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The Freecycle Network

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

EIN: 200938414 ✦ Tucson, AZ ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is The Freecycle Network?

The Freecycle Network is a global, non-profit organization headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with over 10 million members across 100 countries. This network aims to promote resource conservation and reduce waste by fostering a community-based recycling and reusing movement. Comprising over 5,000 local groups, they have successfully kept approximately 1,000 tons of materials daily from landfills. Their mission is to build a worldwide sharing community that benefits individuals and lightens the load on our environment by minimizing waste, conserving resources, and easing the strain on landfills. With a small team of just 2 employees, the Freecycle Network empowers its members to collaborate and share resources, contributing to a more sustainable future.


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 69%

The Freecycle Network has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its moderate performance in financial accountability and transparency. While it has a solid program expense ratio of 86.57%, which indicates effective use of funds toward its mission, several critical areas need improvement. The organization lacks crucial policies, such as conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, which raises concerns about governance and management practices.

User reviews present a divided perspective on the Freecycle Network. Some volunteers express satisfaction with the organization's efforts to keep usable items out of landfills and appreciate the community-building aspect of the platform. Positive experiences highlight a supportive network of volunteers and the helpfulness of the organization in facilitating exchanges. However, significant criticism arises regarding the leadership's approach, described by former volunteers as autocratic and profit-driven. Many feel that the original grassroots spirit has been overshadowed by a centralized control structure, undermining the collaborative nature that initially drove Freecycle's success.

Overall, while The Freecycle Network successfully promotes recycling and community support, concerns about its governance and the operational ethos may deter potential volunteers and donors. The organization faces ongoing challenges, including maintaining trust among its volunteers and aligning its practices with its foundational mission of gifting without coercion for funds.


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

Is The Freecycle Network legitimate?

The Freecycle Network is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Freecycle Network 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: $91,491
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $106,703

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

What is the mission statement of The Freecycle Network?

The Freecycle Network's mission is geared towards fostering a global sharing movement. This initiative aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and alleviate the pressure on landfills, all while allowing members to profit from the collective strength of a larger community. By making its services freely accessible to the public, The Freecycle Network has grown to encompass over 10 million members across more than 100 countries, with over 5,000 local groups and multiple languages. As a result, approximately 1,000 tons of materials are kept out of landfills every day, instead being recycled or reused.


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

Who is the CEO of The Freecycle Network?

Deron Beal is the Executive Dir. of The Freecycle Network.


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

What is the revenue of The Freecycle Network?

The Freecycle Network's revenue in 2023 was $296,755.


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

Who are the executives of The Freecycle Network and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at The Freecycle Network during 2023 was $99,097. There are 2 employees and 1750 volunteers at The Freecycle Network.


Here are 3 key members and their salaries:


Deron Beal (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $111,141
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,006
Jolie Sibert (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Columbus (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

Where can I find the form 990 for The Freecycle Network?

The Freecycle Network's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.freecycle.org

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

Mission Statement of The Freecycle Network

The Freecycle Network, a global initiative, embarks on a mission to foster a worldwide sharing movement. This movement is designed to significantly reduce waste and conserve valuable resources, thereby alleviating pressure on landfills. By enabling its members to reap the benefits of a larger community, it encourages resource reuse and recycling on a grand scale.

In essence, The Freecycle Network seeks to create a collaborative environment where individuals can share resources, thus promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. This network, accessible to millions across more than 100 countries, boasts over 5,000 local groups and operates in various languages, making it an inclusive and diverse community.

As a result of this network, approximately 1,000 tons of materials are kept out of landfills daily, instead being repurposed and reused. This not only benefits the environment but also provides an opportunity for members to acquire needed items at no cost, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

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Impact




June, 2024

The impact of The Freecycle Network is significant in reducing waste, saving precious resources, and easing the burden on landfills. With over 10 million members in more than 100 countries and 5,000 local groups, the network facilitates the exchange of goods for free within communities. This has resulted in approximately 1,000 tons of items daily being diverted from landfills and reused or recycled instead. The network's model encourages a culture of sharing and sustainability while creating a sense of community and connection among its members.




This information is meant to be a general summary of The Freecycle Network. 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
$296,755 (2023)
Expenses
$370,253 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $5,099
  • Gross Receipts: $296,755

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $892,394
  • Total Liabilities: $9,204
  • Net Assets: $883,190

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2004

Principal Officer

Deron Beal

Main Address

PO Box 294, Tucson, AZ, 85702

NTEE Category

Code: C99 - Environment

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