRS NTEE classification code is Q30, International Development, Relief Services within the International, Foreign Affairs and National Security category. The IRS ruling year for tax exemption was 2005.
(Source: IRS Business Master File and Form 990)
Encompass Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator’s Encompass Rating System evolves on a quarterly basis as we add new measures and indicators, which we call Beacons. Check back often to see how this organization’s score changes.
Learn about the Encompass Rating System: Announcement | FAQ | Release Notes
Overall Score
BETA
100
out of 100
This charity's score is a passing score. This overall score is identical to the organization's Finance & Accountability beacon score. It does not have an Impact & Results beacon. Each beacon report below provides further information about the organization's rating including rationale as to why a particular beacon may not be scored.
Do you work for Connect Africa Foundation Inc.? Gain access to your rating toolkit.
Finance & Accountability
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Finance & Accountability Score
BETA
100
out of 100
This charity's score is a passing score
This Beta V2 of the Finance & Accountability Score provides a baseline measure of an organization’s health including the indicators listed in the report below.
This score represents Form 990 data from latest filing year 2019.
Finance & Accountability Rating Highlights
Higher Effect on Score
8/8
Independent Board Composition
We look for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of members identified as independent.
Lower Effect on Score
0.00%
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
We look for a ratio less than 50%.
No Effect on Score
$155,709
Total Revenue
We do not evaluate revenue amounts or sources in Beta V2. An organization’s size can affect whether and how we evaluate other indicators.
Finance & Accountability Report
100
of 100 points (BETA)
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Program Expense Ratio
89.13%
Higher effect on score
More data
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
For a passing score, Charity Navigator looks for a ratio of 70% or higher. Charities in the 50%-70% range receive zero points for their Program Expense Ratio score. Charities that fall below 50% will receive zero points for both of their financial metric scores, Program Expense Ratio AND Liabilities to Assets Ratio.
Source: IRS Form 990
Board Composition
8/8 Independent
Higher effect on score
Charity Navigator looks for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of those members identified as independent.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Review or Financial Audit
No review needed due to small charity size
No effect on score
For organizations larger than $1million in total revenue we expect to see that the charity completed an audit.
This indicator is not part of the score for organizations less than $250k in total revenue and is removed from the scoring methodology.
For charities under $1 million but over $250K in total revenue we expect to see that the charity completed an Audit, Review or Compilation.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
0.00%
Lower effect on score
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Charity Navigator looks for a ratio less than 50%.
Source: IRS Form 990
Website Listed
Listed
Lower effect on score
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component
Source: IRS Form 990
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Total Revenue and Expenses
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons
Presented here are up to five of the highest compensated employees listed on page 7 of the IRS Form 990. This compensation data is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts include salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting here.
LYNN AUERBACH, PRESIDENT
$10,000
KAREN OBEIRNE, TREASURER
$0
BARBARA ABRAMOWITZ, CLERK
$0
ABBY ELMORE, DIRECTOR
$0
MARYALYCE WORDEN, DIRECTOR
$0
Source: IRS Form 990, filing year 2019
Business Master File Data
The Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) includes cumulative information the IRS collects and displays for all exempt organizations. The data is updated monthly. Below are some key data points from the BMF for this organization. View information about the BMF on the IRS website here.
Activities:
Activity data not reported from the IRS
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)
Data Sources: IRS Forms 990
The IRS Form 990 is the source of the finance and accountability data used within the Encompass Rating System. When an organization is eligible for a Finance & Accountability beacon score, each metric is based on elements of the 990. Some metrics are based on the most recent available filing, while others are based on averages of values over multiple years. We provide links to all available 990s here, whether or not this organization is eligible for a Finance & Accountability score.
IRS Forms 990 are provided courtesy of Foundation Center.
Impact & Results
Charity Navigator assesses how well a nonprofit delivers on its mission. To issue an Impact & Results score, we estimate the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determine whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
No Score
We have not issued this nonprofit an Impact & Results score. This does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, only that we have not reached a conclusion for one of the following reasons:
The nonprofit is eligible for a score, but we have not yet gotten to scoring it.
