Overview
What is Communities First Inc?
Communities First Inc, based in Flint, Michigan, is a dedicated nonprofit organization with a mission to foster healthy and thriving communities. They achieved this by focusing on economic development, providing affordable housing, and implementing innovative programs. In 2020, they completed the construction of Berkley Place Apartments, offering housing for the homeless, disabled, and low-income individuals. They also purchased properties in Flint and Detroit to prevent displacement of families. Their financial education workshops transitioned to an online platform, reaching over 30,000 viewers. In response to social unrest, CFI facilitated a thoughtful dialogue about racial and social justice, offering follow-up resources. They launched the MAD program, teaching students to address community needs and explore career opportunities. The organization hosted safe and entertaining outdoor movie events, as well as an online film series, engaging panelists from various cities. CFI also provided technical assistance to small businesses and empowered the homeless community to exercise their voting rights. With a team of 10 employees, they worked tirelessly to uplift their community.
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 99% - Four-Star out of Four Star Rating
Communities First Inc has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator, reflecting a strong commitment to accountability and finance. With a perfect score of 100 in Accountability & Finance, the organization demonstrates effective management of its resources, maintaining a low liabilities to assets ratio of 6.67%. This indicates a robust financial position that supports its mission.
The organization also excels in fostering a positive culture and community engagement, receiving a score of 95 in this category. High marks for constituent feedback and feedback collection underscore its dedication to listening to the community it serves. This commitment is further evidenced by its equity strategies score of 93, highlighting a focus on inclusivity and responsiveness.
Despite its strengths, the program expense ratio stands at 79.19%, suggesting that while a significant portion of funds is directed toward programs, there may still be room for improvement in maximizing programmatic efficiency. Overall, Communities First Inc stands out as a well-managed nonprofit, actively engaging with its community and maintaining a strong financial foundation.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Communities First Inc legitimate?
Communities First Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Communities First Inc 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $21,000
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,130,686
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
What is the mission statement of Communities First Inc?
Communities First Inc's mission is centered around enhancing community well-being. They strive to achieve this by focusing on economic development, providing affordable housing, and implementing innovative programs. In 2020, they completed construction of Berkley Place Apartments, offering housing for vulnerable individuals. They also offered financial education workshops via an online platform, reaching over 30,000 viewers. The organization addressed racial and social justice issues, engaging over 32,000 people in thoughtful dialogues. Furthermore, they introduced a youth program, MAD, teaching students to address community needs and explore new career paths. Cinematic events like Movies Under the Stars and the African American Film Series were also conducted, reaching a broader audience due to their online format. In addition, Communities First Inc provided assistance to small businesses and nonprofits, advocating for civic engagement and ensuring voting rights for the underrepresented.
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
Who is the CEO of Communities First Inc?
Jason Paulateer is the Chair of Communities First Inc. The CEO's salary of Communities First Inc is $200,000 and their total compensation is $200,000.
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
What is the revenue of Communities First Inc?
Communities First Inc's revenue in 2022 was $6,736,556.
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
Who are the executives of Communities First Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Communities First Inc during 2022 was $113,069. There are 10 employees and 250 volunteers at Communities First Inc.
Here are 7 key members and their salaries (Communities First Inc's CEO's salary is $200,000 and their total compensation is $200,000):
- Compensation: $200,000
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Communities First Inc?
Communities First Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
Learn more at the official website: www.communitiesfirstinc.org
Mission Statement of Communities First Inc
Communities First Inc, a nonprofit organization, is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities. They achieve this mission through three primary avenues: economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. In the realm of economic development, Communities First Inc provides support to small businesses and community developers, assisting over 25 such entities in 2019. They also offer virtual sessions to help sustain or grow businesses in response to the pandemic.
In the area of housing, Communities First Inc recognizes the increasing need for quality affordable housing, particularly in 2020. To address this need, they completed the construction of Berkley Place Apartments, providing housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, and low to moderate income families. They also purchased permanent supportive housing units in Detroit and affordable housing units in Flint, aiming to prevent displacement of families.
Beyond housing and economic development, Communities First Inc offers financial education workshops, transitioning to an online platform due to the pandemic. Their sessions, which reached over 30,000 views, aimed to provide essential financial information to a wide audience. The organization also plays a role in promoting racial and social justice, engaging in timely and respectful dialogues following social unrest in 2020. They reached 32,240 people with these dialogues, offering further resources for continued learning.
In addition to these efforts, Communities First Inc created a youth program called MAD (Make a Difference), teaching students how to address community needs and explore new career fields. The program, which ran in both Flint and Detroit, also helped students develop soft skills and gain a deeper understanding of their communities. The organization also hosted outdoor movie events and an online film series, offering opportunities for entertainment and engaging panel discussions.
In summary, Communities First Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy and vibrant communities. They achieve this mission through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming, providing essential support to small businesses, promoting affordable housing, offering financial education, and advocating for racial and social justice.
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Impact
October, 2024
Communities First Inc has made a significant impact on the communities it serves, focusing on economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. The organization has addressed the growing need for quality affordable housing, particularly highlighted during the challenges of 2020. A notable achievement was the completion of the Berkley Place Apartments in Flint, a 33-unit project that provides much-needed homes for individuals experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, and low to moderate-income families. By purchasing permanent supportive housing in Detroit and more affordable units in Flint, Communities First has played a crucial role in preventing family displacement.
In addition to housing initiatives, Communities First has placed a strong emphasis on financial education. In response to the pandemic, the organization transitioned its workshops online, hosting over 20 sessions that reached an impressive audience of more than 30,000 viewers. This initiative equipped individuals with vital financial knowledge that can foster personal and community economic growth.
The organization also contributed to vital discussions surrounding racial and social justice, engaging over 32,000 people in meaningful dialogues during a time of social unrest. This outreach included providing follow-up resources to encourage continued engagement and education on important topics.
Through its MAD (Make a Difference) program, Communities First has empowered youth in Flint and Detroit to actively address community needs and explore potential career paths, fostering the development of essential soft skills. The program creates future leaders who are finely attuned to the dynamics of their communities.
The organization has also successfully adapted cultural programming, offering the African American Film Series and an outdoor Movies Under the Stars event in a safe, drive-in format that attracted hundreds of participants. This adaptability not only promotes community engagement but also helps foster a sense of connection among attendees.
Economic development efforts remain a central focus, with Communities First assisting small business nonprofits and aspiring community developers through technical support and resources, particularly during the tumultuous times of the pandemic.
Lastly, Communities First champions civic engagement, ensuring that marginalized voices, including those experiencing homelessness, are informed about their voting rights and encouraging participation in the democratic process. The organization has been proactive in promoting the importance of the Census, ensuring that community members are counted and represented.
Through these multifaceted initiatives, Communities First Inc continues to build healthier, more vibrant communities, reinforcing its mission with tangible actions and dedicated service.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Communities First Inc. 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.
- Program Service Revenue: $944,520
- Gross Receipts: $6,736,556
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $47,376,038
- Total Liabilities: $3,171,207
- Net Assets: $44,204,831
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Special Events Income
Revenue
$50,475
Developer Fees
Revenue
$567,820
Earned Income
Revenue
$326,225
Organization Details
Founding Year
2010
Principal Officer
Jason Paulateer
Main Address
415 W Court St, Flint, MI, 48503
Website
www.communitiesfirstinc.orgNTEE Category
Code: L21 - Housing
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