Overview
What is Undercurrent Inc?
Undercurrent Inc is a nonprofit organization based in San Rafael, California, with a focus on educating scuba divers about health and safety issues, as well as promoting diving opportunities while supporting conservation projects that are significant to divers. Their primary objective also includes supporting various environmental protection programs. To achieve this, they identify organizations with effective projects and financial needs, seek funding sources, and contribute to specific projects. Additionally, Undercurrent Inc publishes ten online newsletters for subscribers, operates a free website, and sends out 20,000 emails to the public upon request. The newsletters cover topics such as reader reports, equipment reviews, and health, travel, and safety issues specific to scuba diving worldwide. Undercurrent's website is divided into two sections: a public area with free resources and a members-only section. They also provide grants to various conservation organizations, contributing to the protection of endangered animals like wild pangolins and rhinos, as well as combating wildlife trafficking in countries like Uganda.
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement
Undercurrent Inc has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a need for improvement in certain areas, despite achieving a perfect score in accountability and finance. The organization excels in maintaining a high program expense ratio, with nearly all its expenditures directed towards its programs. However, several key policies and documents are notably missing, which raises concerns about governance and transparency.
The board composition shows a majority of independent members, which is a positive aspect, but the independent board size is quite small. This limitation could impact the diversity of perspectives in decision-making. Moreover, the absence of crucial policies such as conflict of interest and whistleblower protections highlights potential vulnerabilities in operational practices.
While the organization demonstrates strong financial management and accountability, the lack of transparency in specific areas, including missing website information and essential policy documents, detracts from its overall effectiveness. Addressing these gaps could significantly enhance Undercurrent Inc's credibility and performance as a nonprofit.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Undercurrent Inc legitimate?
Undercurrent Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Undercurrent 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: $79,500
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0
For more financial information, click here
What is the mission statement of Undercurrent Inc?
Undercurrent Inc's mission is centered around education and support for various environmental protection programs, focusing on wild animals, land, oceans, and other related environments. The organization identifies effective conservation projects with financial needs and seeks out resources to fund these specific initiatives. Additionally, Undercurrent informs scuba divers about health and safety issues, as well as diving opportunities, through online newsletters, emails, and a website. The organization also provides subscribers with relevant information related to scuba diving, including reader reports, equipment reviews, and travel guides. Furthermore, Undercurrent supports various conservation projects globally, such as the protection of wild pangolins, rhinos, and combating wildlife trafficking.
Who is the CEO of Undercurrent Inc?
Kenneth Smith is the President of Undercurrent Inc.
What is the revenue of Undercurrent Inc?
Undercurrent Inc's revenue in 2022 was $4,526,811.
Who are the executives of Undercurrent Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Undercurrent Inc during 2022 was $79,500. There is 1 employee at Undercurrent Inc.
Here are 3 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $79,500
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
Where can I find the form 990 for Undercurrent Inc?
Undercurrent Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Mission Statement of Undercurrent Inc
Undercurrent Inc, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting education and supporting various environmental protection programs. Its mission is multifaceted, encompassing wild animals, land, oceans, and other environmental preservation initiatives. The organization serves as a resource for scuba divers, providing them with information about health, safety issues, and diving opportunities while also advocating for conservation projects that are significant to divers.
In addition to educating scuba divers, Undercurrent Inc also identifies and supports environmental protection programs that require financial assistance and have proven effective projects. The organization seeks out sources for funding and assists in funding specific projects aligned with its mission. To achieve its educational goals, Undercurrent Inc publishes monthly online newsletters, operates a free website, and sends out email updates to subscribers. The newsletter is ad-free and provides valuable information to divers worldwide, including reader reports, equipment reviews, diving books, and guides.
The organization's website, undercurrent.org, is divided into two sections: public and members. The public area offers a seasonal planner, travel index, equipment index, health and safety articles, and other related information at no cost. Undercurrent Inc also provides grants to various organizations to support their efforts in protecting wildlife and combating wildlife trafficking. The organization has supported projects in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, and several African nations, contributing to the protection of endangered species and strengthening wildlife crime law enforcement.
Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!
Impact
August, 2024
Undercurrent Inc's impact is profound in the realm of environmental conservation and protection of wild animals worldwide. Through their initiatives, such as supporting organizations like the Tikki Hywood Foundation in Zimbabwe and the South African Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, Undercurrent Inc is actively involved in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing endangered animals from illegal trade. Additionally, their grants to organizations like the Natural Resource Conservation Network in Uganda are instrumental in combatting wildlife trafficking and enhancing wildlife law enforcement efforts.
By providing crucial funding and resources to these conservation projects, Undercurrent Inc plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. Their impact extends across borders, supporting initiatives in various African nations and contributing to the sustainability of ecosystems and wildlife populations. Undercurrent Inc's dedication to education and conservation makes them a key player in the global effort to safeguard our natural world for future generations.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Undercurrent 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: $92,145
- Program Service Revenue: $341,866
- Gross Receipts: $4,526,811
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,237,262
- Total Liabilities: $37,686
- Net Assets: $1,199,576
Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely
Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Grant Management fees
Revenue
$152,189
Newsletter Income
Revenue
$189,677
Organization Details
Founding Year
2005
Phone
(415) 461-3014Principal Officer
Kenneth Smith
Main Address
4 MLiss Lane, San Rafael, CA, 94901
NTEE Category
Code: A33 - Arts
If you are a representative of Undercurrent Inc and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.