Space on the Farminc

What it reported doing in 2024

Space on the farm, inc. ("space") was founded in 2010 with the mission to create an environment singular in its ability to invigorate artists and innovators and their work, and contribute to the sustainability and resourceful preservation of ryder farm, one of the oldest family-run organic farms on the east coast. In 2019, space expanded its activities to include operating the agricultural farming programs of ryder farm, and restated its purposes as follows: to facilitate retreats and workshops for artists, and other innovators on the grounds of New York's ryder farm; to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor and develop the creative endeavors and abilities of those in the artistic, activist, farming, and food communities; to promote social intercourse amongst the artistic, activist, farming and food communities and other members of the general public regarding the importance of a "green or environmentally conscious society, a sustainable food system, and the relationship between the arts, social activism, and agriculture; to educate the artistic and activist communities and the general public on organic and sustainable farming practices and food justice issues; and to provide affordable fresh organic produce to local underserved communities. In 2020, in response to the covid-19 pandemic space temporarily expanded its activities to include offering online resources and direct grants to its artist community to provide skills and resources at a time of crisis. Beginning in 2021, space reopened its residency program, but at a smaller scale and with multiple safety measures in place for both the residents and staff. In 2022 space continued with residencies at a smaller scale and did not open a csa program to allow for continued safety protocols for covid-19. In 2023 space finished fulfilling its obligations to residents who had been selected for residency programs before the pandemic began and opened a robust farmstand for community members to purchase produce. As the future unfolds, space plans to continue its support of artists and innovators, while also finding new and exciting ways to provide fresh vegetables to the local community. In 2024, space made the difficult but financially necessary decision to cease its current operations and place the organization into a hiatus. Announced in may of 2024, space fulfilled a portion of its artistic residencies for the year and continued farming activities through august of 2024. Space's farm lease was terminated effective june 30, 2024, however space was permitted to continue using the premises and equipment through august 31, 2024.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 72.3%; rating input score 72
• Program expense ratio: 52.2%; rating input score 52
• Fundraising efficiency: $2.6 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 12; 12th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• 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 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • 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: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -29.3%; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.04; rating input score 3; 3rd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.86; rating input score 6; 6th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 26.1%; rating input score 14; 14th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8% per year; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.5% per year; rating input score 100; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 10.8% per year; rating input score 100; 68th percentile among comparable filings