Overview
What is Train Mountain Institute?
The Train Mountain Institute is a nonprofit organization situated in Chiloquin, Oregon. Its primary focus is delivering railroad education and providing facilities for others to learn about railroading. They achieve this through Train Mountain, a two-mile by four-mile (2,200-acre) train park featuring over thirty-six miles of 7.5-inch gauge ride-on model railroad track. The institute also houses a railroad museum, boasting the world's largest collection of full-sized cabooses and thirty-eight other full-sized cars, including four snow plows. They maintain an extensive library on railroading and 7.5-inch gauge model railroading. The Institute enables the Klamath & Western Railroad to offer public train rides every Saturday during certain seasons, hosts educational events, and welcomes visitors from around the world.
Official website here: www.tminst.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 90% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)
Train Mountain Institute has achieved a commendable Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and finance. The overall score is derived entirely from a 90% rating in accountability and finance, indicating a commitment to responsible financial practices and transparency.
The organization excels in several key areas, including having a fully independent board and no material diversion of assets. It boasts a 90.73% program expense ratio, meaning a significant majority of its expenditures are directed toward its programs, which is a positive sign for donors who want to see their contributions making a direct impact.
However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in governance practices, as the organization lacks a whistleblower policy. While this is a notable gap, the overall strong performance in other metrics suggests a solid foundation for accountability.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Train Mountain Institute legitimate?
Train Mountain Institute is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Train Mountain Institute 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: $0
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.tminst.org
What is the mission statement of Train Mountain Institute?
The Train Mountain Institute is dedicated to delivering railroad education and providing opportunities for others to learn about railroading. It achieves this through Train Mountain, a vast train park featuring a vast model railroad with over 36 miles of track, and a railroad museum housing an extensive collection of full-sized railroad cars, including the world's largest collection of cabooses. The institute facilitates railroad education, allowing the Klamath & Western Railroad to offer public train rides and hosting events to teach about railway operations. They also maintain a comprehensive library on railroading and the 7.5-inch gauge model railroading.
Official website here: www.tminst.org
Who is the CEO of Train Mountain Institute?
Jerald Crane is the President of Train Mountain Institute.
Official website here: www.tminst.org
What is the revenue of Train Mountain Institute?
Train Mountain Institute's revenue in 2022 was $1,243,958.
Official website here: www.tminst.org
Who are the executives of Train Mountain Institute and what are their salaries?
There 150 volunteers at Train Mountain Institute.
Here are 4 key members and their salaries:
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- Other: $0
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Official website here: www.tminst.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Train Mountain Institute?
Train Mountain Institute's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.tminst.org
Learn more at the official website: www.tminst.org
Mission Statement of Train Mountain Institute
Train Mountain Institute is dedicated to delivering railroad education and providing facilities for others to learn about railroading. It accomplishes this through Train Mountain, a vast train park spanning over 2,200 acres with an extensive 36-mile long, 7.5-inch gauge ride-on model railroad track. The institute also houses a railroad museum, boasting the world's largest collection of full-sized cabooses and 38 other full-sized railroad cars, including four snow plows. The museum undergoes a restoration program to preserve this extensive collection.
Beyond its physical offerings, Train Mountain Institute is committed to educating visitors about railroads. It facilitated train rides for the public every Saturday during the summer season, and hosted a four-day event to teach attendees about railroad operations. The institute welcomed approximately 3,500 visitors and 30 visiting groups each year. Moreover, it hosted the Ride on Railroad Hobby's once every three years, attracting over 1,800 enthusiasts from around the world. Train Mountain Institute also offered walking and train tours of its museum for drop-in vacationing tourists. Additionally, it maintains an extensive library on railroading and 7.5-inch gauge model railroading, further enriching the learning experience for visitors.
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Impact
October, 2024
Train Mountain Institute significantly enhances community knowledge and appreciation of railroading through its expansive facilities and educational programs. Spanning 2,200 acres in Chiloquin, Oregon, it hosts the world’s largest ride-on model railroad, featuring over 36 miles of 7.5" gauge track. This unique setup provides hands-on learning opportunities for visitors and enthusiasts alike.
The institute operates a comprehensive railroad museum that showcases an unparalleled collection of more than 75 full-sized railroad cars, including the world's largest assortment of cabooses. This collection not only preserves historical artifacts but also engages visitors with interactive experiences.
Train Mountain Institute facilitates educational initiatives such as train rides operated by Klamath & Western Railroad, offering the public a chance to experience railroading firsthand during weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It hosts annual events, including a four-day "Operations Meet," designed to teach participants about the intricacies of railway operations, thereby deepening their understanding and appreciation of the railroad industry.
By welcoming approximately 3,500 visitors each year, including various groups from around the world, and providing guided tours for tourists, the Train Mountain Institute plays a vital role in both local and international railroading communities. Its extensive railroad library further supports education by offering resources on railroading and model railroading techniques, enriching the learning experience for all ages.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Train Mountain Institute. 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: $14,647
- Program Service Revenue: $115,469
- Gross Receipts: $1,273,637
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $3,226,181
- Total Liabilities: $876
- Net Assets: $3,225,305
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
TRAIN MEETS
Revenue
$61,965
RENTAL INCOME
Revenue
$47,404
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Revenue
$6,100
Organization Details
Founding Year
2010
Phone
(541) 783-3030Principal Officer
Jerald Crane
Main Address
PO BOX 438, CHILOQUIN, OR, 976240438
Website
www.tminst.orgNTEE Category
Code: B90 - Education
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