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. Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCAT FOUNDATION INC D/B/A BRIGHT MINDS
Employer identification number
20-4840080
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 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 monetary support
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
90,848
57,405
69,217
139,554
112,922
469,946
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
90,848
57,405
69,217
139,554
112,922
469,946
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)..
88,705
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
381,241
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
90,848
57,405
69,217
139,554
112,922
469,946
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
187
192
201
161
99
840
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
470,786
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
99
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 2013 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
80.980 %
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
99.740 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2013.
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—2012.
If the organization did not check a 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—2013.
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—2012.
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) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(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 2013 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2013 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2013.
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—2012.
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) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and 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) 2013
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.
Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCAT FOUNDATION INC D/B/A BRIGHT MINDS
Employer identification number
20-4840080
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
TAKEN FROM HCPSS PROFILE AT HTTP://WWW.HCPSS.ORG/ABOUTUS/PROFILE.PDF). ACCORDINGLY, THE BRIGHT MINDS FOUNDATION IS POSITIONED TO HELP FILL THE GAPS TO PROVIDE HELP NEEDED BY SOME OF THESE STUDENTS THAT CANNOT BE FULLY ADDRESSED BY THE SCHOOL BUDGET. PROGRAMS 1.BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: HCPSS HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN HOWARD COUNTY WHOSE FAMILIES ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE HOME TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT. THESE FAMILIES EXPERIENCE GREAT DIFFICULTY IN EVERY SPHERE OF LIFE DUE TO THIS DISCONNECT. BY PROVIDING REFURBISHED LAPTOPS, NEW PRINTERS, AND FLASHDRIVES, WE HAVE ENABLED THE STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO COMPETE ON A MORE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. WE HAVE PLACED 650 COMPUTERS IN HOMES TO DATE, AND DUE TO THE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS IN EACH HOME, PLUS EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS WHO CAN USE THE EQUIPMENT, WE BELIEVE WE HAVE CHANGED THE LIVES OF AT LEAST 2600 PEOPLE. STUDENTS NOW CAN DO THEIR HOMEWORK AT THEIR OWN PACE FROM HOME, AND BECAUSE WE ARE GIVING LAPTOPS THAT HAVE WI-FI CAPABILITY, THEY CAN ACCESS THE INTERNET FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS, EVEN IF THEY DON'T HAVE IT AT HOME. THIS EQUIPMENT ALSO ALLOWS PARENTS TO CONNECT TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO OVERSEE THE STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE, VIA THE FAMILY PORTALS, AND CHECK HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, ACTIVITIES, ETC, WHICH WAS UNAVAILABLE TO THEM BEFORE. WE ALSO REFER FAMILIES TO COMCAST TO QUALIFY FOR INEXPENSIVE BROADBAND, AND PROVIDE TRAINING ON PARENTAL SECURITY ISSUES, AS WELL AS ONLINE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LIBRARY. TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH MANY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND HAVE RECEIVED GRANTS AND FUNDING FROM THE COMMUNITY. 2.STAFF AND TEACHERS' GRANT PROGRAM: WHILE THE HCPSS IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST PERFORMING SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE STATE, AND ENJOYS A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF COUNTY DOLLARS TO MEET ITS MANDATE, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN THE COUNTY, SUCH AS AN INFLUX OF FAMILIES WHO DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH AS WELL AS AN INCREASE IN FAMILIES IN POVERTY WHO ARE ENTITLED TO FREE AND REDUCED MEALS (FARMS), AS A RESULT OF THE UNSTABLE ECONOMY. