Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
FIRST STEPS KENT
Employer identification number
27-0640886
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
5,119,472
2,063,774
7,183,246
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
5,119,472
2,063,774
7,183,246
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
4,348,571
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
2,834,675
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
5,119,472
2,063,774
7,183,246
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
3,376
3,376
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
55,806
55,806
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
7,242,428
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
16a
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2009.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2010 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
FIRST STEPS KENT
Employer identification number
27-0640886
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
TO CREATE A COORDINATED, INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES THAT SUPPORTS ALL FAMILIES IN KENT COUNTY SO EVERY YOUNG CHILD IN KENT COUNTY WILL ENTER KINDERGARTEN READY TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE. THE ORGANIZATIONS'S MOST SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY WAS OBTAINING GRANTS AND DONATIONS TO IMPLEMENT, INCREASE, STRENGTHEN AND COORDINATE EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IN KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FORM 990
ALL LINES LEFT BLANK ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THE ORGANIZATION.
ANY SIGNIFICANT NEW PROGRAM SERVICES NOT LISTED ON A PRIOR RETURN
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 2
PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO HIGH QUALITY PRESCHOOLS THAT SERVE LOW INCOME AND AT-RISK 3 AND 4-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SO THEY WILL BE BETTER PREPARED TO SUCCEED IN KINDERGARTEN AND BEYOND. SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTION ON FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4D.
FIRST ACHIEVEMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
ADMISSIONS HAVE DECLINED 14% & 12% RESPECTIVELY. AMONG CHAP CLIENTS RECEIVING DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS DECLINED 35% & IN-PATIENT HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS DECLINED 62%. THE IMMEDIATE SOCIAL BENEFITS OF CHAP EXCEEDED COSTS BY 20% - A RETURN OF 1.20 FOR EVERY 1 INVESTED IN THE PROGRAM.
SECOND ACHIEVEMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B
JULY 2010 TO JUNE 2011. IN THE EVALUATION OF ITS FIRST FULL YEAR: HOSPITAL LIAISONS MADE 2,052 VISITS; 85% OF THOSE ACCEPTING HOME VISITS AT THE HOSPITAL COMPLETED THEM; HOME VISITS WERE PROVIDED FOR 853 FAMILIES AND 862 NEWBORNS, AND; OF 1,308 REFERRALS TO PARTNER AGENCIES, 62% OF THOSE FAMILIES RECEIVING REFERRALS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES ACCEPTED AND ACCESSED THOSE SERVICES; 85% OF FAMILIES SERVED IN YEAR 1 REPORTED TAKING THEIR NEWBORN TO THEIR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER WITHIN THE FIRST 5 DAYS OF LIFE (MEETING THE ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS STANDARD), AND ONLY 15% OF NEWBORNS VISITED THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND 1% WERE HOSPITALIZED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF BIRTH.
