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Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 363414821 ✦ St paul, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness?

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota, with 18 employees. Their primary mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the wilderness character of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem. To achieve this, they engage in various activities and initiatives. In terms of advocacy, they strive to stop sulfide mining through legislation like PROVE It First, which has gained support from legislators, voters, and businesses. They also organize events, such as rallies, to engage constituents in advocating for their cause. Another significant aspect of their work is the 'No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters' program, which aims to educate students about the Boundary Waters through classroom sessions and local waterways activities. They also sponsor multi-day wilderness canoe trips for students, providing necessary preparation and gear to ensure a positive first-time wilderness experience. The organization also focuses on building relationships within the communities of Ely and Grand Marais, where they sponsor events, volunteer at local events, and meet with community members to understand how they can best support these gateway communities to the wilderness. They also work closely with the US Forest Service to support volunteers in the wilderness. In summary, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem through advocacy, education, and community engagement.


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 88% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)

Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness has earned a solid Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its overall commitment to transparency and accountability. The charity's high Accountability & Finance score of 91 indicates robust financial practices, including a fully independent board and effective oversight mechanisms. This suggests a strong foundation for managing resources and maintaining trust with donors.

While the organization excels in financial management, its Leadership & Adaptability and Culture & Community scores are lower at 80% and 75%, respectively. This indicates there may be room for improvement in leadership practices and fostering a strong organizational culture. Nevertheless, the charity's commitment to its mission and the integrity of its operations are evident from the positive feedback regarding its governance.

Overall, Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness demonstrates a strong commitment to accountability and effective financial practices. While there are areas for potential growth in leadership and community engagement, its solid financial health and independent oversight bode well for its ongoing mission to protect the Boundary Waters wilderness area.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness legitimate?

Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness 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: $142,332
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $847,063

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

What is the mission statement of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness?

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness aim to protect, preserve, and restore the wilderness character of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem. Their key activities include advocating for legislation to prevent sulfide mining, funding clean water studies, and educating students about the Boundary Waters through the 'No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters' program. They also engage in community building by hosting events and volunteering in local communities. Additionally, they collaborate with the US Forest Service to support volunteers in the wilderness.


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

Who is the CEO of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness?

Lee Vue is the Vice Chair of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness.


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

What is the revenue of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness?

Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness's revenue in 2022 was $2,197,868.


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

Who are the executives of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness during 2022 was $54,966. There are 18 employees and 250 volunteers at Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness.


Here are 14 key members and their salaries:


Chris Knopf (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $125,775
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $16,557
John Gappa (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lee Vue (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Penshorn (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bob Scott (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Donaho (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Deborah Huskins (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ryan Johnson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jason Long (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Evan Nelson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Suzie O'Gorman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jaime Roquebert (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Emily Vikre (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Willoughby (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness?

Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.friends-bwca.org

Learn more at the official website: www.friends-bwca.org

Mission Statement of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is an organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring the wilderness character of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior Ecosystem. The nonprofit works tirelessly to ensure the pristine wilderness remains untouched by sulfide mining, advocating for legislation like Prove It First and Stop Sulfide Mining. Their efforts have gained significant support from lawmakers, voters, and businesses, with additional legislators signing onto the bill and successful rallies held for constituents to meet with their elected representatives.

In addition to advocacy, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness also focuses on education. Their "No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters" program reaches thousands of students across Minnesota, teaching them about the Boundary Waters through classroom programming and local waterway explorations. The organization also organizes wilderness canoe trips for students, offering them a unique first-hand experience of the wilderness.

The nonprofit also prioritizes building relationships within the communities that serve as gateways to the wilderness. Through event sponsorships, volunteering at local events, and meeting with community members, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness aims to support these communities while learning how best to assist them. The organization has even started hosting events from their office in Ely and has worked closely with the US Forest Service to support volunteers in the wilderness.

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Impact




June, 2024

Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness has had a significant impact in protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem. Through their advocacy efforts, they have successfully worked on key legislation to stop sulfide mining and promote the "Prove It First" bill. These efforts have gained support from lawmakers, voters, and businesses.

In addition, their "No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters" program has reached over 2,500 students, providing educational programming about the importance of the Boundary Waters. They have also facilitated multi-day wilderness canoe trips for more than 70 students, ensuring diverse communities have access to these wilderness experiences.

Furthermore, the organization has actively engaged with local communities in Ely and Grand Marais through event sponsorships, volunteering, and community meetings. By building relationships and supporting local initiatives, they are helping to create thriving communities that serve as gateways to the wilderness.

Overall, Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness's impact can be seen through their legislative successes, educational initiatives, and community partnerships in working towards the preservation and restoration of these precious natural resources.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Friends Of The Boundary Waters Wilderness. 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.

Revenue
$2,197,868 (2022)
Expenses
$1,919,578 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $10,446
  • Gross Receipts: $2,307,824

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,600,444
  • Total Liabilities: $449,058
  • Net Assets: $3,151,386

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1976

Principal Officer

Lee Vue

Main Address

2550 UNIVERSITY AVE W 180S, ST PAUL, MN, 55114

NTEE Category

Code: C113 - Environment

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