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Operation Gratitude Inc

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

EIN: 200103575 ✦ Encino, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Operation Gratitude Inc?

Operation Gratitude Inc is a California-based nonprofit organization with a mission to express gratitude towards military personnel and first responders. Established in March 2003, the organization has impacted over 3.8 million recipients through its initiatives. Operation Gratitude provides opportunities for Americans to volunteer and assemble care packages for deployed troops, military families, veterans, and first responders. Their activities include distributing hundreds of thousands of care packages each year, allowing individuals to show their appreciation and support. With a team of 52 employees, Operation Gratitude continues to bring joy and relief to those who serve and protect our communities.


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Star Rating)

Operation Gratitude holds a prestigious Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its exemplary accountability and financial practices. The organization boasts a wholly independent board and has displayed a strong commitment to transparency and ethical governance, scoring exceptionally well across various metrics, including financial efficiency and program spending. This high rating indicates that Operation Gratitude effectively utilizes its resources to fulfill its mission of supporting U.S. service members.

User feedback from Great Nonprofits highlights a strong community of supporters, including veterans, volunteers, and military families, who express profound appreciation for Operation Gratitude's efforts. Many reviews emphasize the emotional impact of the care packages sent to troops, noting that they not only provide essential items but also convey heartfelt messages of gratitude. Volunteers often describe their experiences as rewarding, fostering a sense of camaraderie while they contribute to this noble cause.

However, some criticism has emerged regarding organizational management, with a few users questioning transparency related to executive salaries and suggesting that the organization could be mismanaged. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive, with many individuals praising the organization's dedication to uplifting the morale of troops through thoughtful and personalized care packages.


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

Is Operation Gratitude Inc legitimate?

Operation Gratitude Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Operation Gratitude 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: $1,317,750
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,432,336

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

What is the mission statement of Operation Gratitude Inc?

Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization that offers Americans the chance to express their gratitude to military personnel and first responders. It was established in 2003 and since then, the group has sent care packages to deployed troops and first responders, both in the United States and abroad. During the year ending December 31, 2022, Operation Gratitude assembled and distributed hundreds of thousands of care packages, surpassing the impressive milestone of over 3.8 million recipients since its inception. The organization's mission is to honor these brave individuals by providing opportunities for the public to show their appreciation.


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

Who is the CEO of Operation Gratitude Inc?

Carolyn Blashek is the Special Advisor of Operation Gratitude Inc. The CEO's salary of Operation Gratitude Inc is $274,904 and their total compensation is $285,567.


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

What is the revenue of Operation Gratitude Inc?

Operation Gratitude Inc's revenue in 2022 was $22,176,895.


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

Who are the executives of Operation Gratitude Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Operation Gratitude Inc during 2022 was $72,117. There are 52 employees and 85000 volunteers at Operation Gratitude Inc.


Here are 20 key members and their salaries (Operation Gratitude Inc's CEO's salary is $274,904 and their total compensation is $285,567):


Angela Brightman Struebing (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shirley Ross (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joe Kristol (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Cho (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Brown (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sharman Borncamp (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jorden Blashek (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Terry Blankenship (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Wuestoff (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Martha Martin (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James C Johnson (President & Ceo)
  • Compensation: $274,904
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $10,663
Vicki Johnson (National Volunteer Engagement Dir.)
  • Compensation: $120,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,246
Cheryl Zerah (Corporate Secretary (Until 8/12/22))
  • Compensation: $147,485
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $8,641
Emily Pirman (Chief Of Staff)
  • Compensation: $149,055
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,962
Melissa Sisneros (Vp Human Resources)
  • Compensation: $132,692
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,293
Melisa Griffith (Cdo)
  • Compensation: $148,730
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $7,080
John Laskodi (Coo (Departed 7/15/22))
  • Compensation: $126,440
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,231
Alex Popov (Cfo & Coo (Started 8/1/22))
  • Compensation: $100,808
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,442
Allan Alvarado (Cfo (Departed 7/8/22))
  • Compensation: $73,077
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carolyn Blashek (Special Advisor)
  • Compensation: $170,037
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,302


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

Where can I find the form 990 for Operation Gratitude Inc?

Operation Gratitude Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.operationgratitude.com

Learn more at the official website: www.operationgratitude.com

Mission Statement of Operation Gratitude Inc

Operation Gratitude Inc, a renowned organization, strives to offer Americans the chance to express their gratitude to military personnel and first responders. Established in March 2003, this initiative first sent care packages to deployed troops in Iraq. Over the years, Operation Gratitude has grown into a significant platform, enabling countless citizens to show their appreciation through hands-on volunteering.

The mission of Operation Gratitude Inc is multifaceted. It extends beyond just sending care packages to those in service, reaching out to deployed troops, recruit graduates, veterans, military families, and first responders. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the organization assembled and distributed hundreds of thousands of care packages or their equivalents to these recipients, surpassing the remarkable milestone of over 3.8 million individuals impacted since its inception.

Operation Gratitude Inc fosters a sense of connection and appreciation between the American public and its heroes. The organization's volunteers work tirelessly to create thoughtful care packages filled with essential items and uplifting messages. These packages serve not only to provide practical supplies but also to boost morale and remind the recipients of the support from their community back home. In this way, Operation Gratitude Inc has become a powerful bridge between the civilian population and the military and first responder communities, fostering a spirit of unity and gratitude.

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Impact




October, 2024

Operation Gratitude Inc significantly impacts the lives of military personnel, first responders, and their families by fostering a culture of appreciation and support. Since its inception in 2003, the organization has provided countless opportunities for individuals across the nation to express their gratitude through hands-on volunteer work.

Through this engagement, Operation Gratitude has mailed care packages to service members deployed overseas and provided support to veterans, military families, and first responders. As of December 31, 2022, the organization surpassed an impressive milestone of reaching over 3.8 million individuals, demonstrating its extensive outreach and commitment to uplifting those who serve.

The care packages not only deliver tangible items but also serve as heartfelt messages of support, comfort, and connection, helping to alleviate the challenges faced by those in service and ensuring they feel valued and appreciated. This initiative empowers communities to come together in gratitude, creating lasting bonds between civilians and those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Operation Gratitude 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
$22,176,895 (2022)
Expenses
$25,760,542 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $475,406
  • Gross Receipts: $25,830,754

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $15,819,627
  • Total Liabilities: $768,524
  • Net Assets: $15,051,103

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2003

Principal Officer

Carolyn Blashek

Main Address

POST OFFICE BOX 260257, ENCINO, CA, 91426

NTEE Category

Code: W193 - Public benefit

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