Overview
What is Vida Verde Nature Education?
Vida Verde Nature Education is a nonprofit organization situated in San Gregorio, California, dedicated to fostering educational equity for underprivileged students from historically marginalized populations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization provides 100% scholarship-based environmental education programs, catering primarily to youth of color and those from low-income families who would otherwise be unable to participate due to financial constraints. During the previous fiscal year, they hosted 30 classes of fourth to sixth-grade students for a three-day, two-night Core Program and 50 teens for week-long camping trips through their Summer Leadership Project. These programs are designed to enhance students' connection to the outdoors, academics, and social-emotional learning, offering an immersive, activity-packed experience at their 100-acre camp and farm, as well as nearby state parks and beaches. Vida Verde Nature Education currently employs 22 individuals, working diligently to promote educational opportunities and a deeper appreciation for nature among underrepresented youth.
Official website here: www.vveducation.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement
Vida Verde Nature Education has received a Two-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating that while it has some strengths, there are areas that require improvement. The organization excels in certain governance aspects, such as having a majority of independent board members and robust financial practices, including receiving full marks for its financial audit. However, the program expense ratio is relatively low at 50.23%, which suggests that a lesser portion of its funding is directed towards its programs compared to other organizations.
User feedback reflects a strong appreciation for Vida Verde's educational impact, with many reviews highlighting the transformative experiences it provides to students. Reviewers consistently commend the organization's knowledgeable staff and the engaging nature of its programs, noting that students leave with enhanced confidence and a deeper connection to the environment. Comments indicate that the experiences offered are memorable and have lasting effects, reinforcing the value of outdoor education.
Despite its positive aspects, the organization faces challenges, particularly related to its accountability measures, as evidenced by the absence of a whistleblower policy. While constituents have given perfect scores in feedback collection and usage, the overall rating suggests a need for better financial management to ensure greater investment in program activities. Addressing these shortcomings could enhance Vida Verde's effectiveness and sustainability as a nonprofit organization.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Vida Verde Nature Education legitimate?
Vida Verde Nature Education is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Vida Verde Nature Education 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $733,740
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.vveducation.org
What is the mission statement of Vida Verde Nature Education?
Vida Verde Nature Education's mission is centered on fostering educational equity. They strive to offer free overnight environmental learning experiences to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. By doing so, they aim to make a positive impact on students' connection to the outdoors, academics, and social-emotional learning. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, they hosted various programs, including their Core Program for 4th-6th grade students and the Summer Leadership Project for teens, all designed to create a memorable and impactful learning experience. These programs take place at their 100-acre camp and farm, as well as nearby state parks and beaches.
Official website here: www.vveducation.org
Who is the CEO of Vida Verde Nature Education?
Juan Miguel Arias is the Secretary of Vida Verde Nature Education.
Official website here: www.vveducation.org
What is the revenue of Vida Verde Nature Education?
Vida Verde Nature Education's revenue in 2023 was $1,199,562.
Official website here: www.vveducation.org
Who are the executives of Vida Verde Nature Education and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Vida Verde Nature Education during 2023 was $33,352. There are 22 employees and 75 volunteers at Vida Verde Nature Education.
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Official website here: www.vveducation.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Vida Verde Nature Education?
Vida Verde Nature Education's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.vveducation.org
Learn more at the official website: www.vveducation.org
Mission Statement of Vida Verde Nature Education
Vida Verde Nature Education, a unique educational organization, strives to promote educational equity by offering free overnight environmental learning experiences to students who would otherwise be unable to participate due to financial constraints. The primary mission of this nonprofit is to bridge the gap for historically marginalized students, primarily youth of color, ensuring they have access to enriching outdoor learning opportunities. By providing these experiences, Vida Verde Nature Education aims to deepen students' connection to the natural world, enhance their academic performance, and foster social-emotional growth.
Throughout the 2022-23 fiscal year, Vida Verde Nature Education successfully hosted classes of 4th-6th grade students for a three-day, two-night Core Program, in addition to 50 teens for the week-long camping trips of the Summer Leadership Project. These programs, designed meticulously to be engaging and impactful, take place at Vida Verde's 100-acre camp and farm, as well as nearby state parks and beaches along the San Mateo County coastline. The experiences are packed with activities, aimed at creating a powerful and lasting connection between the students and the outdoors, academics, and social-emotional development.
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Impact
June, 2024
Vida Verde Nature Education's impact is profound in promoting educational equity by providing free overnight environmental learning experiences for students who don't otherwise get the opportunity. This organization, based in San Gregorio, CA, is the only 100% scholarship-based environmental education program for students from historically marginalized populations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The majority of students they work with are youth of color, coming from low-income backgrounds.
In their 2022-23 Fiscal Year, Vida Verde hosted 30 classes of 4th-6th grade students for their three-day, two-night Core Program, and 50 teens participated in week-long camping trips through their Summer Leadership Project. These programs are designed to deeply impact students' connection to the outdoors, academics, and social-emotional learning.
By providing these activities at their 100-acre camp and farm, as well as at nearby state parks and beaches, Vida Verde is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who may not otherwise have access to such experiences. Their work contributes to creating a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape, fostering a love of nature and learning in the hearts of those who need it most.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Vida Verde Nature Education. 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 2023.
- Investment Income: $17,063
- Gross Receipts: $1,199,562
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $7,676,726
- Total Liabilities: $45,207
- Net Assets: $7,631,519
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Organization Details
Founding Year
2001
Phone
(650) 747-9288Principal Officer
Juan Miguel Arias
Main Address
3540 LA HONDA ROAD, SAN GREGORIO, CA, 94074
Website
www.vveducation.orgNTEE Category
Code: C60 - Environment
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