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Victory Garden Initiative Inc

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

EIN: 455035466 ✦ Milwaukee, WI ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Victory Garden Initiative Inc?

The Victory Garden Initiative Inc, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a community-based, sustainable, and nutritious food system. Each year, they conduct the Great Milwaukee Victory Garden Blitz, installing raised garden beds across various locations such as schools, businesses, and vacant lots. They also offer educational programs for youth in target neighborhoods like Harambee and Riverwest, providing year-round, hands-on gardening opportunities through after-school clubs, summer Agricorps, farm field trips, and earn-and-learn programming. Adult education is another key aspect of their work, offering a range of educational classes and workshops on topics like cooking demonstrations, composting, beekeeping, and raised bed gardening. The workshops aim to help community members engage with the local food system at a low cost. In addition, Victory Garden Initiative Inc strives to create a socially just food system for all, as their mission states.


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 76% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)

Victory Garden Initiative Inc has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a solid level of accountability and financial health. The organization's score is primarily driven by its strong performance in Culture & Community, with a score of 87, while the Accountability & Finance score is slightly lower at 75. The presence of a fully independent board and no indications of material diversion of assets are notable strengths.

However, there are some areas for improvement, particularly in governance policies. The organization lacks a conflict of interest policy, a whistleblower policy, and a document retention and destruction policy, which are critical for transparency and accountability. Despite these shortcomings, the organization exhibits a commendable program expense ratio of 69.31%, reflecting a commitment to utilizing funds for its programs.

Overall, while Victory Garden Initiative Inc demonstrates effective governance through an independent board and sound financial management, it must address its policy gaps to enhance its accountability framework and further strengthen its operational integrity.


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

Is Victory Garden Initiative Inc legitimate?

Victory Garden Initiative Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Victory Garden Initiative Inc 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: $124,988
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,486

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

What is the mission statement of Victory Garden Initiative Inc?

The Victory Garden Initiative aims to build communities that cultivate their own food, creating a community-based, socially just, ecologically sustainable, and nutritious food system for all. This organization promotes a community-focused approach to food production, striving for a system that benefits everyone. Each year, they organize the Great Milwaukee Victory Garden Blitz, installing raised garden beds in various locations such as schools, businesses, and vacant lots. They also provide educational programs for youth and adults, offering hands-on gardening experiences, workshops, and classes on topics ranging from cooking demonstrations to composting, beekeeping, and raised bed gardening. Their mission is to empower communities to engage with their local food system in a low-cost, accessible manner.


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

Who is the CEO of Victory Garden Initiative Inc?

Wade Loofboro is the Treasurer of Victory Garden Initiative Inc.


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

What is the revenue of Victory Garden Initiative Inc?

Victory Garden Initiative Inc's revenue in 2022 was $295,101.


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

Who are the executives of Victory Garden Initiative Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Victory Garden Initiative Inc during 2022 was $14,164. There are 9 employees and 500 volunteers at Victory Garden Initiative Inc.


Here are 9 key members and their salaries:


Kitonga Alexander (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sandra Jones (Interim Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Davita Flowers-Shanklin (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dora P (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Denise Bailey (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Angline Koch (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wade Loofboro (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Denise Domian (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chelsea Cross (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Victory Garden Initiative Inc?

Victory Garden Initiative Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.victorygardeninitiative.org

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

Mission Statement of Victory Garden Initiative Inc

The Victory Garden Initiative, a community-focused organization, aims to establish a self-sustaining, socially just, and ecologically sound food system for all. By engaging communities in growing their own food, the Initiative strives to create a community-based food network that promotes nutritious eating and fosters a sense of unity.

Each year, the organization spearheads the Great Milwaukee Victory Garden Blitz, a citywide initiative where raised garden beds are installed in various locations such as backyards, schools, places of worship, businesses, and vacant lots. This endeavor encourages community participation and the cultivation of fresh produce.

In addition to the Blitz, the Victory Garden Initiative offers educational programs for youth and adults. The Youth Education Program, running year-round, focuses on hands-on, garden-based learning in target neighborhoods like Harambee and Riverwest. The organization also runs after-school garden clubs, summer Agricorps, farm field trips, and Earn and Learn programming at the Urban Farm campus and community partner locations.

Throughout the year, the Initiative offers a variety of educational classes and workshops. These sessions aim to teach community members about topics such as cooking demonstrations, composting, beekeeping, fermentation, herbal teas, raised bed gardening, and more, providing a low-cost opportunity for individuals to learn about and engage with the local food system.

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Impact




June, 2024

Victory Garden Initiative Inc's impact is felt through their efforts to build communities that grow their own food, promoting a socially just, ecologically sustainable, and nutritious food system for all. They make a tangible difference in Milwaukee by installing raised garden beds in various locations such as backyards, schools, and vacant lots through their Great Milwaukee Victory Garden Blitz initiative.

Moreover, their YEP! youth education program provides hands-on garden-based programming to empower youth in targeted neighborhoods, fostering a connection to the food system through after-school garden clubs, summer Agricorps, farm field trips, and education programs at their urban farm campus. Additionally, their adult education workshops, covering topics like cooking, composting, beekeeping, and raised bed gardening, offer community members a low-cost opportunity to engage with local food systems. Through these initiatives, Victory Garden Initiative Inc is making a meaningful impact on the environment and community well-being in Milwaukee.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Victory Garden Initiative Inc. 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
$295,101 (2022)
Expenses
$248,900 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Program Service Revenue: $1,800
  • Gross Receipts: $295,101

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $336,870
  • Total Liabilities: $40,983
  • Net Assets: $295,887

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Programs

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

CONTRACTED WORK

Revenue

$600

PROGRAM REVENUE

Revenue

$1,200

Organization Details

Founding Year

2011

Principal Officer

Wade Loofboro

Main Address

PO BOX 12130, Milwaukee, WI, 53212

NTEE Category

Code: C41 - Environment

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