Overview
What is Padi Aware Foundation?
The Padi Aware Foundation, based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine conservation. Their mission is to safeguard various marine species, particularly sharks and rays, by advocating for policies that promote their protection and sustainability. Over the years, they've worked with governments to establish catch limits and incorporate threatened species into international agreements. In 2022, their focus was on key member countries of ICCAT, engaging the recreational diving community in South Africa and Brazil through the Aware Shark Conservation Specialty. The campaign encouraged public involvement, leading to increased pressure on decision-makers and the implementation of a two-year ban on Mako shark retention in the Atlantic, a first in such measures. Padi Aware is a global movement, connecting the passion for ocean adventures with the purpose of marine conservation, empowering their community of adventurers to contribute to ocean protection.
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)
The Padi Aware Foundation has achieved an exemplary rating of 100% from Charity Navigator, indicating exceptional accountability and financial health. This high score reflects strong governance, with 100% independent board members and robust financial oversight processes in place. The foundation demonstrates a commendable program expense ratio of 79.06%, showing that the vast majority of its funds are directed towards its mission-related activities.
User feedback reveals a split perspective on the foundation's effectiveness. Many volunteers and supporters express pride in being part of the Project AWARE community, highlighting its successful initiatives like Dive Against Debris and partnerships that advocate for marine conservation. Positive reviews emphasize the foundation's role in mobilizing divers and raising awareness about ocean protection, with users appreciating the educational resources and community support provided for conservation efforts.
However, there are criticisms from some individuals who question the transparency and efficiency of the foundation's operations. Concerns about financial management, the allocation of program expenses, and the impact of funded activities have been noted. Some reviewers feel that while the foundation promotes awareness, it falls short on direct contributions to ocean conservation, suggesting that more grassroots engagement and accountability are necessary for long-term efficacy.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Padi Aware Foundation legitimate?
Padi Aware Foundation is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Padi Aware Foundation 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: $109,684
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $399,509
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
What is the mission statement of Padi Aware Foundation?
The Padi Aware Foundation is a global movement driven by ocean enthusiasts, aiming to protect marine life through its mission. This organization connects the passion for ocean exploration with the purpose of marine conservation. The foundation strongly believes in the well-being of all marine species and has been actively advocating for threatened shark and ray species for several years. They have influenced governments to establish catch limits for sharks in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, incorporated threatened shark and ray species into the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and advocated for sustainable shark and ray product trade via the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). In 2022, Padi Aware and the Shark League focused their advocacy efforts on key ICCAT member countries, engaging the recreational diving community in South Africa and Brazil to raise awareness about shark conservation issues and the Mako situation. They encouraged public engagement through the #MarkTime4Makos campaign, presenting the resulting photo journals to relevant ICCAT officials to demonstrate public support. As a result, ICCAT parties agreed to implement a two-year ban on retaining Makos in the Atlantic, marking the first time such a ban had been enacted.
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
Who is the CEO of Padi Aware Foundation?
Kristin Valette-Wirth is the Secretary/Treas of Padi Aware Foundation.
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
What is the revenue of Padi Aware Foundation?
Padi Aware Foundation's revenue in 2022 was $1,331,222.
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
Who are the executives of Padi Aware Foundation and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Padi Aware Foundation during 2022 was $63,649. There are 8 employees and 15200 volunteers at Padi Aware Foundation.
Here are 6 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $98,834
- Related: $0
- Other: $10,850
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Padi Aware Foundation?
Padi Aware Foundation's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.projectaware.org
Learn more at the official website: www.projectaware.org
Mission Statement of Padi Aware Foundation
Padi Aware Foundation, a global movement, is driven by a community of ocean adventurers with a passion for marine conservation. Their mission is to protect the ocean, connecting the thrill of ocean exploration with the purpose of preserving marine life. The organization is particularly committed to the survival of threatened shark and ray species. Over the years, Padi Aware and its allies have advocated for catch limits in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, ensured the inclusion of threatened sharks and rays in international conservation agreements, and advocated for sustainable shark and ray trade.
In 2022, Padi Aware, in collaboration with the Shark League, focused its advocacy efforts on key ICCAT member countries, including the EU, UK, South Africa, Brazil, Senegal, and Canada. The goal was to engage the recreational diving community, developing a public engagement and advocacy campaign through the Aware Shark Conservation Specialty. This specialty provided information on shark conservation issues, highlighted the mako situation, and encouraged the public to engage with relevant decision-makers. The #MarkTime4Makos campaign encouraged participants to submit photographs, which were compiled into photo journals and presented to ICCAT officials, demonstrating public engagement.
As a result of this public pressure, ICCAT parties implemented a two-year ban on retaining makos in the Atlantic, marking the first time such a ban had been enacted. This achievement highlights Padi Aware Foundation's commitment to ocean protection and its ability to mobilize a global community of ocean adventurers for a crucial cause.
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Impact
October, 2024
PADI Aware Foundation has made significant strides in ocean protection through advocacy and community engagement focused on marine conservation. The organization's efforts center around the belief that all marine species deserve attention and protection, particularly threatened sharks and rays. Over the years, it has successfully pushed for measures like introducing catch limits for sharks in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and incorporating these species into international conservation agreements.
In 2022, PADI Aware's advocacy work included a concentrated effort on key countries involved with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), such as the EU, UK, South Africa, Brazil, Senegal, and Canada. By engaging the recreational diving community in South Africa and Brazil, they promoted awareness through campaigns like the AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty, which educated the public on shark conservation issues.
One notable accomplishment from these efforts was the introduction of a two-year ban on the retention of mako sharks in the Atlantic, a historic first achieved through public pressure and advocacy campaigns. The #Marketime4Makos initiative encouraged both divers and non-divers to contribute photographs to raise awareness, creating a compelling display of public engagement presented to ICCAT officials.
Overall, the impact of PADI Aware Foundation is reflected in its ability to mobilize a community of adventurers toward meaningful conservation actions, ultimately leading to stronger protections for vulnerable marine life.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Padi Aware Foundation. 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: $86
- Gross Receipts: $1,331,222
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $735,565
- Total Liabilities: $173,787
- Net Assets: $561,778
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Organization Details
Founding Year
1992
Phone
(949) 858-7657Principal Officer
Kristin Valette-Wirth
Main Address
30151 TOMAS ST, RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA, 92688
Website
www.projectaware.orgNTEE Category
Code: Z99Z - Unknown
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