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN HIGH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, MORE RESOURCES ARE NEEDED TO MANAGE THESE GROWING CHANGES AND NEEDS. IT IS CLEAR THAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT BECOMES MORE NECESSARY TO HELP PROVIDE NECESSARY ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE FALL BY THE WAYSIDE. RECOGNIZING THAT THERE ARE MANY OUTSTANDING IDEAS THAT STAFF AND TEACHERS CREATE TO PROVIDE ENRICHMENT THAT OFTEN MUST BE SCRAPPED AS THEY'RE OUTSIDE THE BUDGET, BRIGHT MINDS OFFERS A YEARLY OPPORTUNITY FOR STAFF AND TEACHERS TO QUALIFY FOR GRANTS IN THE AMOUNT OF 500 TO 2000 THAT CAN BE USED TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH GREATER OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW. WE DEFINE CATEGORIES USING THE 21ST CENTURY COMPETENCIES CURRICULUM, AND ALSO STATE THAT THE PROJECT MUST BE DESIGNED TO MEET OUR MISSION OF EQUITY AND EQUALITY FIRST. IT IS A FACT THAT STUDENTS WHO MAY NEED ENRICHMENT THE MOST OFTEN HAVE THE LEAST OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE IT, SO WE ARE PROUD TO SOLICIT AND DIRECT PRIVATE FUNDS TO SUPPORT THESE OPPORTUNITIES. IN THE PAST, WE HAVE GRANTED FUNDS TO SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST FARMS PERCENTAGES TO PURCHASE LEGO ROBOTIC EQUIPMENT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TO HELP MOTIVATE THEM TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY CAREERS. ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS A SCHOOL WHOSE STUDENTS REPRESENTED A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE OF MINORITY GROUPS, WHICH WAS AWARDED FUNDS TO PURCHASE WEATHER PROBES TO AGAIN HELP DIRECT THESE STUDENTS TO TECHNOLOGY CAREERS BY INTRODUCING THEM TO THESE CONCEPTS AND THE PROPER EQUIPMENT. WE CAN CITE SUPPORT FOR 47 PROJECTS REPRESENTING 82,000 INVESTMENT SINCE THE PROGRAM'S INCEPTION. 3. FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING: AS WE SEEK FUNDING FOR OUR PROGRAMS, WE HAVE ATTRACTED SPONSORS WHO HAVE PROVIDED RESOURCES TO HELP US INCLUDE OTHER IMPORTANT TOPICS IN OUR WORKSHOPS AND FOR OUR STAFF AND TEACHER GRANTS. ONE SUCH EXAMPLE IS THE COLLABORATION WE HAVE ESTABLISHED WITH CAPITAL ONE BANK, WHICH HAS SUPPORTED OUR PROGRAMS OVER THE YEARS WITH MANY THOUSANDS OF GRANT DOLLARS. IN ADDITION, THEY HAVE SENT NUMBERS OF VOLUNTEERS TO ATTEND OUR LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS WORKSHOPS TO PROVIDE AN HOUR LONG FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING COMPONENT. IT IS OUR POLICY TO HOLD MANDATORY WORKSHOPS FOR A PARENT AND STUDENT TO ATTEND WHEN RECEIVING A COMPUTER FROM US, TO LEARN HOW TO USE THE EQUIPMENT AND HOW TO SET IT UP AT HOME, AND ALSO TO ENSURE THAT THE PARENT IS ENGAGED AND RECEIVES TRAINING AS WELL. IT IS AT THIS MANDATORY WORKSHOP THAT WE OFFER A COURSE IN FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING, PERFORMED BY LOCAL CAPITAL ONE BRANCH BANK MANAGERS AS VOLUNTEERS. THE COURSE IS ALWAYS VERY WELL RECEIVED, AND AT THE END, EACH MANAGER TAKES TIME TO MEET THE FAMILIES INDIVIDUALLY AND INFORMALLY TO INVITE THEM TO VISIT THE LOCAL BANKS FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. WE FIND THAT THESE FUN AND NONTHREATENING ENCOUNTERS WITH BANK EMPLOYEES SET A VERY HELPFUL TONE FOR FAMILIES THAT MAY OTHERWISE FEEL INTIMIDATED TO VISIT A LOCAL BANK. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THIS PARTNERSHIP AND WE WORK CLOSELY WITH CAPITAL ONE BANK TO DETERMINE OTHER AREAS OF INVOLVEMENT FOR THEM, SUCH AS INTRODUCING THEM TO THE FINANCE ACADEMY AT THE ARL AND HELPING THEM TO BECOME PART OF THE ADVISORY BOARD. 4.STRATEGIC GOAL REVIEW AND EXPANSION: WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE SCHOOL, WE ARE FINDING NEW WAYS TO HELP THEM MEET THEIR 2018 VISION TO CLOSE ACHIEVEMENT GAPS BY TARGETING STUDENTS FROM DISADVANTAGED HOMES TO FILL NEEDS LIKE TRANSPORTATION. THE LACK OF TRANSPORTATION IS OFTEN A BARRIER THAT IMPACTS THEIR ABILITY TO ACCESS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS, OR ACTIVITIES THAT ARE OUTSIDE OF THEIR HOME TERRITORY. WE ARE CONSIDERING WAYS TO COLLABORATE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THESE STUDENTS AND ARE OPEN TO OTHER EMERGING NEEDS THAT MAY BE DEFINED IN THE FUTURE.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
THE 990 IS PRESENTED TO THE OFFICERS FOR APPROVAL AND SIGNED BY THE BOARD CHAIR
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
THE ORGANIZATION EDUCATES THE BOARD ON THE DEFINITION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. ALL BOARD MEMBERS SIGN AN AFFIDAVIT THAT THEY WILL DISCLOSE ALL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION IS REVIEWED BY THE BOARD AND OFFICERS ANNUALLY BEFORE RENEWAL OF THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B
COMPENSATION OF THE KEY EMPLOYESS IS REVIEWED BY THE BOARD AND OFFICERS ANNUALLY BEFORE RENEWAL OF THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
NO DOCUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.