Overview
What is Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center?
The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is a non-profit institution located in West St. Paul, Minnesota, at 365 Marie Ave W, 55118. Since its inception in 2000, the center has been a pioneer in early childhood environmental education, offering nature-based curriculum to over 360 students aged 3 to 5 during the academic year and summer camps. The center's innovative approach to education emphasizes an all-outdoor educational model, preparing the next generation as environmental stewards. Research studies highlight the importance of outdoor time for children's healthy development and the formation of environmental ethics, which the center embodies. The center's teachers have showcased their expertise by attending and presenting at the Natural Start Alliance Conference, the largest national gathering of nature-based early education professionals, and by hosting learning conferences that attract educators nationally. The Minnesota Department of Human Services licenses the center, the National Association for the Education of Young Children accredits it, and it is certified as a Nature Explore Classroom. It also holds the highest possible rating of 4 stars from Parent Aware, Minnesota's quality rating system. The mission of the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is to provide exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education.
Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)
The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center has received a commendable Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and finance. With a total score of 96%, the organization excels particularly in leadership and adaptability, receiving a perfect score in this area. This high rating indicates a well-managed organization that effectively utilizes its resources to fulfill its mission.
Strengths of the organization include a fully independent board of directors, a solid financial management structure, and impressive program expense ratios, demonstrating that the majority of expenditures go directly to its programs. The center has a strong commitment to transparency and governance, evidenced by policies such as whistleblower and conflict of interest guidelines, alongside the proper documentation of board activities and financial practices.
While the organization exhibits robust financial health and operational effectiveness, it is important for potential supporters to remain mindful of their ongoing adaptability in changing environments. Overall, the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center stands out as a responsible and impactful nonprofit dedicated to its nature conservation goals.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center legitimate?
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature 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: $220,754
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,513,682
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
What is the mission statement of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center?
The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education. Its mission is centered around offering nature-based learning opportunities for children, fostering their growth and development in a setting that encourages them to embrace their roles as future environmental stewards. The center has been a pioneer in early childhood environmental education since its inception in 2000, and continues to innovate facilities and curriculum to engage preschoolers in an all-outdoor educational model. Research emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities for children's health and the development of environmental ethics, a focus that the center upholds. The center's teachers actively participate in professional development conferences and have hosted learning conferences nationally to share their expertise in nature-based early education. The Dodge Nature Preschool is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and certified as a Nature Explore Classroom, reflecting its commitment to quality education.
Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Who is the CEO of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center?
Jason Sanders is the Director of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center.
Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
What is the revenue of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center?
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center's revenue in 2022 was $5,013,942.
Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Who are the executives of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center during 2022 was $27,975. There are 62 employees and 335 volunteers at Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center.
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Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center?
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Learn more at the official website: www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Mission Statement of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center
The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education. Its mission is centered around fostering the growth and learning of young children, aged 3 to 5, through a nature-based curriculum that is driven by their interests and framed by the natural cycle of the seasons. Since its founding in 2000, the center has been a nationally recognized leader in early childhood environmental education. The center's innovative facilities and curriculum engage preschoolers in an all-outdoor educational model, preparing them to become the next generation of environmental stewards.
Research studies highlight the importance of time spent outdoors for children's healthy development and the formation of environmental ethics. In line with this, the teachers at the Dodge Nature Preschool attend and present at significant industry events such as the Natural Start Alliance Conference, the largest national gathering of nature-based early education professionals. In 2022, the center also hosted and led a learning conference that attracted early childhood educators nationally, providing professional development hours.
The Dodge Nature Preschool is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and certified as a Nature Explore Classroom. It received the highest possible rating of 4 stars from Parent Aware, Minnesota's quality rating system, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
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Impact
June, 2024
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center's impact lies in providing exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education. The center's Dodge Nature Preschool is a nationally recognized leader in early childhood environmental education, engaging over 360 students aged 3 to 5 in nature-based curriculum that fosters their interests and connects them to the natural cycle of the seasons.
The center's dedication to innovation in facilities and curriculum ensures that preschoolers are prepared to become the next generation of environmental stewards. Research studies highlight the essential role of outdoor time in children's healthy development and the formation of environmental ethics.
Furthermore, the center's teachers actively participate in conferences and professional development opportunities, contributing to the larger community of nature-based early education professionals. With licenses, accreditations, and certifications that attest to its high standards, including a 4-star rating from Parent Aware, Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is making a significant impact on the lives of young learners and the broader field of environmental education.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature 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.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $617,702
- Program Service Revenue: $1,233,540
- Gross Receipts: $5,979,121
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $31,788,232
- Total Liabilities: $228,255
- Net Assets: $31,559,977
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
PRESCHOOL
Revenue
$793,595
NATURE / ENVIRON EDUC
Revenue
$424,878
WORKING FARM PROGRAM
Revenue
$15,067
Organization Details
Founding Year
1967
Phone
(651) 455-4531Principal Officer
Jason Sanders
Main Address
365 MARIE AVE W, WEST ST PAUL, MN, 55118
Website
www.dodgenaturecenter.orgNTEE Category
Code: C60 - Environment
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