nonprofit logo

Virginiafirst

First Chesapeake

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

EIN: 208081778 ✦ Richmond, VA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause at the same time! With the Give Freely browser extension, you'll automatically save money with coupons, and partner stores will donate to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. Start giving back with a single click. It's safe, free, and spam-free, guaranteed!

Overview

What is Virginiafirst?

Virginiafirst, identified as FIRST Chesapeake, is a dynamic nonprofit organization based in Richmond, Virginia. Their primary mission is to inspire young individuals in grades K to 12, fostering their development as future leaders in science and technology. With support from sponsors, coaches, mentors, and volunteers, Virginiafirst organizes various events and competitions, such as the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST LEGO League, to engage and challenge students. In the 2015-16 fiscal year, they expanded their reach to include the District of Columbia and Maryland, hosting district events and a championship event for FRC. The organization's activities and mission aim to enhance students' science, engineering, and technology skills while fostering self-confidence, communication, and leadership abilities. With a dedicated team of three employees, Virginiafirst continues to inspire and empower young minds in the field of science and technology.


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 85% (Three-Star out of Four Star Rating)

Virginiafirst has received a solid Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting an accountability and finance score of 85%. This indicates a strong commitment to transparency and responsible financial management. The high scores in categories such as independent board membership and effective oversight demonstrate that the organization is well-structured and has policies in place to mitigate risks and conflicts of interest.

The organization excels in maintaining a high program expense ratio, with 82.76% of its expenses directed towards its programs, which suggests a strong focus on fulfilling its mission. Additionally, the absence of any material diversion of assets indicates a reliable stewardship of donor funds. Their robust financial oversight policies and documented procedures further enhance their credibility.

However, while the majority of the accountability metrics are commendable, the liabilities to assets ratio of 65.06% reflects a potential area of concern, suggesting that the organization may have a higher level of liabilities relative to its assets. Stakeholders may want to monitor this aspect closely to ensure long-term financial stability. Overall, Virginiafirst appears to be a responsible nonprofit dedicated to its mission.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Virginiafirst?

100% of 21 reviewers on Facebook recommend Virginiafirst. Here is a summary of their reviews:

The enthusiasm for Virginiafirst is palpable, with multiple users highlighting their exceptional experience. One reviewer passionately stated that the organization is "AWSOME" and held in high regard, reflecting a strong sentiment of approval.

Overall, the reviews underscore that Virginiafirst truly resonates with its audience, delivering impactful services and leaving a positive impression on those involved. The strong recommendation rate suggests that the nonprofit is effectively meeting the needs and expectations of its supporters.


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

Is Virginiafirst legitimate?

Virginiafirst is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Virginiafirst 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $535,718

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

What is the mission statement of Virginiafirst?

Virginiafirst's mission is to inspire young individuals to become leaders and innovators in the fields of science and technology. They achieve this by engaging them in mentor-led programs that enhance their skills in science, engineering, and technology. These programs not only foster innovation but also develop essential life skills such as self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Virginiafirst offers programs for students from grades K to 12, organizing various competitions and events to challenge and motivate thousands of students annually. The organization's activities include sponsoring the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST LEGO League, as well as hosting exhibitions within its operations. In recent years, Virginiafirst expanded its reach to include the District of Columbia and Maryland, organizing district events and a championship event for high school students.


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

Who is the CEO of Virginiafirst?

Leighann Boland is the Executive Director of Virginiafirst.


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

What is the revenue of Virginiafirst?

Virginiafirst's revenue in 2022 was $1,013,796.


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

Who are the executives of Virginiafirst and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Virginiafirst during 2022 was $178,573. There are 3 employees and 100 volunteers at Virginiafirst.


Here are 16 key members and their salaries:


Leighann Boland (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $139,500
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Mckay (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Franceschini (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Duncan (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Doug Lawrence (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Kresge (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dean Roberts (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Snodgrass (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bettina Welsh (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cedric Sims (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lakshmi Meyyappan (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cristie Neller (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chris Bjornson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Latitia Mccane (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Poole (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nick Surfass (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

Where can I find the form 990 for Virginiafirst?

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


Official website here: www.firstchesapeake.org/

Learn more at the official website: www.firstchesapeake.org/

Mission Statement of Virginiafirst

Virginiafirst, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to inspiring young individuals to become leaders and innovators in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. They achieve this by involving youths from grades K to 12 in mentor-based programs. These programs are designed to enhance their skills in science, engineering, and technology, fostering innovation and nurturing well-rounded abilities such as self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Virginiafirst's mission is twofold. Firstly, it aims to challenge and inspire thousands of students through various qualifying, state, and regional events and competitions. This includes the FIRST Robotics Competition FRC, which is a premier engineering challenge for high school students. Secondly, the organization sponsors other competitions such as the FIRST Tech Challenge and the FIRST LEGO League, providing a diverse range of opportunities to engage and develop young minds. Additionally, Virginiafirst organizes exhibitions within the scope of its operations, offering a comprehensive platform for youths to explore and excel in science, technology, and engineering.

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




October, 2024

VirginiaFIRST plays a transformative role in fostering the next generation of leaders in science and technology. By engaging youth from grades K to 12 in hands-on, mentor-based programs, it equips students with essential skills in science, engineering, and technology. Through various competitions and events, such as the FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Tech Challenge, VirginiaFIRST creates an environment that challenges students while also nurturing their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

The organization’s impact extends beyond technical skills. Participants develop critical soft skills, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership, which are vital for personal and professional success. By expanding its reach to include the District of Columbia and Maryland, VirginiaFIRST has increased access to its programs, engaging thousands of students across a wider geographical area.

The excitement of events and competitions sparks interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, helping to cultivate a more innovative and passionate future workforce. This commitment to inspiring youth as science and technology leaders not only enriches individual lives but also contributes to stronger communities and a more robust economy.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Virginiafirst. 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
$1,013,796 (2022)
Expenses
$997,966 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $8
  • Program Service Revenue: $298,100
  • Gross Receipts: $1,013,796

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $467,652
  • Total Liabilities: $364,360
  • Net Assets: $103,292

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.

Events - Registration Fees Workshops

Revenue

$298,100

Organization Details

Founding Year

2006

Principal Officer

Leighann Boland

Main Address

2101 Maywill Street, Richmond, VA, 23230

NTEE Category

Code: B90 - Education

If you are a representative of Virginiafirst 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.