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Polynesian Voyaging Society

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

EIN: 237302232 ✦ Honolulu, HI ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Polynesian Voyaging Society?

The Polynesian Voyaging Society, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Polynesian voyaging traditions. They recently completed enhancements to their vessels, Hokule'a and Hikianalia, including electrical, radio, and satellite communication upgrades. In 2023, they will embark on a four-year expedition, Moananuiākea, covering 43,000 nautical miles around the Pacific, visiting numerous countries and territories. The goal is to inspire 10 million "planetary navigators" through educational programs, community engagement, and a virtual platform, Wa'a Honua. They are collaborating with local communities and Native American leaders in Alaska to honor their ties and contribute to their global educational campaign. The voyage aims to highlight the importance of oceans and indigenous knowledge through port engagements, education, and storytelling.


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 66% (Two-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Polynesian Voyaging Society has received a Two-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a moderate level of accountability and financial health. With a score of 66%, the organization demonstrates strengths in several governance areas, such as having 87% independent board members and proper documentation policies in place. However, the lack of financial statements significantly impacted their overall score, contributing to the relatively lower rating.

Financially, the society shows a good liabilities to assets ratio at 9.81%, indicating a stable financial position. Their program expense ratio is 58.13%, which suggests that a little over half of their expenses are dedicated to program services. While this is a positive sign, it falls short of the ideal benchmark of 75%, raising concerns about the effectiveness of their resource allocation.

Despite these limitations, the organization does uphold essential governance practices, including a conflict of interest policy and a whistleblower policy. The absence of financial statements remains a critical area for improvement, as transparency is key for donor trust and accountability. Overall, the Polynesian Voyaging Society has room to enhance its financial reporting and increase its program expenditure efficiency to achieve a higher rating.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Polynesian Voyaging Society?

100% of 101 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Here is a summary of their insights:

The organization is highly praised for its commitment to environmental education and cultural respect. Many reviewers appreciate how the Society incorporates Hawaiian traditions and values, emphasizing a positive approach to honoring the Earth and all cultures. The crew is frequently mentioned for their engaging and warm demeanor, making a lasting impression on those they encounter.

Overall, participants feel a deep connection to the mission of the nonprofit, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge, history, and solutions for a sustainable future. The heartfelt gratitude expressed by supporters showcases a sense of community and admiration for the Society's impactful work.


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

Is Polynesian Voyaging Society legitimate?

Polynesian Voyaging Society is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Polynesian Voyaging Society 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: $363,034
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $225,139

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

What is the mission statement of Polynesian Voyaging Society?

The Polynesian Voyaging Society, founded on the legacy of Pacific Ocean exploration, aims to preserve the traditional Polynesian voyaging art and the spirit of exploration. They achieve this through experiential educational programs that inspire individuals and their communities to respect and care for themselves, each other, and their natural and cultural environments. The society, through the renovation of their voyaging canoe, Hokule'a, has launched plans for Hawai'i-wide educational programs and voyages, as well as a sail plan for a worldwide voyage. The objective of this global voyage is to serve as a catalyst for positive change by continuously learning from and nurturing relationships worldwide that share the values and responsibility of caring for Island Earth, her oceans, and children, while honoring their heritage and perpetuating their culture.


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

Who is the CEO of Polynesian Voyaging Society?

Nainoa Thompson is the Principal Officer of Polynesian Voyaging Society.


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

What is the revenue of Polynesian Voyaging Society?

Polynesian Voyaging Society's revenue in 2022 was $1,569,098.


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

Who are the executives of Polynesian Voyaging Society and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Polynesian Voyaging Society during 2022 was $84,025. There are 7 employees at Polynesian Voyaging Society.


Here are 19 key members and their salaries:


Ann Botticelli (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anthony Mallott (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bruce Blankenfeld (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Catherine Fuller (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dennis Fern (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eric Co (Secretary/Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Nathan Wong (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hardy Spoehr (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Harry Ho (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Chun (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Cunningham (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Neil Hannahs (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tim Johns (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William Tam (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ray Tanabe (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Erica Lehua Kamalu (Director Of Voyaging)
  • Compensation: $94,500
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Nainoa Thompson (Cheif Executive Officer)
  • Compensation: $163,745
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elsie Graham (Controller)
  • Compensation: $75,625
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sonja Swenson (Director Of Communications)
  • Compensation: $108,800
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

Where can I find the form 990 for Polynesian Voyaging Society?

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


Official website here: www.hokulea.com

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

Mission Statement of Polynesian Voyaging Society

The Polynesian Voyaging Society, rooted in the legacy of Pacific Ocean exploration, strives to preserve and foster the ancient Polynesian art and science of sailing. Their mission is achieved through experiential educational programs that inspire students and their communities. These programs encourage respect and care for themselves, others, and their natural and cultural environments. By participating in these programs, individuals are not only learning about traditional Polynesian voyaging but also embodying the spirit of exploration. The society's ultimate goal is to become a catalyst for positive change in Hawaii and beyond, by continuously learning from and nurturing relationships worldwide that share the values and responsibility of caring for Island Earth, her oceans, and children, while honoring their heritage and perpetuating their culture. The Polynesian Voyaging Society's mission is to promote cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and exploration through educational initiatives.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) significantly impacts environmental awareness, cultural preservation, and educational engagement. By launching the Moananuiakea Voyage, which embarked on a global journey from Juneau, Alaska, in 2023, PVS aims to cover approximately 43,000 nautical miles, visiting 36 countries and nearly 100 indigenous territories. This expedition serves as a global educational campaign, fostering a deeper understanding of the oceans' vital importance and the rich indigenous knowledge connected to them.

The Moananuiakea Voyage seeks to ignite a movement of 10 million "planetary navigators," encouraging young leaders and communities worldwide to participate actively in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Through storytelling and port engagements, PVS connects communities, helping to inspire individuals to take responsibility for their surroundings.

Moreover, PVS emphasizes the importance of relationships with indigenous cultures, such as their 31-year connection with the native peoples of Southeast Alaska. This commitment to honoring heritage fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, while also educating the broader public about the significance of these relationships.

The organization also enhances its vessels, like the Hokule'a and Hikianalia, ensuring they are equipped with modern technology for effective communication and navigation during their voyages. This blend of traditional voyaging techniques with contemporary capabilities exemplifies PVS's mission to perpetuate Polynesian culture and heritage while addressing current global challenges, such as climate change.

In the wake of natural disasters, such as the recent fires in Maui, PVS's initiatives become increasingly relevant, showcasing the importance of community support and resilience. By continuously engaging with local and global communities, PVS not only preserves the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging but also fosters a deeper respect for the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Polynesian Voyaging Society. 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
$1,569,098 (2022)
Expenses
$1,395,455 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Gross Receipts: $1,598,095

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,990,970
  • Total Liabilities: $195,485
  • Net Assets: $1,795,485

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1973

Principal Officer

Nainoa Thompson

Main Address

10 SAND ISLAND PARKWAY, HONOLULU, HI, 96819

NTEE Category

Code: A200 - Arts

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