ALL OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D
EARLY LEARNING COMMUNITIES SUPPLEMENT THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN TWO URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS BY INCREASING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE AND LITERACY SKILLS OF THEIR CAREGIVERS. PRIMARILY SERVING UNLICENSED IN-HOME PROVIDERS SERVING THE MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN, THE PROGRAM INCLUDES IN-HOME COACHING FOR UNLICENSED PROVIDERS AS WELL AS LANGUAGE & LITERACY ENRICHED PLAY & LEARN GROUPS WHERE CERTIFIED TEACHERS MODEL APPROPRIATE CHILD-ADULT RELATIONSHIPS AND BEHAVIORS AS WELL AS DEMONSTRATE ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD CHILDREN'S SKILLS FOR SUCCESS IN KINDERGARTEN. IN ITS SECOND YEAR, THE PROGRAM SERVED NEARLY 1,000 ADULTS AND MORE THAN 1,500 CHILDREN IN THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND BURTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEIGHBORHOODS. OUTCOMES FOR CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN SHOWED STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN THE CHILD CARE ENVIRONMENT AND INTERACTIONS AS WELL AS LANGUAGE AND LITERACY OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN. IN ITS INITIAL YEAR, THE KENT COUNTY GREAT START PRESCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED 120 3 YEAR OLD CHILDREN WITH A HIGH QUALITY PRESCHOOL EXPERIENCE VIA APPROVED PRIVATE PRESCHOOLS THAT RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO PRESCHOOLS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF FAMILIES THAT ARE HEAD START OR GREAT START READINESS PROGRAM (STATE FUNDED FREE PRESCHOOL) ELIGIBLE, ADDING A YEAR OF PRESCHOOL AT AGE THREE TO CHILDREN WHO THEN WILL BENEFIT FROM A SUBSEQUENT YEAR OF FREE PRESCHOOL (HEAD START OR GSRP) AT AGE 4, GIVING THEM TWO YEARS OF HIGH QUALITY PRESCHOOL IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE READY TO BE SUCCESSFUL UPON ENTRY TO KINDERGARTEN. ALTHOUGH PRE-TESTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE INCOMING 3 YEAR-OLDS, THE PROGRAM DOES NOT END UNTIL MAY WHEN POST-TESTS WILL BE ADMINISTERED TO MEASURE GAINS IN LANGUAGE AND LITERACY SKILLS OF THE CHILDREN.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
THE TREASURER REVIEWS THE FORM 990 IN DETAIL. HE THEN PRESENTS IT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR ITS IN-DEPTH REVIEW. IT IS THEN REVIEWED BY THE COMMISSION (BOARD) BEFORE IT IS FILED WITH THE IRS.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF IMMEDIATELY DISCLOSE ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST THAT ARISE. FIRST STEPS HAS A FORM, ACCOMPANIED BY A COPY OF THE POLICY, WHICH IS SIGNED BY EACH DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE/STAFF TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PERSON HAS: A. RECEIVED A COPY OF THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY; B. READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE POLICY; C. AGREED TO COMPLY WITH THE POLICY, AND; D. UNDERSTANDS THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS CHARITABLE AND IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION IT MUST ENGAGE PRIMARILY IN ACTIVITIES WHICH ACCOMPLISH ONE OR MORE OF ITS TAX-EXEMPT PURPOSES. EMPLOYEES AND COMMISSION MEMBERS ARE COVERED UNDER THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND COMMISSION CO-CHAIR ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE POLICY BY NAME WITH CONTACT INFORMATION IN CASE SOMEONE WANTS TO DISCUSS A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ARE REVIEWED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHO MAY CONSULT THE EMPLOYEE'S MANAGER(OR ANOTHER MANAGER) IN THE PROCESS. RESTRICTIONS ARE IMPOSED ON PERSONS WITH A CONFLICT. FOR EXAMPLE, AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS RELATED TO A VENDOR CANNOT REQUEST A BID, MAKE THE DECISION TO GO WITH THE VENDOR, OR BE INVOLVED IN ANY WAY WITH PAYMENT TO THE VENDOR. COMMISSION MEMBERS MUST ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON ANY ITEM WITH WHICH THEY HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (COMMISSION) DETERMINES THE COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. NONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ARE EMPLOYEES OF FIRST STEPS KENT. COMPARABLE DATA FROM OTHER SIMILARLY SIZED AND SITUATED LOCAL OR REGIONAL NONPROFITS IS GATHERED AND ANALYZED. THIS INFORMATION, ALONG WITH THE RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, IS USED TO DETERMINE THE PRESIDENT/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION. THERE ARE NO OTHER OFFICERS OR KEY EMPLOYEES IN OUR ORGANIZATION.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
OUR AUDIT AND FORM 990 ARE ON OUR WEBSITE AT HTTP://FIRSTSTEPSKENT.ORG/ NEWS-INFORMATION/FINANCIAL-DOCUMENTS. OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.