2026-01-22T15:23:47-06:00 2025-05-31 HORSEY BUCKNER & HEFFLER LLP 4548 MARKET ST STE 219 PHILADELPHIA PA 19139 990 2024-06-01 232137461 Children First PA % DONNA COOPER CHIL 2155635848 990 Spring Garden St Ste 600 Philadelphia PA 19123 Donna Cooper Executive Director 2155635848 2026-01-21 true true MICHAEL G HORSEY CPA P01045518 2675708550 2026-01-21 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z Donna Cooper 990 Spring Garden St Ste 600 Philadelphia PA 19123 6265196 false X www.childrenfirstpa.org X 1980 PA SUMMARY 26 26 31 350 0 4392661 6176806 0 0 103651 88390 0 0 4496312 6265196 0 0 0 0 2783950 3118599 0 0 453575 2442108 2735665 5226058 5854264 -729746 410932 7138357 7750198 470345 392415 6668012 7357783 SEE SCHEDULE O false false 5023892 6176806 SEE SCHEDULE O 5023892 true true false true false false false false false false true false false true true false true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false X 12 0 true 31 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false false false X 26 26 false false false false false false true true true false false true true true true true true true true false PA X X X DONNA COOPER 2155635848 990 SPRING GARDEN STREET 2ND FLR Philadelphia PA 19123 DONNA COOPER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 40.0 0.0 X 164677 0 0 RENEE HUGHES Board Member 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 PHIL JAURIQUE Board Member 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 KEN KLOTHEN Board Member 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 ANN ROSEWATER Board Member 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 DARREN SMITH Board Member 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 DIEGO MATAMOROS BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 STACI SCOTT BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 JOHN TAYLOR BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 SAUMYA AYYAGARI BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 PHIL FITZGERALD BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 MARSHA GERDES BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 LISA PANEPINTO BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 SHAVON SAVAGE BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 H LYNN STARR BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 JOHN SUMMERS BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 MATT DORNEY BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 JACQUELINE GRIFFITH BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 JOANNE MCFALL BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 ROSA PARKS-GREEN BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 DAVID HACKETT BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 MELANIE HIDALGO-BRITT BOARD MEMBER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 ESTELLE RICHMAN Vice President 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 JAVIER SUAREZ PRESIDENT 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 LINDSAY ALBRIGHT VICE PRESIDENT 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 IRA GOLDSTEIN TREASURER 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 LATI SPENCE SECRETARY 0.5 0.0 X 0 0 0 164677 0 0 1 false true false CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT LAB 275 W 27TH STREET EUGENE OR 97405 MANAGMENT SERVICES 0 1435246 335185 4406375 6650 6176806 0 88390 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6265196 0 0 0 0 0 0 2588525 2226131 181197 181197 0 333203 286555 23324 23324 196871 169309 13781 13781 0 0 29020 24958 2031 2031 0 0 0 0 10303 8859 722 722 115797 99585 8106 8106 0 0 123911 106564 8673 8674 48454 41672 3391 3391 0 39474 33946 2764 2764 0 0 8493 7303 595 595 10236 8804 716 716 OUTSIDE SERVICES 1671661 1437628 117017 117016 EQUIPMENT RENTAL 28401 24426 1988 1987 SPECIAL PROJECTS 322871 322871 TECHNOLOGY/TELEPHONE 94899 81613 6643 6643 232145 143668 5849 82628 5854264 5023892 376797 453575 2644254 1703522 0 0 1766761 2373126 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 51865 33142 24471 18723 1759151 2743782 0 0 0 0 0 0 943720 911045 7138357 7750198 130520 174688 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 339825 217727 470345 392415 X 2561193 4454589 4106819 2903194 6668012 7357783 7138357 7750198 410932 278839 X false true true false X 3390432 4489316 5888195 4392661 6176806 24337410 0 0 3390432 4489316 5888195 4392661 6176806 24337410 0 24337410 26299 32792 70595 103651 88390 321727 0 0 24659137 0.98695 0.98771 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED true true