Overview
What is Friends Of Outdoor School?
Friends of Outdoor School (FODS) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to enhancing outdoor education programs across the state. During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, FODS supported Oregon Outdoor School (ODS) programs and sites, helping providers navigate a safe return to in-person outdoor education amidst the pandemic's uncertainty. They facilitated discussions among programs to develop a skilled workforce of educators and support staff, improving recruitment and hiring processes. FODS also collaborated on research projects to analyze the positive outcomes of ODS, paving the way for continuous program improvement. In addition to supporting ODS, FODS works with the community to advocate for the benefits of outdoor education for students in Oregon. They gathered supporters to celebrate and champion ODS, gathered first-hand stories documenting the benefits of ODS, and linked community organizations and businesses to their local ODS programs and sites. FODS encouraged community members to financially support their local ODS programs and sites, provided resources to parents as they transitioned from virtual to in-person programs, and guided parents and teachers on how to establish ODS programs in their school districts. In summary, Friends of Outdoor School is an active nonprofit organization that connects, supports, and advocates for diverse students in Oregon, aiming to provide inclusive and accessible outdoor education programs that contribute to educational development, inspire youth, promote personal growth, and embrace justice.
Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 97%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating
Friends Of Outdoor School has demonstrated exceptional accountability and financial health, reflected in its high scores of 97% in both Accountability & Finance and Culture & Community. The organization boasts a fully independent board and maintains clear policies for conflict of interest, document retention, and whistleblowing. With a program expense ratio of 92.67%, it allocates a significant portion of its funding directly towards its educational programs.
User feedback highlights the transformative experiences that both sixth graders and high school student leaders undergo during Outdoor School sessions. Reviewers frequently mention the positive impact on children's self-confidence, community building, and engagement with nature. The program is praised for fostering an inclusive environment and providing meaningful outdoor education, which many participants describe as unforgettable and life-changing.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, no notable limitations are indicated in user feedback, suggesting that the organization consistently delivers high-quality experiences. Overall, Friends Of Outdoor School is regarded as a crucial educational program that inspires youth and strengthens community ties through outdoor learning.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Friends Of Outdoor School legitimate?
Friends Of Outdoor School is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Friends Of Outdoor School 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: $51,875
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $142,876
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
What is the mission statement of Friends Of Outdoor School?
Friends of Outdoor School, often referred to as FODS, aims to promote and advocate for inclusive and accessible outdoor school programs that contribute to educational development, inspire youth, foster personal growth, and uphold justice. Their purpose is to connect and support diverse students across Oregon, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn in these outdoor settings.
During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, FODS supported Oregon Outdoor School programs and sites by helping providers navigate a safe return to in-person classes amid the pandemic. They also facilitated conversations among programs to develop a professional workforce, improve recruitment and hiring, and connect providers to necessary resources. FODS collaborated on evaluation and research projects to highlight the positive outcomes of outdoor school programs and identify paths for continuous improvement.
Furthermore, FODS worked with the community to keep the conversation going about the benefits of outdoor school to students throughout Oregon. They gathered supporters to celebrate and champion outdoor school as a place where every child can belong and documented the benefits of outdoor school for students. Additionally, FODS linked community organizations and businesses to their local outdoor school programs and sites, encouraging financial support and guiding parents and teachers on how to establish outdoor school programs in their school districts.
Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Who is the CEO of Friends Of Outdoor School?
Kim Silva is the Chair of Friends Of Outdoor School.
Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
What is the revenue of Friends Of Outdoor School?
Friends Of Outdoor School's revenue in 2022 was $1,355,004.
Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Who are the executives of Friends Of Outdoor School and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Friends Of Outdoor School during 2022 was $64,917. There are 3 employees and 100 volunteers at Friends Of Outdoor School.
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- Compensation: $66,670
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Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Friends Of Outdoor School?
Friends Of Outdoor School's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Learn more at the official website: www.friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Mission Statement of Friends Of Outdoor School
Friends of Outdoor School (FODS) is an organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for inclusive and accessible outdoor school programs that contribute to the educational development, inspiration, and personal growth of diverse students in Oregon. FODS' primary goal is to connect and support various stakeholders, including providers, educators, and support staff, to ensure that outdoor school programs cater to the needs of all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
In pursuing its mission, FODS facilitates conversations among program providers to develop a professional workforce and improve recruitment and hiring processes. By connecting providers to necessary resources, FODS aims to prepare them to support students returning to in-person activities, not just outdoor school, amidst the ongoing pandemic. FODS also collaborates on evaluation and research projects to examine the positive outcomes of outdoor school programs and identify paths for continuous improvement.
Furthermore, FODS works with the community to keep the conversation going about the benefits of outdoor school for students across Oregon. By gathering supporters, FODS champions outdoor school as a place where every child can belong and documents the benefits of outdoor school for students through first-hand stories. FODS also links community organizations and businesses to their local outdoor school programs and sites, encourages financial support for these programs, assists parents in transitioning out of virtual programs into in-person programs, and guides parents and teachers on how to establish outdoor school programs in their own school districts.
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Impact
October, 2024
Friends of Outdoor School (FODS) significantly enhances access to outdoor education programs across Oregon, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, FODS played a crucial role in helping Oregon Outdoor School (ODS) programs and sites navigate a safe return to in-person learning. By facilitating communication and collaboration among providers, they focused on developing a professional workforce of educators and support staff, improving recruitment and hiring processes.
FODS also connected various providers with essential resources to ensure they were prepared to support students as they transitioned back into outdoor programs and other facets of life. The organization actively engaged in evaluation and research efforts aimed at highlighting the positive outcomes of ODS, paving the way for continuous program improvement.
Moreover, FODS works closely with community members and decision-makers to advocate for the benefits of outdoor education. By gathering stories and support from the community, they emphasize the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that every child can belong in outdoor school programs. They also foster connections between local organizations and ODS, encouraging financial support, assisting parents with the shift from virtual to in-person programs, and guiding educators on integrating outdoor school opportunities into their districts.
Through these multifaceted efforts, FODS is creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor education environment that inspires youth, promotes personal growth, and advances educational development throughout Oregon.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Friends Of Outdoor School. 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: $378
- Program Service Revenue: $86,628
- Gross Receipts: $1,355,004
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,418,454
- Total Liabilities: $32,708
- Net Assets: $1,385,746
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
MESD ODS SERVICE
Revenue
$86,628
Organization Details
Founding Year
2011
Phone
(971) 303-8914Principal Officer
Kim Silva
Main Address
PO BOX 82684, PORTLAND, OR, 97282
NTEE Category
Code: B19 - Education
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