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North American Bear Center

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

EIN: 411838192 ✦ Ely, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is North American Bear Center?

The North American Bear Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting understanding and conservation of bears. They achieve this goal by offering educational programs and exhibits both indoors and outdoors, showcasing captive bear enclosures, and operating a gift shop that provides educational materials. The organization also extends its reach through webcams, chats, and website information, offering numerous opportunities for learning. The mission of the North American Bear Center is to dispel misconceptions about bears, their roles in ecosystems, and their interactions with humans, ultimately working towards the long-term survival of bears worldwide. The organization employs a team of 18 individuals in their endeavors.


Official website here: www.bear.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

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

The North American Bear Center (NABC) has earned a commendable rating of 88% from Charity Navigator, indicating strong accountability and financial health. The organization has demonstrated a commitment to transparency with a majority of independent board members and well-structured financial statements. However, there are notable areas for improvement, including the absence of a whistleblower policy, document retention guidelines, and the posting of tax forms on their website.

User reviews consistently highlight the NABC's educational mission and the positive experiences visitors have had. Many reviews express appreciation for the knowledgeable and dedicated staff and volunteers, as well as the center's engaging exhibits featuring the resident ambassador bears. Visitors often emphasize the unique opportunity to learn about black bears in a naturalistic setting, gaining insights into their behavior and ecology, which dispels common misconceptions.

While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there are some concerns regarding visitor experiences, particularly related to bear visibility and the management of exhibits. However, the overall sentiment remains strong, with many reviewers recommending the NABC as a must-visit educational destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about North American Bear Center?

96% of 478 reviewers on Facebook recommend the North American Bear Center. Here is a summary of their reviews:

The North American Bear Center is praised for its informative and engaging experience. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and extensive collection of bear-related information, making it a must-visit destination for those traveling through the Northwoods of Minnesota. Many reviewers commend the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, noting that they are eager to answer questions and enhance the visitor experience.

Overall, the facility successfully delivers on its promises, with guests expressing enthusiasm about the tours and their willingness to return. This nonprofit is significantly valued within the community and by tourists alike for its dedication to educating the public about bears and wildlife conservation.


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

Is North American Bear Center legitimate?

North American Bear Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. North American Bear 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $276,089

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.bear.org

What is the mission statement of North American Bear Center?

The North American Bear Center's mission is centered around promoting the long-term survival of bears globally. This is achieved by debunking misconceptions about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their interactions with humans. This objective is carried out through an educational facility, a website, and various other educational opportunities. The center provides the public with insights about bear behavior and habitats using indoor and outdoor educational programs, exhibits, a captive bear enclosure, and an onsite and online gift shop offering educational materials. Additionally, the center offers educational opportunities through webcams, chats, and its website information.


Official website here: www.bear.org

Who is the CEO of North American Bear Center?

Cathy Paulson is the Treasurer of North American Bear Center.


Official website here: www.bear.org

What is the revenue of North American Bear Center?

North American Bear Center's revenue in 2021 was $921,837.


Official website here: www.bear.org

Who are the executives of North American Bear Center and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at North American Bear Center during 2021 was $15,338. There are 18 employees and 162 volunteers at North American Bear Center.


Here are 6 key members and their salaries:


Scott Edgett (Senior Director Of Operations)
  • Compensation: $40,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lynn Rogers (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $13,846
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joseph Edlund (Vice Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nancy Krause (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shirley Rice (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cathy Paulson (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.bear.org

Where can I find the form 990 for North American Bear Center?

North American Bear Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2021 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.bear.org

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

Mission Statement of North American Bear Center

The North American Bear Center, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting the long-term survival of bears globally. They achieve this objective by debunking misconceptions about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their interactions with humans. This mission is executed through various educational means, such as an educational facility, a website, and various other educational opportunities.

The heart of their operations lies in Ely, Minnesota, where they operate an educational facility. This facility provides the public with insights into bear behavior and habitat through indoor and outdoor educational programs and exhibits. Additionally, they maintain a captive bear enclosure, offering a unique and educational experience. Beyond their on-site offerings, they also operate an online and on-site gift shop that sells educational materials. Furthermore, they provide educational opportunities through webcams, chats, and their website information.

In essence, the North American Bear Center is a beacon of knowledge and understanding about bears, working tirelessly to replace misconceptions with scientific facts. Their mission is to educate the general public about bears and their relationship with humans, ultimately contributing to their long-term survival.

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Impact




July, 2024

The North American Bear Center has had a significant impact on advancing the long-term survival of bears worldwide by dispelling misconceptions with scientific facts about bears, their ecosystems, and their interactions with humans. Through their educational facility in Ely, MN, the Bear.org website, and various educational programs, exhibits, and resources, they have effectively provided important information to the general public about bear behavior and habitats. By offering educational opportunities such as webcams, chats, and informative website content, the North American Bear Center has helped raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for bears.




This information is meant to be a general summary of North American Bear 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.

Revenue
$921,837 (2021)
Expenses
$665,741 (2021)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2021.

  • Investment Income: $13,675
  • Program Service Revenue: $302,383
  • Gross Receipts: $1,097,652

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $4,497,293
  • Total Liabilities: $131,658
  • Net Assets: $4,365,635

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Programs

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

MISC
TICKET SALES

Revenue

$302,383

Organization Details

Founding Year

1995

Principal Officer

Cathy Paulson

Main Address

PO BOX 161, ELY, MN, 55731

NTEE Category

Code: A50 - Arts

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