false true 5000 false false true 95000 true 11405 false 111405 false 0 SCHEDULE C, PARTIV ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A. CHILDREN FIRST BOARD MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT STATE LEGISLATORS, CITY AND COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE GOVERNOR TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON LEGISLATION IMPACTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. HOWEVER THIS ACTIVITY DOES NOT MATERIALLY IMPACT OUR LOBBYING EFFORTS. B. STAFF MEMBERS DIRECTLY COMMUNICATED WITH LEGISLATORS ABOUT LEGISLATION IMPACTING CHILDREN. THESE DISCUSSIONS ACCOUNT FOR LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THE TOTAL STAFF TIME. C. N/A D. CHILDREN FIRST EMAILED A LIST OF 13,000 SUPPORTERS, TWICE A MONTH TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORTERS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON LEGISLATION IMPACTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. ALL OF THE NAMES ON THESE EMAIL LISTS ARE VOLUNTEERS WHO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR ALERTS. NO FUNDS WERE SPENT TO BUILD THIS LIST. $5000 OF STAFF TIME IS SPENT IN THE PREPARATION OF THESE EMAILS. E. N/A F. N/A G. CHILDREN FIRST CONTRACTS WITH A GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FIRM TO REGULARLY CONTACT STATE LEGISLATORS, CITY AND COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE GOVERNOR TO EDUCATE THEM ON ISSUES IMPACTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. ADDITIONALLY, STAFF DIRECTLY LOBBY POLICYMAKERS. H. CHILDREN FIRST HOLD RALLIES AND PUBLIC EVENTS TO SPEAK OUT ON ISSUES IMPACTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. 51865 33142 18723 18723 PLEDGES RECEIVABLE NET OF CURR 100000 OPERATING LEASE RIGHT OF USE 40932 DEPOSITS 13712 CONTRACTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLE 756401 911045 0 ACCRUED SALARIES AND VACATION 127649 CURRENT PORTION OF OPERATING L 90078 217727 6265196 6265196 6265196 5854264 5854264 5854264 Part X- FIN 48 FOOTNOTE THE ORGANIZATION IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501 (c)(3) AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW. THE ACCOUTING STANDARD ON ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES ADDRESSES THE DETERMINATION OF WETHER TAX BENEFITS CLAIMED OR EXPECTED TO BE CLAIMED ON A TAX RETURN SHOULD BE RECORDED IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. IF THE ORGANIZATION WERE TO INCUR ANY INCOME TAX LIABILITY IN THE FUTURE, INTEREST ON ANY INCOME TAX LIABILITY WOULD BE REPORTED AS INTEREST EXPENSE, AND PENALTIES ON ANY INCOME TAX WOULD BE REPORTED AS INCOME TAXES. THERE ARE NO UNREGONIZED TAX BENEFITS IDENTIFIED OR RECORDED AS INCOME TAXES. THERE ARE NO UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS IDENTIFIED OR RECORDED AS LIABILITIES AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31, 2025 AND 2024. THE ORGANIZATION'S FORMS 990 ARE SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, GENERALLY FOR THREE YEARS AFTER THEY ARE FILED. SPECIAL EVENT 335185 335185 76779 0 335185 335185 76779 76779 258406 X false false false DONNA COOPER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 160000 4677 164677 Form 990 - ORGANIZATIONS MISSION OR SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES CHILDREN FIRST IS THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA REGION'S LEADING CHILD ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION. ITS MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LOW-INCOME CHILDREN AND CHILDREN OF COLOR BY ANALYZING THE OBSTACLES TO OPPORTUNITY, PROPOSING SOUND SOLUTIONS THAT IMPROVE LIFE OUTCOMES, AND WORKING WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO PUT SOLUTIONS IN PLACE. CHILDREN FIRST FOCUSES ON THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD BY DOCUMENTING THE UNMET NEEDS OF CHILDREN OF COLOR AND LOW-INCOME CHILDREN, PROFFERING SOUND SOLUTIONS THAT ADDRESS RACIAL INEQUITIES AND PRODUCE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL CHILDREN AND BUILDING PUBLIC SUPPORT TO ENACT THESE SOLUTIONS. OUR WORK AFECTS A CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FROM THE MOMENT THEY ARE BORN TO ADULTHOOD. THE FOLLOWING ARE KEY AREAS WHERE CHILDREN FIRST IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN. FOLLOWING A COURT RULING DECLARING PENNSYLVANIA'S SCHOOL FUNDING SYSTEM UNCONSTITUTIONAL, CHILDREN FIRST STRATEGICALLY EXERTED THE NECESSARY PRESSURE TO PRODUCE BIPARTISAN CONSENSUS FOR A $1.7 BILLION INCREASE IN STATE FUNDING FOR LOW-WEALTH SCHOOLS ACROSS