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Friends Of The Rivers Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 050608001 ✦ Fort wayne, IN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Friends Of The Rivers Inc?

Friends of the Rivers Inc., located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the city's rivers as sources of recreation, community engagement, and economic development. They began providing river cruises aboard a 54-foot canal boat modeled after an 1840s canal boat in 2017. The organization aims to enhance the community's appreciation, experience, and use of the rivers, offering both leisure and educational opportunities. In 2022, they reached an all-time high of over 5,700 river tours during their season, catering to various audiences, including schools and special needs groups. They also engage in community events, such as the Clean Drains Fest, promoting awareness of storm drain pollution and its impact on local rivers.


Official website here: www.forfw.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 90%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.

Friends Of The Rivers Inc has achieved a strong rating of 90% from Charity Navigator, indicating a robust performance in accountability and finance. This score reflects the organization’s commitment to transparency and effective financial management, with no material diversion of assets reported. The charity boasts an independent board consisting entirely of 16 members, which contributes positively to its governance structure.

The high program expense ratio of 94.97% demonstrates that the majority of the charity's funds are directly allocated towards its programs, indicating a focus on fulfilling its mission. Additionally, the organization has implemented solid policies, including conflict of interest and whistleblower policies, which enhance its accountability framework. The charity's comprehensive approach to governance is further underscored by its thorough documentation of board meeting minutes.

While the rating highlights the organization's strengths, it is essential for potential donors and supporters to consider ongoing performance and impact in the community. Overall, Friends Of The Rivers Inc exemplifies a well-managed nonprofit with a strong emphasis on accountability and program funding.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Friends Of The Rivers Inc legitimate?

Friends Of The Rivers Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Friends Of The Rivers Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.forfw.org

What is the mission statement of Friends Of The Rivers Inc?

Friends of the Rivers Inc. is an organization dedicated to celebrating rivers as a source of recreation, community engagement, and economic development. Their mission is to enhance the community's appreciation, experience, and use of the rivers. They achieve this by providing river cruises aboard a 54-foot canal boat, modeled after an 1840s canal boat, starting in 2017. The 1840s-style, flat-bottom boat allows individuals to experience the rivers and understand their potential for development, recreation, and educational programming.


Official website here: www.forfw.org

Who is the CEO of Friends Of The Rivers Inc?

Mike Erler is the President of Friends Of The Rivers Inc.


Official website here: www.forfw.org

What is the revenue of Friends Of The Rivers Inc?

Friends Of The Rivers Inc's revenue in 2022 was $141,675.


Official website here: www.forfw.org

Who are the executives of Friends Of The Rivers Inc and what are their salaries?

There 30 volunteers at Friends Of The Rivers Inc.


Here are 16 key members and their salaries:


Mike Erler (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ron Menze (Immediate Pa)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Megan Butler (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Matt Peters (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cheri Becker (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susan Burns (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Heidi Colone (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cara Hall (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Pam Holocher (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alec Johnson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mick Stewart (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nancy Stewart (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Irene Walters (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Josiah Wells (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lynne Gilmore (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joy Lohse (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.forfw.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Friends Of The Rivers Inc?

Friends Of The Rivers Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.forfw.org

Learn more at the official website: www.forfw.org

Mission Statement of Friends Of The Rivers Inc

Friends of the Rivers Inc is an organization dedicated to celebrating Fort Wayne's rivers as a source of recreation, community engagement, and economic development. Their mission is to enhance the community's appreciation, experience, and use of the rivers. To achieve this, they provide river cruises aboard a 54-foot canal boat modeled after an authentic 1840's canal boat, starting in 2017. This 1840's-style, flat-bottom boat allows individuals to experience the rivers and the potential they offer for development, recreation, and educational programming. By offering these river cruises, Friends of the Rivers Inc aims to engage the community and showcase the rivers' beauty and potential, ultimately contributing to the city's economic development.

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Impact




October, 2024

Friends Of The Rivers Inc significantly impacts Fort Wayne by enhancing the community's relationship with its rivers. Through river cruises on a replica 1840s canal boat, the organization has provided over 5,700 tours during its peak season, fostering recreational opportunities and community engagement. These tours allow individuals to appreciate the local waterways and their potential for development.

The organization also plays a vital role in education, hosting 21 educational tours aimed at students from grades 3 to high school, enriching their understanding of local history and science. Events such as Clean Drains Fest have successfully attracted over 3,000 attendees, raising awareness about the importance of protecting the St. Joseph, St. Marys, and Maumee Rivers. This initiative combines art with environmental education, transforming storm drains into vibrant murals and marking drains with medallions to emphasize the message of keeping them clear of pollutants.

Through these endeavors, Friends Of The Rivers Inc not only celebrates the cultural heritage of Fort Wayne but also contributes to the community's economic development, environmental awareness, and overall appreciation of the rivers as vital local resources.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Friends Of The Rivers Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$141,675 (2022)
Expenses
$137,403 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Program Service Revenue: $22,844
  • Gross Receipts: $141,675

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $795,064
  • Total Liabilities: $0
  • Net Assets: $795,064

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

BOAT OPERATIONS

Revenue

$22,844

Organization Details

Founding Year

2004

Principal Officer

Mike Erler

Main Address

429 EAST DUPONT ROAD 145, FORT WAYNE, IN, 46825

NTEE Category

Code: S31 - Community improvement

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