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Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks

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

EIN: 391667467 ✦ Hudson, WI ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks?

Friends of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks is a dedicated nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin. With a volunteer board of ten and one full-time naturalist, they actively support and enhance Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Their mission revolves around environmental education and stewardship of the natural resources in these parks. In 2022, they engaged 5,500 individuals of various ages and backgrounds through 148 programs, including school field trips, naturalist classes, weekend events, and drop-in sessions. Topics ranged from geology and human history to the natural environment and recreation. The organization's efforts extended to raising over $31,000 to purchase a new UTV for volunteers, improving their ability to maintain the parks' ski trails and uphold their reputation for exceptional cross-country skiing and ski-training opportunities.


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and finance. The organization’s assessment is based solely on its financial practices, underscoring a high level of transparency and integrity in its operations. The rating signifies that the charity effectively utilizes its resources to fulfill its mission, with 74.26% of expenses dedicated to its programs.

Strengths of the organization include an independent board composed of 80% members, indicating strong governance and oversight. Additionally, the charity has no material diversion of assets and has implemented comprehensive policies, including conflict of interest and whistleblower protections. These factors contribute to the organization's robust financial health, as evidenced by a favorable liabilities to assets ratio of only 0.28%.

While the charity displays numerous strengths in its financial practices and governance, it is important for potential donors to consider their specific interests and values in relation to the organization's mission and activities. Overall, Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks demonstrates a commitment to responsible stewardship of funds, which is essential for trust and credibility in the nonprofit sector.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks?

100% of 9 reviewers on Facebook recommend Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Reviewers express a strong appreciation for the dedicated and knowledgeable staff of the nonprofit. Many highlight the meticulous care given to the two parks, indicating that they are well-maintained and enjoyable for visitors.

Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with supporters valuing the commitment of the organization to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the parks. This dedication contributes to a fulfilling experience for those who visit.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks legitimate?

Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks 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: $2,125
Other Salaries and Wages: $57,734

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

What is the mission statement of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks?

Friends of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with nature by promoting environmental education and stewardship at Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Through various programs, they cater to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering school field trips, naturalist classes, weekend events, and drop-in programs focused on geology, human history, the natural environment, and recreation. In 2022, the organization, led by a volunteer board of ten and one full-time naturalist, reached 5,500 participants. They also raised over $31,000 to purchase a new UTV, allowing volunteers to maintain the parks' ski trails and uphold their reputation as a premier cross-country skiing destination.


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

Who is the CEO of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks?

Rita Thofern is the President of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks.


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

What is the revenue of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks?

Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks's revenue in 2022 was $228,825.


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

Who are the executives of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks during 2022 was $28,867. There are 2 employees and 172 volunteers at Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks.


Here are 10 key members and their salaries:


Dan Marchand (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Theresa Gibson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nick Schmidt (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kelly Gillespie (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bob Richardson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Thofern (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Walt Zuliani (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Collins (Past President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Colleen Obrien-Berglund (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rita Thofern (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks?

Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.willowkinnifriends.org

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

Mission Statement of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks

Friends of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks is a dedicated organization that champions environmental education and the stewardship of natural resources at Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Through their mission, they strive to engage and enlighten individuals of all ages and backgrounds about the importance of preserving and protecting the natural environment.

With a committed volunteer board of ten members and one full-time naturalist on staff, Friends of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks offers a diverse range of educational programs. These initiatives include school field trips, naturalist classes, weekend events, and drop-in programs, which cover topics such as geology, human history, natural environments, recreation, and seasonal themes. In the year 2022 alone, they reached an impressive audience of 5,500 participants.

Moreover, this passionate organization raises essential funds to further enhance the parks' offerings. In 2022, they managed to secure over $31,000 in donations, which were used to purchase a new UTV for volunteers. This utility vehicle is now utilized to maintain the parks' reputation as a premier destination for cross-country skiing and ski training, as volunteers groom miles of ski trails for visitors to enjoy.

Friends of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks' unwavering commitment to environmental education and stewardship continues to inspire and make a positive impact on the communities they serve. By providing educational opportunities and investing in the necessary resources, they instill a deep appreciation for the natural world and the role each person can play in its preservation.

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Impact




October, 2024

Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks has made a significant impact on environmental education and stewardship within the community. Their efforts promote awareness and appreciation for the natural resources found in Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. In 2022, they engaged over 5,500 participants through 148 programs that catered to diverse audiences, including school groups, families, and individuals. These educational initiatives focus on various topics, such as geology, human history, and recreation, enhancing visitors' understanding of the park's ecosystem.

By employing a full-time naturalist and coordinating with a dedicated volunteer board, they support the dissemination of knowledge while fostering a connection between people and nature. Their fundraising efforts, which raised over $31,000, led to the acquisition of a new UTV to assist volunteers in maintaining ski trails, further solidifying the parks' status as a premier destination for cross-country skiing and ski training.

The Friends of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the natural environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from these valuable resources. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in both their programs and their ongoing support for the parks.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Friends Of Willow River-Kinnickinnic State Parks. 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
$228,825 (2022)
Expenses
$172,687 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $6,897
  • Program Service Revenue: $2,867
  • Gross Receipts: $296,037

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $939,133
  • Total Liabilities: $2,632
  • Net Assets: $936,501

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

Program Services

Revenue

$2,867

Organization Details

Founding Year

1990

Principal Officer

Rita Thofern

Main Address

1034 County Rd A, Hudson, WI, 54016

NTEE Category

Code: D013 - Animals

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