TWO BUDGET YEARS - THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN STATE HISTORY. THERE'S NO DISPUTING THAT THE EARLIEST YEARS OF LIFE PRESENT THE MOST PROMISE FOR NURTURING HEALTHY, VIBRANT MINDS. THAT'S WHY THE STATE DOLLARS FOR GREAT PRE-K PROGRAMS THAT HELP 67,000 CHILDREN THRIVE ARE SO IMPORTANT. CHILDREN FIRST MOBILIZED COALITIONS AND LED RESEARCH-BASED ADVOCACY TO SECURE $9.5 MILLION IN STATE FUNDS FOR PRE-K PROGRAMS, AND $25 MILLION IN BONUS PAYMENTS FOR CHILD CARE STAFF. TO RESPOND TO DRAMATICALLY RISING RATES OF MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS AMONG YOUTH, CHILDREN FIRST FORMED STRONG MINDS, BRIGHT FUTURES, A STATEWIDE COALITION OF 110+ ORGANIZATIONS IN 60+ COUNTIES, IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE, REMOVING BARRIERS, AND STRENGTHENING SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT CHILDREN'S WELL-BEING. TO THRIVE IN THE 21st CENTURY ECONOMY, CHILDREN FIRST ADVOCATED FOR INCREASED STATE FUNDING FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCAQTION, RESULTING IN A $30 MILLION BOOST, THE LARGEST IN 25 YEARS, EXPANDING REAL-WORLD LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. TO ENSURE PARENTS CAN CARE FOR NEWBORNS WITHOUT LOSING INCOME OR EMPLOYMENT CHILDREN FIRST LEADS ADVOCACY TO CREATE A PAID FAMILY LEAVE PROGRAM IN PENNSYLVANIA. THROUGH PARENT ORGANIZING, COMMUNICATIONS, COALITION BUILDING AND LEGISLATIVE ENGAGEMENT, CHILDREN FIRST ELEVATES FAMILY EXPERIENCES AND IS BUILDING PUBLIC WILL TO PASS PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE IN PENNSYLVANIA. VULNERABLE YOUTH AND JUVENILE JUSTICE: CHILDREN FIRST ADVOCATES TO TRANSFORM YOUTH-SERVING SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN RATHER THAN HARM THEM. OUR GOALS INCLUDE EXPANDING DIVERSION, REDUCING DETENTION, ELIMINATING DIRECT FILE, ENDING JUVENILE FINES AND FEES, AND IMPROVING RESIDENTIAL OVERSIGHT. THROUGH COALITION LEADERSHIP AND TARGETED ADVOCACY, CHILDREN FIRST DRIVES SYSTEMIC CHANGE TO PROTECT VULNERABLE YOUTH. THESE POLICY GAINS HAVE DIRECT, MEASURABLE IMPACT ON CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES. OVERALL, CHILDREN FIRST'S ADVOCACY HAS BEEN MATCHED MORE THAN 200:1 BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL INVESTMENTS IN SERVICES AND RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEMONSTRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY RETURN ON STRATEGIC PUBLIC POLICY WORK. FORM 990 - MISSION STATEMENT - PART III -1 CHILDREN FIRST IS THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA REGION'S LEADING CHILD ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION. ITS MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LOW-INCOME CHILDREN AND CHILDREN OF COLOR BY ANALYZING THE OBSTACLES TO OPPORTUNITY, PROPOSING SOUND SOLUTIONS THAT IMPROVE LIFE OUTCOMES, AND WORKING WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO PUT SOLUTIONS IN PLACE. CHILDREN FIRST FOCUSES ON THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD BY DOCUMENTING THE UNMET NEEDS OF CHILDREN OF COLOR AND LOW-INCOME CHILDREN, PROFFERING SOUND SOLUTIONS THAT ADDRESS RACIAL INEQUITIES AND PRODUCE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL CHILDREN AND BUILDING PUBLIC SUPPORT TO ENACT THESE SOLUTIONS. OUR WORK AFECTS A CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FROM THE MOMENT THEY ARE BORN TO ADULTHOOD. FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 11B ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS TO REVIEW FORM 990 THE 990 IS REVIEWED IN DRAFT FORM BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS. FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 12C -ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY IS REVIEWED AT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS. FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 15A - COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL THE BOARD REVIEWED SALARIES OF SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA WHEN DETERMINING COMPENSATION OF UPPER MANAGEMENT AND KEY EMPLOYEES FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 15B - COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR OFFICERS THE BOARD REVIEWED SALARIES OF SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA WHEN DETERMINING COMPENSATION OF UPPER MANAGEMENT AND KEY EMPLOYEES. FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 19 - GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION THE 990 IS REVIEWED IN DRAFT FORM BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BEFORE THE 990 IS FILED.