Overview
What is First Steps Kent?
First Steps Kent is a nonprofit organization situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specifically at 401 Hall Street SW STE 385. Their primary mission is to establish a unified, comprehensive early childhood service system for families in Kent County. This system aims to ensure that all children in the county begin kindergarten equipped to thrive in school and life. To achieve this, First Steps Kent secures grants and donations to enhance, bolster, and coordinate the network of early childhood services available in Kent County, Michigan. They administer and oversee the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, granting funding to community-based organizations to offer programs that enhance children's health, school readiness, and overall wellbeing from birth to age five. These services may include home visits, play and learn groups, developmental screenings, and navigation support, among others. Their decision-making process is guided by community needs assessments and recommendations from the Resident Proposal Review Board, which includes parents, Kent County commissioners, staff, a community early childhood expert, and a First Steps Kent commissioner. With a workforce of 12 individuals, First Steps Kent strives to empower families and promote the success of young children in Kent County.
Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
**Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Star Rating)**
First Steps Kent has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a full score for Accountability & Finance. This signifies the organization's strong management practices, including having a majority of independent board members and a robust financial oversight structure. Their transparency is further highlighted through policies like whistleblower and conflict of interest guidelines, contributing to a solid credit profile.
The nonprofit demonstrates strong financial health, with a program expense ratio of 95.04%, meaning that the vast majority of resources are directed towards their mission rather than administrative costs. With a healthy liabilities to assets ratio at 50.14%, First Steps Kent appears equipped to handle its financial obligations effectively. These metrics underscore the organization's commitment to accountability and efficient use of donor funds.
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This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is First Steps Kent legitimate?
First Steps Kent is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. First Steps Kent 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: $100,396
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $608,839
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
What is the mission statement of First Steps Kent?
First Steps, an organization, aims to establish a unified and cohesive early childhood service system. This system is designed to support all families, ensuring that every child in the region enters kindergarten equipped to excel academically and in life. The organization's primary activity involves securing grants and donations to implement, enhance, fortify, and coordinate the network of early childhood services within the area. By doing so, they strive to improve the readiness of young children for their educational journey.
Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
Who is the CEO of First Steps Kent?
Jennifer Headley-Nordman is the Co-Chair of First Steps Kent.
Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
What is the revenue of First Steps Kent?
First Steps Kent's revenue in 2022 was $8,534,103.
Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
Who are the executives of First Steps Kent and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at First Steps Kent during 2022 was $59,103. There are 12 employees and 20 volunteers at First Steps Kent.
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Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
Where can I find the form 990 for First Steps Kent?
First Steps Kent's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.firststepskent.org
Learn more at the official website: www.firststepskent.org
Mission Statement of First Steps Kent
First Steps Kent is a nonprofit organization committed to establishing a unified, collaborative early childhood service system that caters to families in Kent County. Their primary goal is to ensure that every young child in Kent County enters kindergarten equipped to succeed academically and in life. To achieve this, First Steps Kent's most significant activity involves securing grants and donations to implement, enhance, strengthen, and coordinate the network of early childhood services available in the region. By doing so, the organization aims to provide comprehensive support to families, ensuring that their children have the best possible start in their educational journey.
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Impact
October, 2024
First Steps Kent significantly enhances early childhood development in Kent County, ensuring that every young child enters kindergarten ready to thrive. By establishing a coordinated and integrated system of early childhood services, the organization addresses the diverse needs of families in the community, fostering an environment where children can succeed in school and life.
Through the administration of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, First Steps Kent secures crucial funding that empowers community-based organizations to implement impactful programs. These services include home visiting, play and learn groups, developmental screenings, and navigation support, all tailored to improve health, school readiness, and overall well-being for children up to age five.
The organization emphasizes community involvement, with funding decisions guided by thorough community needs assessments and input from a resident proposal review board comprised of parents, community experts, and local officials. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, reaching families who can benefit the most.
Overall, First Steps Kent's efforts not only strengthen the network of early childhood services but also contribute to a brighter future for the children of Kent County, promoting lifelong success and well-being.
This information is meant to be a general summary of First Steps Kent. 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.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: -$4,804
- Program Service Revenue: $7,312,101
- Gross Receipts: $8,538,907
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $3,263,286
- Total Liabilities: $1,636,223
- Net Assets: $1,627,063
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
READY BY FIVE
Revenue
$7,312,101
Organization Details
Founding Year
2009
Phone
(616) 632-1003Principal Officer
Jennifer Headley-Nordman
Main Address
401 HALL STREET SW STE 385, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 49503
Website
www.firststepskent.orgNTEE Category
Code: B90 - Education
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