Brookline Community Foundation Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

Bcf's programmatic activity includes four key initiatives. All of these programmatic initiatives and philanthropic services drive towards bcf's strategic objectives.- bcf grantmaking - our core grantmaking programs that fund brookline's nonprofits, community groups and efforts that aim to eliminate barriers to opportunity and equity and expand access for vulnerable populations. Through this effort, bcf awards grants in various programs including the community grant program, safety net grant program, youth development grant program, b. Great grant program and scholarships to brookline high school students. Bcf also makes grants through certain funds established by community members to benefit brookline.- understanding brookline - a research initiative that published a new report and a dynamic community database providing insights into the trends shaping brookline. For the first time, real-time brookline-specific data on health, wellness, economic opportunity, education, and more will be available for community use. The data and analysis can be leveraged to drive collaborative planning, priority-setting and action for bcf and others in brookline. This exciting project was celebrated at an in-person launch in november 2023.- community partnerships - we use insights gained through research to drive shared community conversations and engage community members in collaborative solution-building. Through community engagement efforts we learn firsthand where community members see opportunities for meaningful change and where we can make transformative investments in brookline. And through new initiatives and partnerships, we're bringing deeper insights and new ideas to address our shared challenges together.- philanthropic leadership - bcf partners with donors to identify opportunities for meaningful community investment that supports a thriving brookline today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. We work side-by-side with donors, sponsor site visits as well as donor programs to illustrate the impact of their giving to bcf. We help donors realize their unique philanthropic visions, establish and manage funds that provide crucial support to local organizations, and ensure their giving has the greatest possible impact in brookline. Donors are able to make legacy gifts to help ensure the future of brookline.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 83.1%; rating input score 83
• Program expense ratio: 73.4%; rating input score 73
• Fundraising efficiency: $4.97 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 17; 17th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 94.4%; rating input score 94; 24th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 1 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 17
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 97.6%; rating input score 98; 33rd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -3.9%; rating input score 22; 22nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 6.5; rating input score 87; 87th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.05; rating input score 71; 71st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 13.2%; rating input score 22; 22nd percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 7% per year; rating input score 100; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 7.7% per year; rating input score 100; 58th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7.4% per year; rating input score 100; 47th percentile among comparable filings