The nonprofit is eligible for a score, but we have not yet developed the specific algorithms to estimate the impact of the type of service it delivers and so cannot issue a score yet.
The nonprofit does not primarily deliver services directly to beneficiaries or it is not reasonable to expect the nonprofit to measure impact for its primary activity. The impact analysis framework that we use is not well suited to these nonprofits.
The nonprofit is not heavily reliant on individual donors because beneficiaries fund a majority of its costs or it does not receive any private charitable contributions.
Do you work at Connect Africa Foundation Inc.? Share your impact data to request a score.
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Largest Programs
Connect Africa Foundation Inc. reported its three largest programs on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
$136,445
Spent in most recent FY
99%
Percent of program expenses
PROVIDED MONEY AND SUPPLIES FOR____ CHILDREN TO ATTEND SCHOOL INCLUDING ___ IN UNIVERSITY. MONEY IS USED FOR TUITION, SUPPLIES, HEALTHCARE, ROOM AND BOARD AND OTHER ITEMS AS NEEDED.
$500
Spent in most recent FY
0%
Percent of program expenses
Enabled people to make crafts and provide a market fot the crafts that they made
$0
Spent in most recent FY
0%
Percent of program expenses
Provide money to assist in startup of new businesses. The business wil repay the money into a fund in Africa and the money will be lent to another startup venture.
GuideStar Seal of Transparency
Gold
GuideStar is Charity Navigator's trusted partner in sharing information on how this organization seeks impact. GuideStar has recognized this organization with a Gold Seal of Transparency for voluntarily and publicly describing their goals, strategies, and accomplishments. Click here for more information.
Note: GuideStar Seals do not effect the nonprofit’s Impact & Results Score.
What is your organization aiming to accomplish?
Connect Africa Foundation's goal is to provide educational and economic opportunities to struggling Ugandans. The children we help have lost one or both parents, generally to AIDS/HIV and are being cared for by extended family. We seek out families and communities that are often overlooked by larger charitable organizations and provide a hands-on, personalized approach to lifting them up out of poverty.
What are your strategies for making this happen?
We have four strategies for assisting struggling Ugandans: Educational sponsorship for orphaned children. We provide all requirements for school including tuition, school supplies, personal hygiene items, transportation, health and dental care. The co-directors monitor achievement of educational goals through attendance at parent-teacher conferences, review of report cards and regular check-ins with the student, family and school. Academic Enrichment provides tutoring, life skills training and a nourishing meal to students in the area surrounding our community campus. Business start up loans for caregivers enable them to start income generating businesses. We also provide business mentoring in bookkeeping, inventory management, marketing. Vocational Training in the in-demand fields of carpentry, metal work, tailoring, hairdressing, computer technology and catering are provided for a nominal fee at our Vocational Training Centre allowing youth to obtain certification in these income generating trades.
What are your organization's capabilities for doing this?
Connect Africa was founded in 2005 by two committed and passionate individuals: Lynn S. Auerbach and Kalule Charles. Lynn resides in Uganda six months of the year and Charles lives there year round. Both directors are actively engaged in assessing the needs of the families, implementing start-up endeavors and supporting the children in their efforts to obtain an education. Connect Africa relies on local staff and advisors who intimately understand the complex needs of the community. Lynn S. Auerbach, Founder and Co-Director, has a Ph.D in clinical psychology and specialized in violence and abuse in families. She spent her career working with diverse populations, helping to empower individuals to develop their abilities in order to improve their own lives. Lynn's life-long dream to live in Africa became a reality in 2004. Kalule Charles, Co-Director, grew up in the slums of Kampala. At one point in his life, his family was homeless, and many of his friends lost to hopelessness. Charles holds a degree in Counseling and Guidance. Through his work, he contributes to the possibility of a better life for those he works with. The expertise of our co-directors coupled with our dedicated boards (USA and Uganda) and ever growing donor base uniquely position us to effect change for the families we help in Uganda.
