KERN ATHLETIC FENCING FOUNDATION INC
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
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
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
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
United States Fencing 2023
External reviews

Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber 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
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
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
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
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
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
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.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
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
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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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
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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
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don’t have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- 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.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild 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 directorsas of 07/06/2023
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
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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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
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
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.
Equity strategies
Last updated: 06/19/2023GuideStar 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
- 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.
- 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.