Overview
What is Rio Grande Return?
Rio Grande Return is a nonprofit organization, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, dedicated to the revitalization of the Rio Grande watershed. Since 2020, they have engaged in direct reclamation activities, such as planting various tree species, clearing invasive trees, constructing wildlife-friendly fences, and establishing a native seed propagation farm. To protect their plantings from cattle and elk, they have built exclosures on over 20 acres of land. Additionally, they have constructed and maintained over 300 in-stream structures and formed a habitat conservation program to develop native wildlife habitats and refuges on former agricultural lands. The organization also offers a youth conservation corps program, providing work experience in the field to young people from both Native and non-Native communities. Furthermore, they provide professional services, including legal advice and counseling regarding water rights across the state, as well as technical assistance for environmental restoration projects. Their mission is to reclaim the Rio Grande watershed by direct reclamation activities and by supporting and fundraising for organizations that protect and preserve the watershed.
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 84% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)
Rio Grande Return has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a solid performance in accountability and finance as well as organizational culture. The charity demonstrates a high level of integrity with 100% independent board members and strong oversight in financial management, reflected in its excellent program expense ratio of 88.04%. This suggests that a significant portion of their funds is directed towards their programs rather than administrative costs.
However, there are notable areas for improvement. The organization lacks essential policies such as a conflict of interest policy, a whistleblower policy, and a document retention and destruction policy, which are critical for transparent governance. Additionally, their tax forms are not readily available on their website, which may affect public trust and accountability.
Overall, while Rio Grande Return shows strong financial performance and a commitment to its mission, addressing the gaps in governance policies could enhance their credibility and operational effectiveness.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Rio Grande Return legitimate?
Rio Grande Return is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Rio Grande Return 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: $123,767
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $504,722
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
What is the mission statement of Rio Grande Return?
The mission of Rio Grande Return is to restore and protect the Rio Grande watershed. This is achieved through direct reclamation activities and by providing support and funding for organizations that share the same goal. Since January 2020, they have planted various trees, cleared invasive trees, constructed exclosures, wildlife-friendly fences, and in-stream structures, and established a native seed propagation farm. They have also formed a habitat conservation program and administer a youth conservation corps program. In addition, they offer professional services related to water rights and environmental restoration projects.
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
Who is the CEO of Rio Grande Return?
Todd Lopez is the Executive Director of Rio Grande Return.
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
What is the revenue of Rio Grande Return?
Rio Grande Return's revenue in 2022 was $1,567,708.
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
Who are the executives of Rio Grande Return and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Rio Grande Return during 2022 was $39,281. There are 16 employees at Rio Grande Return.
Here are 6 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $123,768
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
Where can I find the form 990 for Rio Grande Return?
Rio Grande Return's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.riograndereturn.com
Learn more at the official website: www.riograndereturn.com
Mission Statement of Rio Grande Return
The Rio Grande Return, a dedicated organization, is committed to reclaiming the Rio Grande Watershed. Through direct reclamation activities and supporting other organizations protecting and preserving the watershed, they strive to restore this precious ecosystem. Since January 2020, their efforts have been evident in numerous projects. They have planted thousands of willows, cottonwoods, and Gooddings willows, as well as native riparian container plants and saltgrass plugs. Moreover, they have cleared invasive trees from over 400 acres of wetlands, constructed exclosures to protect riparian plantings, and erected wildlife-friendly fences. In addition, they have constructed and maintained more than 300 in-stream structures on approximately 4 miles of streams. The organization has established a native seed propagation farm and initiated a habitat conservation program focusing on strategies for developing native wildlife habitats and refuges on formerly agricultural lands. They also administer a Youth Conservation Corps program, offering work experience in the field to young people from both native and non-native communities. Furthermore, for the fourth year in a row, Rio Grande Return has been contracted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to provide professional services, including legal advice and counseling regarding water rights on their properties throughout the state, and technical assistance regarding environmental restoration projects.
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Impact
June, 2024
Rio Grande Return's impact is significant in reclaiming the Rio Grande watershed through direct reclamation activities and supporting organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the watershed. Since January 2020, Rio Grande Return has made substantial contributions to restoring the environment, including planting thousands of willow, cottonwood, and Goodding's willow trees, clearing invasive trees from over 400 acres of wetlands, constructing wildlife-friendly fences, and establishing in-stream structures to enhance the health of streams in the area. Additionally, they have developed habitat conservation programs, established a native seed propagation farm, and run a youth conservation corps program to engage young people in environmental restoration work. Furthermore, Rio Grande Return provides professional services, legal advice, and counseling on water rights to help ensure the protection of natural resources and environmental restoration projects throughout the state. Their efforts have made a tangible impact on the Rio Grande watershed and the surrounding ecosystems.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Rio Grande Return. 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: $55
- Program Service Revenue: $4,685
- Gross Receipts: $1,567,708
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,084,609
- Total Liabilities: $58,070
- Net Assets: $1,026,539
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Organization Details
Founding Year
2007
Phone
(505) 466-1767Principal Officer
Todd Lopez
Main Address
1704 LLANO STREET, SANTA FE, NM, 87505
Website
www.riograndereturn.comNTEE Category
Code: C30 - Environment
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