California Emerging Technology Fund

What it reported doing in 2024

CETF completed the development of the CETF Digital Equity Ecosystem as a major asset: integrated to optimize impact of each component, driven by Direct Notification; achieved the most cost-effective system of services operating at scale statewide; and recognized by partners as a valuable asset with increasing references in partner proposals. The CETF Digital Equity Ecosystem is operated as a seamless continuum of supports for CBOs so they can focus on outreach and delivery of services in-language and in-culture to reach the most low-income households. The following are the CETF assets and resources to support the Digital Equity Ecosystem:- Working Relationships Statewide with Spectrum of Community, Public, and Private Partners- Operations at Scale for Cost-Effective Implementation and Grant Management- Ability to Partner with New CBOs as Additional Trusted Messengers to Build Local Capacity- Understanding and Experience in Planning and Managing Direct Notification- Tool Kit and Templates for Affordable Internet Service Offers in Multiple Languages- Get Connected Call Center with Ability to Accommodate Multiple Communications Channels- Curricula to Train Digital Navigators and Coach to Success- Digital Literacy Training Curricula and Facilitator Guides (UNESCO Framework 6 Elements)- Digital Literacy Skills Proficiency Self-Assessment for Common Metrics- Online Learning Platform with Curriculum Content and Self-Assessment Process- Experience in Organizing and Supporting In-Person Enrollment Events Statewide- Knowledge in Public Awareness Advertising in Community and Ethnic Media Channels- Established Strategies to Generate Revenue Streams for Computing Devices- Data Analysis to Benchmark Costs and Project Possible Impacts- Deep Experience in Integrating and Managing All Components of Digital Equity Ecosystem Enrolled 13,709 low-income Unconnected Households in affordable Internet service: (1) 12,239 Low-income Households statewide through a California Public Utilities Commission (CASF) California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Call Center Grant; (2) 220 Low-Income Households in 5 AB617 Communities (West Oakland, East Oakland, Richmond, South Sacramento, Stockton) through a CPUC CASF Grant for 5 AB617 Communities; and (3) 1,250 Low-income Households through the Riverside County Partnership. Delivered Digital Literacy Training to 750 Low-Income Households: (1) 600 Low-Income Households in 3 Regions (Pacific Coast, Southeast Los Angeles County, and Riverside County) supported by CPUC CASF Grants; (2) 100 Low-Income Households in Silicon Valley and Central Coast supported by an AT&T Foundation Grant; and (3) 50 Low-Income Households in Silicon Valley supported by Kaiser Permanente Foundation.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 94.9%; rating input score 95
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 93.3%; rating input score 93; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 2 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 33
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • 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: 99.9%; rating input score 100; 41st percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 83.3%; rating input score 83; 16th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 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: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -165.1%; rating input score 0; 0th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.16; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.02; rating input score 81; 81st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 17.2%; rating input score 15; 15th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 7.7% per year; rating input score 100; 54th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -0.1% per year; rating input score 0; 11th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -0.2% per year; rating input score 0; 12th percentile among comparable filings