Overview
What is Commons Foundation Inc?
Commons Foundation Inc is a nonprofit organization situated in Brooklyn, New York, at 388 Atlantic Avenue. Their primary mission is to offer affordable resources to local progressive groups, including office and meeting spaces, as well as opportunities for collaboration. Prior to the pandemic, they also provided event and performance spaces for activist groups. However, the prolonged closure due to the pandemic led to a loss of users, volunteers, and momentum, making it difficult for the organization to recover financially. Consequently, they were unable to afford the rent for the event space and had to vacate. Additionally, attempting to sell the used audiovisual and electronic equipment was unsuccessful due to the high number of event spaces closing due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of disposing of these items further added to their financial struggles.
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: Two Stars (Needs Improvement)
Commons Foundation Inc has received a Two-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating that it needs improvement in several areas despite achieving an overall score of 70%. The organization demonstrates positive accountability features such as having a majority of independent board members and no material diversion of assets, scoring well in these categories.
However, there are significant limitations in its governance practices. The organization lacks both a whistleblower policy and a document retention and destruction policy, which are critical for transparency and accountability. Additionally, while it maintains board meeting minutes, it has not posted its tax form on its website, leading to lower scores in these areas.
Overall, Commons Foundation Inc shows strengths in its program expenses, with a 100% program expense ratio, indicating that all funds are directed towards its programs. Nonetheless, improvements in governance and transparency are necessary for enhancing its evaluation and public trust.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Commons Foundation Inc legitimate?
Commons Foundation Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Commons Foundation 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: $3,500
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0
For more financial information, click here
What is the mission statement of Commons Foundation Inc?
The Commons Foundation Inc's mission is centered around supporting local progressive groups by offering them affordable resources, such as office space, meeting rooms, and classrooms, as well as opportunities for collaboration. Previously, the foundation also provided event and performance spaces for activist groups in certain areas. However, due to the prolonged closure during the pandemic, the foundation lost users, volunteers, and momentum, making it impossible to recover and maintain the rental costs for the space. Consequently, the foundation was forced to vacate the premises and even had to pay to dispose of the used audiovisual and electronic equipment, incurring additional costs.
Who is the CEO of Commons Foundation Inc?
Melissa Ennen is the President of Commons Foundation Inc.
What is the revenue of Commons Foundation Inc?
Commons Foundation Inc's revenue in 2022 was $55,553.
Who are the executives of Commons Foundation Inc and what are their salaries?
There 1 volunteer at Commons Foundation Inc.
Here are 3 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $3,500
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
Where can I find the form 990 for Commons Foundation Inc?
Commons Foundation Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Mission Statement of Commons Foundation Inc
Commons Foundation Inc, as a mission-driven organization, is dedicated to offering affordable resources to local progressive groups. This includes providing them with office space, meeting rooms, and classrooms, as well as opportunities for collaboration. The organization's primary goal is to support these groups in their shared quest for social change. In the past, Commons Foundation Inc also offered event and performance spaces to activist groups, contributing to their causes in New York. However, due to the prolonged closure during the pandemic, the organization experienced a significant loss of users, volunteers, and momentum, ultimately leading to a financial strain that forced them to vacate the space. Despite efforts to sell their used audiovisual and electronic equipment, the market was saturated with similar items from other event spaces affected by the pandemic, resulting in additional financial burdens.
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Impact
August, 2024
Commons Foundation Inc has had a significant impact on local progressive groups in Brooklyn, NY. By providing affordable resources such as office space, meeting rooms, and opportunities for collaboration, the organization has supported the growth and development of grassroots initiatives. Unfortunately, due to challenges posed by the pandemic, Commons Foundation Inc had to vacate its event/performance space, resulting in loss of users, volunteers, and momentum. Despite these setbacks, the organization continues to strive towards its mission of empowering local progressive groups and contributing to community improvement.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Commons Foundation 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: $44,953
- Gross Receipts: $55,553
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $32,603
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Net Assets: $32,603
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Coworking fees and space rentals
Revenue
$44,953
Organization Details
Founding Year
2016
Phone
(917) 216-8754Principal Officer
Melissa Ennen
Main Address
388 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11217
NTEE Category
Code: S47 - Community improvement
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