Overview
What is Living Coast Discovery Center?
The Living Coast Discovery Center, situated in Chula Vista, California, serves as an educational zoo and aquarium, promoting coastal resource conservation and environmental stewardship through captivating exhibits and hands-on experiences. Established over three decades ago, this nonprofit organization has captivated over 80,000 visitors annually, including numerous K-12 students. With a focus on instilling an early awareness of coastal resources, the center offers specialized programs such as Living Lab field trips, Wild San Diego outreach programs, and wildlife day camps. Animal ambassadors, native to the Southern California region, play a crucial role in the center's educational programs, providing unique opportunities for visitors to interact with wildlife and engage in enriching activities. The center's conservation efforts include participation in Team Clapper Rail, a collaborative initiative aimed at preserving the endangered Light-footed Ridgway's Rail in Southern California. The center's staff members also provide daily husbandry and enrichment for the hundreds of animal ambassadors that call the Living Coast Discovery Center home. In essence, the Living Coast Discovery Center inspires the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment, envisioning a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.
Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 92% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)
The Living Coast Discovery Center has achieved a commendable Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and finance. The organization scored particularly well in areas such as having an entirely independent board, no material diversion of assets, and robust policies for conflict of interest and whistleblowing. This high level of transparency and governance indicates that the organization operates with integrity and is dedicated to responsible financial practices.
Financially, the Living Coast Discovery Center demonstrates solid performance, with a program expense ratio of 78.28%, suggesting that a significant portion of its funds is allocated directly towards its programs and mission. Additionally, the organization shows an efficient fundraising model, with a fundraising efficiency ratio of $0.16, indicating that it raises funds cost-effectively. The low liabilities to assets ratio of 11.33% indicates a stable financial footing, which is essential for long-term sustainability.
While the organizational strengths are notable, it's important for potential donors and supporters to remain informed about any upcoming challenges or changes in financial practices that could affect future performance. However, the current data reflects a well-managed and accountable nonprofit that is making a positive impact in its community.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Living Coast Discovery Center legitimate?
Living Coast Discovery Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Living Coast Discovery Center 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: $130,194
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,148,050
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
What is the mission statement of Living Coast Discovery Center?
The Living Coast Discovery Center aims to inspire the community to connect with and care for coastal environments, with a vision of a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation. For over three decades, it has provided a living interpretive experience, promoting coastal resource conservation and environmental stewardship through education. As an educational zoo and aquarium, it features native wildlife and plants, offering visitors the opportunity to explore nature trails, learn about coastal resource conservation, and experience wildlife up-close. The center conducts various environmental education programs, including Living Lab field trips, Wild San Diego outreach programs, and wildlife day camps, to instill an early awareness of coastal resources by inspiring students through interactions with wildlife and hands-on activities. Animal ambassadors are central to every environmental education program at the Living Coast Discovery Center, featuring animals native to the southern California region, many of which are injured or imprinted and cannot be released into the wild. The center is part of Team Clapper Rail, a group of organizations dedicated to the study, restoration, and reintroduction of the endangered species, Light-footed Ridgway's Rail, in southern California.
Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
Who is the CEO of Living Coast Discovery Center?
Benedict Vallejos is the Executive Director of Living Coast Discovery Center.
Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
What is the revenue of Living Coast Discovery Center?
Living Coast Discovery Center's revenue in 2022 was $3,433,284.
Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
Who are the executives of Living Coast Discovery Center and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Living Coast Discovery Center during 2022 was $19,973. There are 64 employees and 113 volunteers at Living Coast Discovery Center.
Here are 8 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $130,194
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Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Living Coast Discovery Center?
Living Coast Discovery Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.thelivingcoast.org
Learn more at the official website: www.thelivingcoast.org
Mission Statement of Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center, a pioneering institution dedicated to environmental conservation, strives to foster a connection between the community and the coastal environment. For over three decades, this organization has been an educational zoo and aquarium, showcasing local wildlife and plants, and providing engaging experiences for visitors to explore nature trails, learn about coastal resource conservation, and interact with wildlife up close. The mission of the Living Coast Discovery Center is to envision a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.
The Living Coast Discovery Center is committed to inspiring and educating its visitors about the importance of coastal resource conservation. Every environmental education program at the center revolves around Animal Ambassadors, creatures native to the Southern California region, some of which are injured or imprinted and cannot be released into the wild. Through exhibits featuring avian, aquatic, and terrestrial species, such as shorebirds, owls, eagles, sharks, fish, sea turtles, tortoises, snakes, and possums, the center offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness and learn about these fascinating creatures.
In addition to its educational programs, the Living Coast Discovery Center is actively involved in conservation efforts. As a member of Team Clapper Rail, a collaboration of organizations dedicated to the study, restoration, and reintroduction of the endangered species Light-footed Ridgway's Rail in Southern California, the center plays a crucial role in the protection and preservation of local wildlife. The Animal Care team also provides daily husbandry and enrichment for the hundreds of Animal Ambassadors residing at the center, ensuring their well-being and ongoing care.
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Impact
June, 2024
Living Coast Discovery Center's impact is profound in inspiring the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. Through its educational zoo and aquarium, the center provides a unique opportunity for guests and students to explore nature trails, learn about coastal resource conservation, and experience wildlife up-close. With a yearly visitor count of close to 80,000, including over 29,000 K-12 students, the Living Coast Discovery Center effectively instills an early awareness of coastal resources through interactive programs and hands-on activities. The center's emphasis on environmental education, featuring animal ambassadors native to Southern California, brings conservation lessons to life for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the Living Coast is actively involved in conservation efforts, such as the restoration and reintroduction of endangered species like the Light-footed Ridgway's Rail. Through its dedicated animal care team and engaging programs, the Living Coast Discovery Center is making a significant impact in promoting coastal resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Living Coast Discovery Center. 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: $212,793
- Program Service Revenue: $702,167
- Gross Receipts: $3,566,338
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $2,910,402
- Total Liabilities: $406,050
- Net Assets: $2,504,352
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
ADMISSIONS
Revenue
$314,794
PROGRAM SERVICE FEES
Revenue
$387,373
Organization Details
Founding Year
2002
Phone
(619) 409-5900Principal Officer
Benedict Vallejos
Main Address
1000 GUNPOWDER POINT DRIVE, CHULA VISTA, CA, 91910
Website
www.thelivingcoast.orgNTEE Category
Code: C123 - Environment
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