Overview
What is Critter Barn?
Critter Barn, established in 1990, is a dedicated educational farm situated in Zeeland, Michigan. With a programming budget comprising 69.4% of its total expenses, the nonprofit aims to inspire individuals of all ages and abilities by showcasing the wonders of nature. Critter Barn offers various age-specific classes, school field trips, and seasonal programming. Children and youth engage in hands-on learning by volunteering to care for the animals and enhancing visitor experiences. In 2022, 1,052 children participated in summer and year-round classes, while 256 attended Critter Camp, a prerequisite for the volunteer program, Critter Crew. Moreover, Critter Barn welcomed 4,410 children on school field trips and approximately 80,653 individuals at traveling farm events. The Barnyard Crew program, catering to people with disabilities, had 10 children and youth along with 19 weekly adult volunteers in 2022. Additionally, over 200 adults volunteered through court-directed community service during the same year. Critter Barn's mission continues to inspire and educate the public through the miracles of nature at the farm.
Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 90%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.
Critter Barn demonstrates strong accountability and financial management, reflected in its high scores across various categories. With a perfect score in Leadership & Adaptability and significant ratings in Culture & Community, the organization shows effective governance and a commitment to its mission. The majority of its board members are independent, contributing to its transparency and ethical oversight.
While the organization excels in many areas, there are a couple of limitations noted in its policies, specifically the absence of a whistleblower policy and a document retention and destruction policy. Despite this, Critter Barn’s overall performance in financial health is commendable, with an impressive program expense ratio of 84.54% indicating that a significant portion of its funds is directed towards its mission-related activities.
Additionally, Critter Barn maintains excellent communication with its constituents, achieving perfect scores in feedback collection, usage, and addressing challenges in gathering feedback. This level of engagement reflects a strong commitment to community involvement and responsiveness, positioning Critter Barn as a reliable and impactful nonprofit organization.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Critter Barn?
96% of 637 reviewers on Facebook recommend Critter Barn. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Many families express a strong appreciation for their visits, highlighting the engaging interactions with staff, particularly praising Mary for sharing her knowledge and creating a welcoming environment for children. Reviewers consistently mention the caring treatment of the animals, reinforcing the sense of compassion and dedication present at the nonprofit.
Overall, visitors feel satisfied with the experiences provided by Critter Barn, noting that it offers an enjoyable and educational outing for families while demonstrating a genuine commitment to animal care.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Critter Barn legitimate?
Critter Barn is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Critter Barn 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: $2,600
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $359,780
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
What is the mission statement of Critter Barn?
Critter Barn is an educational farm dedicated to inspiring individuals of all ages and abilities through the wonders of nature. Its mission is to provide a learning environment where people can connect with animals and the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the miracles found in nature. The farm achieves this through various programs, including classes for different age groups, school field trips, and seasonal events. Critter Barn encourages its students to share their knowledge with visitors, while also offering volunteering opportunities for children and youth to care for the animals and enhance visitor experiences. The farm serves a diverse population, including individuals with disabilities, through specialized programs and volunteer opportunities. In 2022, the farm welcomed several hundred children and thousands of visitors through its various programs.
Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
Who is the CEO of Critter Barn?
Mary Rottschafer is the President of Critter Barn.
Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
What is the revenue of Critter Barn?
Critter Barn's revenue in 2022 was $1,378,579.
Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
Who are the executives of Critter Barn and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Critter Barn during 2022 was $9,292. There are 39 employees and 420 volunteers at Critter Barn.
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Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Critter Barn?
Critter Barn's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.critterbarn.org
Learn more at the official website: www.critterbarn.org
Mission Statement of Critter Barn
Critter Barn, an educational farm, is committed to inspiring individuals of all ages and abilities through the wonders of nature. Its mission is to serve as a platform where people can connect with the miracles of the natural world, fostering a sense of awe and understanding. By offering programming that caters to various age groups, Critter Barn encourages learning through hands-on experiences, such as school field trips and seasonal programming. The farm also encourages its students to share their knowledge with visitors, providing opportunities for children and youth to volunteer and engage with the animals, thereby enhancing the visitor experience.
In addition to its educational programs, Critter Barn also runs a Barnyard Crew program that serves people with disabilities. This program, which saw the participation of 10 children and youth, along with 19 adult volunteers in 2022, offers a unique opportunity for individuals with special needs to engage with the farm's animals and activities. Furthermore, the farm welcomes over 80,000 visitors annually through traveling farm events and school field trips, providing a platform for countless individuals to learn and appreciate the wonders of nature.
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Impact
October, 2024
Critter Barn profoundly impacts the community by offering educational experiences that connect people of all ages and abilities to the wonders of nature. Through various programs, children engage in hands-on learning about animals and agriculture, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.
In 2022, Critter Barn welcomed over 80,000 visitors to traveling farm events and served more than 4,400 students through school field trips. This outreach extends beyond the farm, incorporating seasonal programming designed to captivate young minds. In addition, the Critter Camp and volunteer initiatives provide valuable opportunities for children and youth to develop skills while caring for animals and enhancing visitor experiences.
The Barnyard Crew program particularly highlights inclusivity, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate meaningfully within the community. This initiative saw active involvement from both youth and adults, promoting teamwork and social interaction while benefiting from the therapeutic effects of animal care.
With a strong emphasis on community engagement, Critter Barn’s commitment to education, inclusivity, and hands-on learning creates a lasting positive impact on individuals and the greater Zeeland area. This dedicated approach has fostered a generation that appreciates nature, leading to a more informed and compassionate community.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Critter Barn. 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: $2,131
- Program Service Revenue: $275,201
- Gross Receipts: $1,388,079
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $3,350,489
- Total Liabilities: $424,400
- Net Assets: $2,926,089
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
FIELD TRIPS AND PUBLIC ADMISS
Revenue
$135,182
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES
Revenue
$89,478
FARM-ON-THE-GO
Revenue
$50,541
Organization Details
Founding Year
2002
Phone
(616) 748-1110Principal Officer
Mary Rottschafer
Main Address
2950 - 80TH AVENUE, ZEELAND, MI, 49464
Website
www.critterbarn.orgNTEE Category
Code: P30 - Human services
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