How will your organization know if you are making progress?
Our statistics for graduation rate, employment data, teen pregnancy rate and primary school completion illustrate that we are making progress relative to the general population in Uganda. In addition the number of people we can help and our donor support have grown every year. Over the 12 plus years since our inception our fundraising has grown from $25K per year to $195K in 2016. We have expanded our donor base from less then 50 individuals in 2005 to more then 350 in 2016. The number of students we sponsor each year has grown from 5 in 2005 to 55 in 2017. In 2006 and 2009 we built 6 small apartments that provides an ongoing source of revenue for our programs. In 2011 we began development of our Community Campus to provide facilities for our programming. The Campus now consists of a shelter for Education Enrichment; a library for children and adults to share books, stories and use a computer; a guest house for friends, supporters and travelers to stay; a bakery and a Vocational Training Centre.
What have and haven't you accomplished so far?
76% of our students have completed their program of study with our support and are now meaningfully employed. (Only 17% of youth in general population) 115 students have received educational sponsorship should this say sponsorship, most for many years. 85 loans have been awarded. 39 educational loans have been awarded. 92% of our students have completed primary school. (32% in general population) Only 5% of our female students have become pregnant. (72% among poorest girls) During the past 12 years CAF has grown substantially in all arenas - from the number of people in Uganda that we are able to help, to the structure and outreach of our organization. We have created a stable base of donors and while we have a number of generous donors the majority of our contributions are smaller ones made by individuals who love to support the work we do. Our accomplished Board of Directors meets regularly to brainstorm, develop and execute plans for spreading the word about the work that we do and raising funds. Their work includes events, sales of Ugandan crafts, our biannual newsletter, and our annual fundraising campaign. We have partnered with various schools and places of worship for fundraising and educational activities that have included clothing, shoe and backpack drives; presentations about life in Uganda; and sales of Ugandan crafts hand made by our families. Our guest house provides a venue for those we meet through our partnerships and other endeavors to come and experience, first hand, life in a Ugandan village. This past year saw our first successful grant application, from Trip Advisor Foundation, for the purchase of heavy machinery for our Vocational Training Centre. We look forward to pursuing more grant applications in the future.
GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving Badge not earned
GlobalGiving is the largest global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. For donors, GlobalGiving provides an additional layer of vetting and due diligence for each of its nonprofit partners every two years, which may include site visit verification. Learn more about GlobalGiving.
Note: GlobalGiving Badges do not effect the nonprofit’s Impact & Results score.
Leadership & Adaptability
Charity Navigator will provide an assessment of the organization’s leadership capacity, strategic planning, and the ability to readily innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization’s mission.
Culture & Community
Charity Navigator will provide an assessment of the organization’s people operations, its engagement with the constituents served, and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) measures.
Culture & Community Score (BETA)
Coming Soon
Encompass Rating Beta V2 does not provide an evaluation of the organization's culture and community. Beta V3 will provide an evaluation of Constituent Feedback and Listening Practices. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile. This data will provide the basis for the initial evaluation of Culture & Community. Other measures will be added later in the year.
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Constituent Feedback
Constituent Feedback and Listening Practice data are not available for this organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile. This data will provide the basis for the initial evaluation of Community & Culture.
Why It Matters
Like the Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as relevant metrics are developed and ready for integration. Our partnership with Feedback Labs and Guidestar by Candid, and other partners including Fund for Shared Insight, GlobalGiving and Keystone Accountability, enables us to launch the first version of this beacon with Constituent Feedback information collected on Candid's site.
Feedback practices have been shown to support better Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion outcomes, an essential area of assessment that we intend to further expand and develop in the future. Feedback Labs has documented several studies which indicate that beyond achieving organizational goals, nonprofits that are attentive and responsive to concerns and ideas raised by beneficiaries establish stronger relationships with the people they serve, promote greater equity, and empower constituents in ways that can help to ensure better long-term outcomes. You can find resources to help nonprofits improve their feedback practices here.
