nonprofit logo

Oakland Kids First

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 010594835 ✦ Oakland, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause at the same time! With the Give Freely browser extension, you'll automatically save money with coupons, and partner stores will donate to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. Start giving back with a single click. It's safe, free, and spam-free, guaranteed!

Overview

What is Oakland Kids First?

Oakland Kids First is a community-focused nonprofit based in Oakland, California, specifically at 3700 E 12th Street Unit 3, CA 94601. Its primary mission is to amplify the voices and build the power of underprivileged students of color in the area. Through its programs, such as REAL HARD, YOC, Oakland Youth Vote, and Castlemont lead agency services, the organization strives to foster youth leadership and promote engaging and equitable public schools where all students can learn and thrive. Oakland Kids First achieved this by providing foundational leadership development programs to 104 high school students across four public schools and an additional 14 youth in a cross-campus council. These students led research campaigns, advocated for policy changes, and implemented student-led initiatives, such as student stores at Fremont and Castlemont high schools. With a team of 16 dedicated individuals, Oakland Kids First works tirelessly to empower young voices and create a better future for their community.


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 89% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)

Oakland Kids First has earned an 89% score on Charity Navigator, reflecting strong accountability and financial practices, with a particularly high score of 90% in this area. The organization showcases a fully independent board and maintains solid financial oversight, as evidenced by its absence of material asset diversion and a high program expense ratio of over 71%. However, the organization has notable areas for improvement, including missing policies on whistleblower protections and document retention.

User reviews consistently highlight the impactful youth-centered approach of Oakland Kids First. Board members and clients emphasize the effectiveness of programs such as REAL HARD and Peers Advising Students to Success, which empower students to take leadership roles in promoting positive changes within their schools. The organization's commitment to fostering a culture of personal responsibility and connection resonates with both participants and stakeholders, leading many alumni to remain involved in various capacities.

Despite its strengths, some feedback indicates that the nonprofit operates in a challenging environment, working to shift school cultures that have historically marginalized students. The organization’s collaboration with local schools and advocacy for equitable education demonstrates its dedication to systemic change, though it faces ongoing challenges typical of nonprofits in the education sector. Overall, Oakland Kids First is recognized as a transformative force in its community, striving to enhance educational experiences for youth.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Oakland Kids First?

Currently, there are three reviews for Oakland Kids First on Facebook, but the organization has not yet received an overall rating. The sentiments expressed in these reviews suggest a mix of opinions, with at least one individual not recommending the nonprofit.

The feedback indicates some concerns regarding the effectiveness of the programs or the level of change being implemented. It appears that there may be expectations around the nonprofit's impact that have not been fully met for all users.

In summary, while there isn't a significant amount of feedback available, the existing comments reflect a cautious outlook regarding the nonprofit's abilities to drive desired change in local schools. Further engagement and comprehensive input from a broader audience could provide a clearer picture of their overall effectiveness.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Oakland Kids First legitimate?

Oakland Kids First is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Oakland Kids First submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $97,832
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $587,852

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

What is the mission statement of Oakland Kids First?

Oakland Kids First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and building the leadership and power of low-income students of color. Their mission is to create engaging and equitable public schools where all students can learn and lead. They achieve this through various programs such as REAL HARD, YOC, Oakland Youth Vote, and Castlemont lead agency services. These programs aim to provide youth leadership development, organize students, and advocate for their priorities and needs in Oakland, California. The organization has successfully engaged 104 high school students in leadership development and organizing activities, and has also implemented Oakland Youth Vote.


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

Who is the CEO of Oakland Kids First?

Bill Heiser is the Executive Dir. of Oakland Kids First.


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

What is the revenue of Oakland Kids First?

Oakland Kids First's revenue in 2022 was $2,346,319.


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

Who are the executives of Oakland Kids First and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Oakland Kids First during 2022 was $42,855. There are 16 employees and 4 volunteers at Oakland Kids First.


Here are 5 key members and their salaries:


Lukas Brekke-Miesner (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $93,785
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,104
Bill Heiser (Board Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Phoumy Sayavong (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Niema Jordan (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ijeoma Arum (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Oakland Kids First?

Oakland Kids First's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

Learn more at the official website: www.oaklandkidsfirst.org

Mission Statement of Oakland Kids First

Oakland Kids First, a community-driven nonprofit organization, is committed to amplifying the voices and fostering the leadership of low-income students of color in Oakland, California. Their mission is to inspire and empower these students to develop engaging and equitable public schools where every student can learn and thrive as leaders. The organization achieves this by implementing various programs, such as REAL HARD, YOC, Oakland Youth Vote, and leading agency services at local high schools. Through these initiatives, Oakland Kids First offers youth leadership development and organizing opportunities to over a hundred high school students after school at four Oakland public high schools, as well as additional support to fourteen youth in a cross-campus Youth Organizing Council. These students are encouraged to take the lead in research campaigns, advocate for policies like Oakland Youth Vote, and contribute to student-led culture change campaigns by managing student stores at Fremont and Castlemont high schools.

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!

Impact




July, 2024

Oakland Kids First has had a significant impact in Oakland by providing foundational youth leadership development and organizing programs for high school students. Through these programs, students have been able to amplify their voices and build power, particularly for low-income students of color. This has resulted in students leading research campaigns, developing a Student Justice Platform, advocating for the implementation of Oakland Youth Vote, and running student stores at local high schools in alignment with student-led culture change campaigns. These efforts have empowered students to have a greater say in their education and create more engaging and equitable public schools where all students can learn and lead.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Oakland Kids First. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$2,346,319 (2022)
Expenses
$1,365,512 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $1,876
  • Program Service Revenue: $90,120
  • Gross Receipts: $2,346,319

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,791,282
  • Total Liabilities: $93,590
  • Net Assets: $1,697,692

Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely

Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

Honoraria & Earned Income

Revenue

$90,120

Organization Details

Principal Officer

Bill Heiser

Main Address

3700 E 12th Street Unit 3, Oakland, CA, 94601

NTEE Category

Code: O50 - Youth development

If you are a representative of Oakland Kids First and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.