PLATINUM2023

KERN ATHLETIC FENCING FOUNDATION INC

Bakersfield, CA   |  www.kernaff.org

Mission

The mission of the Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation, Inc. is to implement the “Smart Fencing for Kern County" program which supports at-risk students; by improving their academic, social, and physical well-being through individual sport participation, health education, and academic tutoring. The Smart Fencing program is erected on two pillars of discipline: physical training and academic tutoring. Participating students will receive free group fencing lessons and tutoring as long as they maintain satisfactory progress in their academic subjects and conduct. Using fencing as a "magnet" (kids like playing with swords), a requisite for participation by children will be improved academic performance.

Ruling year info

2012

Principal Officer

Lucas Dobrzanski

Main address

10717 Loughton Ave

Bakersfield, CA 93311 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

45-3586412

NTEE code info

Boys and Girls Clubs (Combined) (O23)

Recreational and Sporting Camps (Day, Overnight, etc.) (N20)

Youth Centers, Clubs, (includes Boys/Girls Clubs)- Multipurpose (O20)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

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Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

At risk youth and people with physical and mental challenges need physical and challenging activities to improve their self image and be able to enjoy life. KAFF uses the sport of fencing and wheelchair fencing to allow those in need to participate in an activity that provides both physical and mental development and great enjoyment

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Smart fencing for kern county

Fencing training as a reward for participation in tutoring and improved academics

Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Adults

Where we work

Affiliations & memberships

United States Fencing 2023

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of youth who demonstrate that they have developed skills and attitudes to make physical activity a habit

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

Smart fencing for kern county

Type of Metric

Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

COVID19 limited the number of participants in our program. We are allowed only 9 children per session at our studio and all on campus school activities have been cancelled

Number of new organizations signing on as collaborators

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adults, Adolescents

Related Program

Smart fencing for kern county

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Most school programs have been cancelled by COVID regulations. One adult program for disabled individuals is on hold

Number of children with disabilities participating in fencing

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Health

Related Program

Smart fencing for kern county

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

COVID19 reduced the number of participants from this high risk group

Our Sustainable Development Goals

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

The Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation is a private, non-profit, youth sport and academic program, that uses the sport of fencing as a reward for improved academic performance of children. Established in October 2011, and launching its first program of tutoring and fencing in early 2012, It has successfully conducted numerous sessions in local schools and organizations over the last four years.

A focal point of the mission of Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation is whole child development and resiliency building, while helping children to have more physical activity, improve their academic skills, and learn a sport that promotes good habits, such as respect, courtesy, and attention to mental conditioning and critical thinking.

The program has participants from Standard and Bakersfield City School Districts, Girl and Boy Scouts, Weill Child Guidance Clinic, and private individuals that have academic needs of sport activities which they can not afford. Recently we have expanded our program to include the League of Dreams and Independence through Grace participants. Both organizations serve children and adults with disabilities

As we expand our project to more schools and to organizations serving children and adults with disabilities, additional funds are needed to cover costs of coaches, tutors, and additional equipment needed to outfit more kids as they practice the sport and receive academic help.
It is our plan for the school year of 2022-2023 to serve 150 children
We have added a para fencing program to help people with physical challenges to enjoy a sport and activity to improve their health and well being

We have a head coach who is training and developing assistant coaches so we can satisfy the increased demand for our project. Also, we have a large number of volunteers that provide both fencing instruction and academic tutoring. We also own a large number of fencing equipment enough to provide this service at our current level of participation. Also, a very favorable rental arrangement for the fencing studio allows us to continue growing without a larger expense for a place to conduct our classes.

Since our start in 2012 we have expanded the program of fencing practice as a reward for participation in academic tutoring. During the 2022-2023 school year we have reached over 120 participants in the program. Our goal for participation in the following school year is to get more than 150 children in our program. Most of them would never have an opportunity to participate in organized individual sports due primarily to their lack of financial means or other socioeconomically deficiencies.

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We shared information about our current feedback practices.
  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

    To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

    We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We act on the feedback we receive

  • What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

    We don’t have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently

Financials

KERN ATHLETIC FENCING FOUNDATION INC
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

KERN ATHLETIC FENCING FOUNDATION INC

Board of directors
as of 07/06/2023
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Lucas Dobrzanski

Ian Silva

KCSD, lieutenant

Jeff Flores

KCHSD trustee

Linda Sullenger

boys and girls club

Liz Smith

fencing mom

Patrick Hayes

Consultant

Buel Boaz

Retired Kern Co

Lucas Dobrzanski

Retired ChE

Mark Payette

CPA

Shane Brayan

Financial planner

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Not applicable
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 6/20/2023

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity
White/Caucasian/European
Gender identity
Male, Not transgender (cisgender)
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual or straight
Disability status
Person without a disability

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

 

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.

Equity strategies

Last updated: 06/19/2023

GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more

Data
  • We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
  • We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
Policies and processes
  • We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
  • We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
  • We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.