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Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc

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

EIN: 066060478 ✦ Bloomfield, CT ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc?

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc, based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. By utilizing highly intelligent German Shepherd dogs, the foundation provides guidance and mobility, ensuring the dogs can serve their clients for up to a decade. Uniquely, Fidelco offers "in-community" training, allowing clients to remain in their homes while being trained. The organization's team, comprised of skilled trainers, conducts these sessions. Fidelco also offers annual follow-ups and a 24/7 health and emergency hotline. Upon the natural conclusion of a guide dog's lifespan, Fidelco provides successor dogs. Thousands of volunteers contribute to daily operations and foster pupples for their 14-month maturation period. With over 1500 guide dog teams enabled, an increasing number of clients are veterans. Fidelco maintains a close relationship with the international guide dog community, sharing best practices and contributing to the enhancement of the guide dog colony.


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

91% rating from Charity Navigator indicates that Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc is performing well in terms of accountability and finance. The organization boasts a fully independent board and demonstrates strong financial practices, including no material diversion of assets and comprehensive oversight. This rating reflects a commitment to transparency and effective management, which is essential for donor confidence.

However, user reviews present a more mixed picture. Some donors and volunteers have expressed dissatisfaction with the organization's management and communication, citing issues such as a lack of support for puppy raisers and concerns over transparency in dog placement rates. Experiences shared indicate that while the organization has strong training capabilities, its approach to volunteer engagement and donor relations may need improvement.

On the positive side, many reviews highlight the quality of the guide dogs trained by Fidelco, particularly the focus on German Shepherds, which are noted for their suitability as guide dogs. Volunteers and board members have praised the organization for its impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals, emphasizing the immediate benefits of their donations. Overall, while financial metrics are strong, donor and volunteer experiences suggest there are areas for growth in organizational communication and support.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc?

90% of 90 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many participants express admiration for the impressive facility and the dedication of the staff, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the dogs and puppies. The organization’s mission resonates deeply with patrons, who appreciate the meaningful impact it has on the community and individuals in need of guide dogs.

Overall, there’s a strong sentiment of satisfaction, with comments emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to service and the quality of care provided to both the animals and the people they serve. The consensus is that Fidelco truly fulfills its mission with excellence.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc legitimate?

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation 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: $709,796
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,420,758

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

What is the mission statement of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc?

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc's mission is centered around enhancing independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. They achieve this by providing them with highly trained German Shepherd guide dogs of the highest quality. The organization's unique approach involves in-community training, ensuring clients do not need to leave their homes or workplaces for training. Fidelco's dedicated team of trainers, each having completed a three-year apprenticeship, conduct the training. The organization also offers annual follow-up meetings and a 24/7 health and emergency hotline. Upon the guide dog's natural lifespan conclusion, Fidelco provides successor dogs. The foundation maintains a close relationship with the international guide dog community, sharing best practices and contributing to the enhancement of the guide dog colony. Thousands of volunteers support Fidelco, contributing their time to daily operations and fostering puppies during their 14-month maturation period.


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

Who is the CEO of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc?

Karen C Tripp is the Chief Executive Officer of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc. The CEO's salary of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc is $298,365 and their total compensation is $317,417.


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

What is the revenue of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc?

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc's revenue in 2022 was $3,934,053.


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

Who are the executives of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc during 2022 was $51,321. There are 61 employees at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc.


Here are 14 key members and their salaries (Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc's CEO's salary is $298,365 and their total compensation is $317,417):


Karen C Tripp (Chief Executive Officer)
  • Compensation: $298,365
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,052
G Kenneth Bernhard Esq (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark T Bertolini (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Edward H Budd (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John H Gotta (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lilian F Johnson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephen H Matheson (Director Emeritus)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karen Shaw Petrou (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Peter L Tedone (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Heidenberg (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ian K Walsh (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard N Pummell (Vp, Director Of Developmen)
  • Compensation: $180,955
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $32,969
Janice Schaefer (Philanthropic Relationship)
  • Compensation: $122,623
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $2,530
Mark Mcgrath (Philanthropic Relationship)
  • Compensation: $107,852
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,364


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc?

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.fidelco.org

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

Mission Statement of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc is dedicated to promoting increased independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Their mission is achieved by providing these individuals with highly trained German Shepherd guide dogs of the highest quality. The organization's breeding program is significant, focusing on enhancing the intelligence and stamina of the dogs to ensure they can serve their clients for up to ten years. Fidelco's unique approach involves "in-community" training, meaning their highly skilled trainers travel to the clients' locations to complete the training process. This method allows clients to maintain their daily routines without the need for long-term absences.

To ensure the continuing support and well-being of their clients, Fidelco provides annual follow-up meetings and a 24/7 health and emergency hotline. In the event a guide dog's natural lifespan comes to an end, Fidelco provides successor dogs to continue the partnership. The organization maintains close relationships with the international guide dog community, exchanging best practices and contributing to the enhancement of the guide dog colony. Fidelco's operations rely heavily on volunteers, who contribute their time to daily operations and foster care for the puppies during their fourteen-month maturation period. Over 1500 guide dog teams have been enabled by Fidelco, with an increasing number of clients being veterans. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation's teams serve as a powerful testament to the capabilities of blind individuals partnered with specially-trained guide dogs, enabling them to live independently, safely, and with dignity.

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Impact




July, 2024

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc, through its innovative approach of breeding and training highly intelligent German Shepherd guide dogs, has made a significant impact on promoting increased independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. By providing these specially trained dogs to clients without charge and offering in-community training, Fidelco enables individuals to enhance their mobility and safety without needing to travel extensively for training. This unique approach not only fosters independence but also maintains a strong connection to the clients' communities.

With a dedicated team of highly skilled training staff and the support of thousands of volunteers, Fidelco has facilitated the formation of over 1500 guide dog teams, empowering individuals to live with safety and dignity. The organization's commitment to maintaining a scientific breeding program, providing ongoing support, and collaborating with the international guide dog community signifies its dedication to excellence in promoting independence for individuals who are blind. In addition, Fidelco's outreach to veterans underscores its impact in serving diverse populations in need of guide dog assistance.

Overall, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc's mission to promote increased independence for men and women who are blind by providing them with the highest quality guide dogs has not only transformed the lives of its clients but also exemplified the remarkable capabilities of blind individuals when partnered with specially trained guide dogs.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation 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
$3,934,053 (2022)
Expenses
$6,532,792 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $733,708
  • Program Service Revenue: $54,056
  • Gross Receipts: $6,567,743

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $16,448,832
  • Total Liabilities: $3,090,765
  • Net Assets: $13,358,067

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Programs

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

SALES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Revenue

$54,056

Organization Details

Founding Year

1962

Principal Officer

Karen C Tripp

Main Address

103 VISION WAY, BLOOMFIELD, CT, 06002

NTEE Category

Code: P860 - Human services

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