WHAT IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?

KOCO is a not-for-profit organization where our surplus income is put back into the company to support our goal of providing quality child care.

 

A not-for-profit does not have owners. Rather, it operates under the auspices of a volunteer Board of Directors.

 

Any profits realized uphold the ideal that KOCO values all children and excels in helping each child realize their full potential. 

 

FUNDING & SUPPORT

 

Tuition

KOCO’s main source of revenue is tuition payments. These payments support the day-to-day operations of the center and compensate the staff.

 

Fundraising

In order to enhance the programs and improve the facility, KOCO relies upon additional means of revenue, including fundraising. Monthly movie nights and child themed lunches are just a couple of ways KOCO raises funds. Purchasing books through Scholastic enables KOCO to earn points to keep our library stocked with quality literature. Sometimes funds raised are earmarked for specific items such as technology upgrades or playground structures.

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Community Foundation of Middlesex County

KOCO is proud to have received several competitive grants from CFMC, which enabled us to purchase a die-cutting system, pay for a visit by the Connecticut Storytelling Center, purchase a set of STEAM kits that supported literacy, and subsidize our Brightwheel app. Pictured on this page is a Buddy Bench gifted to KOCO by CFMC.

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Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County. Its mission is to work with charitably-minded individuals and organizations to build permanent endowments and other charitable funds and to support local non-profit organizations through effective grant making to address community needs. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has provided 1,564 grants totaling more than $4.7 million to nonprofit organizations for the arts; curlutral and heritage programs; educational activities; environmental improvements; and for health and human services.

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CT Dept of Agriculture CT Grown for CT Kids Grant

In 2024, KOCO received secured a $50,000 grant for our Farm-to-School program, thanks to the FY 24 CT GROWN FOR CT KIDS GRANT program. Eric Francis, CEO of Trifecta Ecosystems, Inc., has been pivotal in guiding us through the grant process, aligning with our vision for sustainable agriculture. The anticipation among KOCO staff and Board of Directors is palpable as we prepare to launch this exciting project this spring. Our educators and caregivers are eager to create a dynamic outdoor learning environment with fruit and vegetable beds, enriching our students' educational journey and fostering community ties.

 

The children's excitement is contagious as they eagerly await the chance to delve into the world of gardening. For many, this will be their first hands-on experience, and we're thrilled to provide them with such a valuable learning opportunity. 

Through this initiative, we aim to instill in our young learners a lifelong love for healthy eating and sustainable living. By nurturing their curiosity and connection to nature, we hope to empower them to make informed choices and lead healthier lives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Eric Francis and Trifecta Ecosystems, Inc., for their invaluable support. With the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our Board of Directors, and the excitement of our students, we're confident that the KOCO Childcare Center Farm-to-School program will be a resounding success.

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Donations and End-of-Year Giving

Does your company offers a plan for you to donate to your favorite charity?. As a 501(C)(3), KOCO is qualified to accept these types of donations. The United Way offers a yearly giving campaign that many companies participate in. Our United Way ID is AG0550. Our tax ID is 06-1239860.  

 

Volunteering

Do you have a particular skill you could offer? Painting, putting together large toys, volunteering at an event are all opportunities to help KOCO. Consider KOCO during the holidays, as all donations are tax deductible. 

 

Amazon Smile

Instead of shopping at amazon.com, consider shopping at smile.amazon.com, which will passively divert a percentage of all your future purchases (0.5%) to KOCO, a not-for-profit corporation. Search "Kids of Chatham Organization, Inc." from he smile.amazon.com landing page.