Friends of Crown Heights

What it reported doing in 2024

New York city compass & sonyc after-school programs under contract with the nyc department of youth and community development (nyc dycd), foch delivers high-impact afterschool programming for school- age youth through three elementary (compass) and two middle school (sonyc) programs, serving a combined total of 524 students in a mixture of school- based and center-based settings. These programs currently reach 200 elementary-aged youth (ages 512) and 324 middle school participants (ages 1213), providing critical academic support, enrichment, and youth development opportunities during their out-of-school hours. Our compass/sonyc portfolio was notably expanded in fy 2025 by the acquisition of a new contract to serve as many as 230 students at the brooklyn ascend middle school in brownsville, brooklyn. At the elementary level, compass programs strengthen foundational academic skills through daily homework assistance while also engaging students in structured enrichment activities that promote creativity, confidence, and social-emotional growth. At the middle school level, sonyc programs empower youth by offering choice-driven programming that fosters independence, leadership, and personal responsibility. Participants actively explore their individual interests in sports, visual and performing arts, civic engagement, and community servicebuilding skills that prepare them for long-term success. Across both compass and sonyc programs, foch implements a dynamic steam- based curriculum that immerses students in hands-on, experiential learning. Through activities such as robotics, violin instruction, creative writing, computer coding, website design, and visual arts, participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper engagement with learning that extends beyond the classroom. New York state leaps after-school programs under contract with the nyc ocfs, foch operates three (3) New York state learning and enrichment afterschool program supports (leaps) programs, serving a combined student population of approximately 320 middle school participants at ms 394, empower charter school, and explore charter school in brooklyn. These after-school contracts were awarded in fy 2025 pursuant to a highly competitive rfp issued by ocfs, and provide for a safe, structured, and culturally responsive environment in which youth are supported academically and enriched creatively each day. Leaps participants transition seamlessly from the school day into afterschool programming, where they receive nutritious snacks, participate in daily check-ins that promote emotional well-being, and engage in focused homework completion. Beyond academics, students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to stimulate curiosity and foster holistic development. Activities include culinary arts, stem exploration, clay sculpting, music and dance programming. Together, these experiences cultivate creativity, encourage healthy lifestyles, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Through its compass, sonyc, and leaps programs, foch is not only supporting academic achievement but also creating pathways for youth to thrive socially, emotionally, and creativelyensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 92.4%; rating input score 92
• Program expense ratio: 94.3%; rating input score 94
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 2 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 33
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• 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; 77th 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: 2%; rating input score 43; 43rd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.8; rating input score 31; 31st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.69; rating input score 23; 23rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 2.4%; rating input score 47; 47th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8.5% per year; rating input score 100; 67th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 8.7% per year; rating input score 100; 71st percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 17.5% per year; rating input score 100; 90th percentile among comparable filings