Overview
What is Soundwaters Inc?
Soundwaters Inc, a nonprofit organization based in Stamford, Connecticut, has been engaging communities for over three decades, fostering a deeper interest in science and environmental awareness. Their mission is to protect Long Island Sound, and they achieve this through various programs that promote learning, skill development, and action. Their initiatives include experiential science education for children from pre-K to high school, STEM education sails, internships, summer enrichment, maritime skills training for youth, and outreach events for the broader community. These programs, conducted both on land and water, aim to enhance learning, confidence, motivation, and positive behavior, nurturing lifelong learners. The organization reaches a vast network, encompassing 111 schools, 37 towns, and thousands of attendees at public events. Over half of the children they serve come from low-income households, with Soundwaters committed to ensuring no child or school is excluded due to financial limitations. Soundwaters is also involved in innovative research projects, such as aquaculture focusing on oysters and kelp (seaweed), which aim to improve water quality and provide economic viability. Their projects at the oyster upweller and kelp farm are exploring new ways to enhance Long Island Sound and engage the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Soundwaters pivoted to remote programs and continued to educate thousands of children on a new virtual platform. The organization is currently completing the multiyear Harbor Ambitions campaign to build a state-of-the-art harbor center at Boccuzzi Park in Stamford, with a planned completion in fall 2022. This new facility will launch, expand, and endow student access to new environmental and life-changing programs.
Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Overall : Charity Navigator Rating 100%: 100%
Soundwaters Inc has achieved an exemplary Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its outstanding performance in accountability and finance, culture and community, and leadership and adaptability. The organization boasts a perfect score across all evaluation categories, indicating strong governance and financial practices, as well as a commitment to community engagement.
Particularly noteworthy is the composition of the board, which consists entirely of independent members, ensuring that decisions are made without conflicts of interest. The organization has demonstrated a high level of transparency, as evidenced by its well-maintained financial statements and comprehensive policies, including those for whistleblowers and conflict of interest.
Despite its significant strengths, including a program expense ratio of over 71% and an impressive fundraising efficiency ratio, there are no noted limitations in the data. Soundwaters Inc appears to be a model nonprofit, effectively utilizing feedback from its community and stakeholders to drive its mission.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Soundwaters Inc?
90% of 26 reviewers on Facebook recommend Soundwaters Inc. Here is a summary of their reviews:
The overall sentiment towards Soundwaters Inc is positive, particularly highlighting the enjoyable experiences offered by the nonprofit. Many users appreciated the beautiful ship and the friendly, helpful crew, suggesting a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the experience. Activities seem to be adaptable for various group sizes, making it a versatile option for outings.
While a minor concern was raised about the difficulty in reaching the dock, the consensus is that the effort is well justified by the enjoyment received. Overall, Soundwaters Inc appears to successfully deliver memorable experiences that resonate well with its participants.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Soundwaters Inc legitimate?
Soundwaters Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Soundwaters 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: $308,771
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $948,417
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
What is the mission statement of Soundwaters Inc?
Soundwaters Inc's mission is to protect water bodies, specifically Long Island Sound, through education and action. For over three decades, the organization has engaged hundreds of thousands of students and adults to foster a deeper interest and literacy in science for improved school achievement and to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the health of the sound. They utilize various educational methods such as their learning lab, aquarium, hands-on activities on the shoreline, and unique on-the-water sailing experiences to achieve high-impact learning and retention, increase confidence, motivation, and positive behavior, and create lifelong learners. Key programs include experiential science education, STEM education sails, skill-building internships, summer enrichment, maritime skills training for youth, outreach events, and public sailing opportunities. Soundwaters is committed to ensuring that no child or school is excluded from their programs due to an inability to pay, with more than half of the children they serve coming from low-income households. The organization is also involved in research projects like aquaculture, focusing on oysters and kelp (seaweed), aiming to improve water quality and economic viability. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Soundwaters has continued to educate thousands of children through remote programs. Currently, they are completing the multiyear Harbor Ambitions campaign to build a state-of-the-art harbor center and to launch, expand, and endow student access to new environmental and life-changing programs.
Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
Who is the CEO of Soundwaters Inc?
Leigh Shemitz is the Director of Soundwaters Inc.
Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
What is the revenue of Soundwaters Inc?
Soundwaters Inc's revenue in 2022 was $5,964,857.
Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
Who are the executives of Soundwaters Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Soundwaters Inc during 2022 was $17,222. There are 73 employees and 270 volunteers at Soundwaters Inc.
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Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Soundwaters Inc?
Soundwaters Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.soundwaters.org
Learn more at the official website: www.soundwaters.org
Mission Statement of Soundwaters Inc
Soundwaters Inc, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to protecting Long Island Sound through education and action. By engaging hundreds of thousands of children and adults over the past three decades, Soundwaters aims to foster a deeper interest and literacy in science, leading to improved school achievement and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the sound's health.
The mission of Soundwaters is multifaceted. They offer rigorous, experiential science education for students from pre-K to high school, utilizing their learning lab, aquarium, hands-on activities on the shoreline, and unique on-the-water sailing experiences to facilitate high-impact learning and retention. Their programs are designed to increase confidence, motivation, and positive behavior, and cultivate lifelong learners.
Key programs under Soundwaters include STEM education sails aboard their 80-foot, three-masted schooner, skill-building internship and mentoring for high school students, summer enrichment for all students, maritime skills training for youth aged 18-24, and outreach events for the broader community, including public sails, paddle sports, marine debris removal activities, and more.
Soundwaters reaches a tremendous number of schools, towns, and individuals annually. They conduct 270 public sails, involve 225 volunteers, and attract thousands of attendees at public events. They annually reach 40,000 adults and children, with over 50% of the children they serve coming from low-income households. Soundwaters is committed to ensuring that no child or school is excluded from their programs due to an inability to pay.
Innovation is a key aspect of Soundwaters' approach. They are currently involved in research projects focusing on aquaculture, with a focus on oysters and kelp (seaweed). These projects aim to grow a crop that not only improves water quality but is also economically viable. At both their oyster upweller and their kelp farm, Soundwaters is exploring new ways to improve the sound and engage the public.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Soundwaters had to pivot to remote programs, but they were still able to educate thousands of children on an exciting new, virtual platform. Soundwaters is currently completing the multiyear Harbor Ambitions campaign to build a state-of-the-art Harbor Center at Bocuzzi Park in Stamford (expected completion in fall 2022) and to launch, expand, and endow student access to new environmental and life-changing programs.
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Impact
June, 2024
Soundwaters Inc's impact is significant in protecting Long Island Sound through education and action. Over the past 30 years, Soundwaters has engaged hundreds of thousands of children and adults to build a deeper interest and literacy in science, leading to improved school achievement and increased awareness about preserving the health of the Sound. By offering experiential science education, STEM education sails, internships and mentoring programs, summer enrichment, maritime skills training, and community outreach events, Soundwaters has reached a broad audience, including 40,000 adults and children annually.
Moreover, Soundwaters is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that no child or school is excluded from their programs due to financial constraints. They constantly innovate, focusing on new projects such as aquaculture with a specific emphasis on oysters and kelp, aiming to improve water quality and promote economic viability. Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Soundwaters adapted by offering remote programs to continue educating thousands of children using virtual platforms.
Currently, Soundwaters is in the final stages of completing the multi-year Harbor Ambitions campaign to build a state-of-the-art Harbor Center at Boccuzzi Park in Stamford, CT. This initiative will further expand their environmental programs and continue to make a positive impact on Long Island Sound.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Soundwaters 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.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: -$24,873
- Program Service Revenue: $895,583
- Gross Receipts: $7,071,871
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $15,959,792
- Total Liabilities: $1,088,433
- Net Assets: $14,871,359
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Revenue
$895,583
Organization Details
Founding Year
1989
Phone
(203) 323-1978Principal Officer
Leigh Shemitz
Main Address
1281 COVE ROAD, STAMFORD, CT, 06902
Website
www.soundwaters.orgNTEE Category
Code: C013 - Environment
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