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American Conservation Experience

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

EIN: 371473291 ✦ Flagstaff, AZ ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is American Conservation Experience?

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a nonprofit organization based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Their mission is to provide trained, cost-effective volunteer crews for environmental restoration projects on public lands managed by federal, state, county, and city agencies. ACE's volunteers serve in various conservation projects in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and other public lands while learning practical skills and leadership roles. ACE's philosophy emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and uniting people in common cause through cooperative labor on meaningful conservation projects. ACE contracts with various agencies, including the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. They operate two major programs: the Conservation Corps and the Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC). The Conservation Corps program offers voluntary service programs for American participants aged 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans), who are considering a career path in outdoor conservation or seeking a course of study. EPIC internships and fellowships provide young adults with hands-on opportunities to work alongside mentors in resource management and conservation, bridging the gap between academia and professional careers.


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

American Conservation Experience has received an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a high level of accountability and financial health. The charity scored fully in several key areas, demonstrating strong governance and oversight with a fully independent board and effective financial management practices. This level of transparency and responsibility suggests that donations are likely being utilized efficiently towards their conservation efforts.

The organization boasts an impressive program expense ratio of 87.19%, which means a significant majority of their funds are directed towards program services rather than administrative costs. Additionally, they have implemented robust policies such as conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, which further emphasize their commitment to ethical operations. The absence of material diversions of assets also reflects positively on their management practices.

While the data highlights many strengths, the rating does not provide insights into program outcomes or community impact. Prospective donors may wish to seek additional information on the specific results of their initiatives to better understand the effectiveness of their contributions. Overall, American Conservation Experience appears to be a well-managed nonprofit focused on accountability and conservation efforts.


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

Is American Conservation Experience legitimate?

American Conservation Experience is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. American Conservation Experience 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: $949,728
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $26,464,501

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

What is the mission statement of American Conservation Experience?

American Conservation Experience (ACE) offers rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore public lands in the United States. ACE's mission is to provide trained, supervised, cost-effective long-term volunteer crews to accomplish restoration projects for various land management agencies. Volunteers work on environmental projects in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands while gaining conservation and leadership roles. ACE's philosophy emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and the belief that challenging volunteer service unites people of all backgrounds. ACE performs conservation projects through contracts with numerous agencies, including the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. The organization runs two main programs: the Conservation Corps and the Emerging Professionals in Conservation. The Conservation Corps program offers a range of voluntary service programs for American participants, while EPIC internships and fellowships provide young adults with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside land management agency mentors. Both programs offer valuable experience and help bridge the gap between academia and professional careers in conservation.


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

Who is the CEO of American Conservation Experience?

Laura Herrin is the CEO of American Conservation Experience The CEO's salary of American Conservation Experience is $222,884 and their total compensation is $222,884.


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

What is the revenue of American Conservation Experience?

American Conservation Experience's revenue in 2023 was $40,985,967.


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

Who are the executives of American Conservation Experience and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at American Conservation Experience during 2023 was $16,881. There are 1624 employees and 1806 volunteers at American Conservation Experience.

Here are 15 key members and their salaries (American Conservation Experience's CEO's salary is $222,884 and their total compensation is $222,884):


Laura Herrin (President/Ceo)
  • Compensation: $222,884
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Laura Craig (Coo)
  • Compensation: $161,055
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rafael Rosa (Chief Prog Off)
  • Compensation: $143,718
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Christopher Jackson (Coeap)
  • Compensation: $126,336
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Judith Cooper (Accounting Director)
  • Compensation: $101,173
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Christopher Binder (Pw Division Director)
  • Compensation: $101,048
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alex Tremble (Cco)
  • Compensation: $93,514
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Coates (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Trevor Pearson (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shayne Miller (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Springer (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gail Adams (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeanne Wade Evans (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sarah Miggins (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Antonio Lopez (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

Where can I find the form 990 for American Conservation Experience?

American Conservation Experience's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.usaconservation.org

Learn more at the official website: www.usaconservation.org

Mission Statement of American Conservation Experience

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE's mission lies in offering long-term, supervised volunteers to accomplish environmental restoration projects for various land management agencies.

The organization's philosophy emphasizes the cooperative labor on meaningful conservation projects, fostering cross-cultural understanding. ACE's belief is that challenging volunteer service unites people of all backgrounds in a common cause. ACE's conservation projects are carried out through contracts with federal, state, county, and city land management agencies, including the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

ACE's two largest programs include the Conservation Corps and the Emerging Professionals in Conservation. The Conservation Corps program offers a range of voluntary service programs for American participants aged 18-30 (up to age 35 for veterans) considering a career path in land management. Corps members serve in professionally supervised teams, exploring future outdoor careers, learning practical skills, and developing confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Corps members are supported during their service terms with cost-of-living allowances, food on projects, and free common housing on off days.

The Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC) program offers young adults aged 18-30 (up to age 35 for veterans) focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of land management agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers. EPIC's partnerships with organizations like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other conservation-focused groups provide a wide range of specialized conservation-oriented vocations and typically last 3-12 months. EPIC members often have degrees and experience in disciplines such as conservation or wildlife biology, botany, ecology, entomology, forestry, geography, archeology, paleontology, geology, environmental sciences, recreation, or natural resources management, or cultural resources.

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Impact




October, 2024

American Conservation Experience (ACE) significantly impacts the restoration and preservation of America’s public lands through organized volunteer service opportunities. By harnessing the idealism and energy of volunteers, ACE mobilizes trained and supervised volunteer crews to engage in long-term environmental restoration projects.

One of the key components of ACE is the Conservation Corps program, targeting young Americans aged 18-30 (with some opportunities for veterans up to age 35). This program not only enhances the labor force dedicated to conservation efforts but also serves as a platform for participants to gain practical skills, build leadership qualities, and prepare for future careers in land management. Members work in teams on diverse projects while receiving logistical support such as cost-of-living allowances and housing.

The Emerging Professionals in Conservation program (EPIC) further strengthens this path by providing internships and fellowships for young adults in collaboration with federal agencies like the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. Participants gain hands-on experience and mentorship, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice in resource management.

Through these programs, ACE fosters cross-cultural understanding and brings together a diverse range of participants united by a common cause: the restoration and conservation of vital natural and cultural resources. The collaborative efforts of volunteers contribute to impactful ecological projects while nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders, reinforcing the importance of public lands and sustainable practices for future generations.




This information is meant to be a general summary of American Conservation Experience. 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
$40,985,967 (2023)
Expenses
$38,472,208 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $12,301
  • Gross Receipts: $41,964,034

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $10,940,142
  • Total Liabilities: $5,417,243
  • Net Assets: $5,522,899

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2004

Principal Officer

Laura Herrin

NTEE Category

Code: C19 - Environment

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