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Lower Columbia School Gardens

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

EIN: 464549009 ✦ Longview, WA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Lower Columbia School Gardens?

Lower Columbia School Gardens is a nonprofit organization based in Longview, Washington. With a team of 11 dedicated individuals, their mission is to provide hands-on learning experiences about real food in school gardens across Cowlitz County. Through their programs, they aim to foster an understanding of food origins and cultivation among children in 18 local schools. By doing so, they strive to create a connection between students and the food they consume, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement

Lower Columbia School Gardens has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating it requires improvement in certain operational areas. The organization scored 69%, reflecting strengths in having a fully independent board and a solid program expense ratio of 90.90%, which suggests a strong commitment to using funds for its programs.

However, significant gaps exist in its accountability and finance practices. The charity has not provided financial statements or essential policies such as conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, which are critical for transparency and trust. Additionally, the absence of its tax form on the nonprofit's website further detracts from its overall rating and accountability.

Overall, while Lower Columbia School Gardens exhibits some strong governance characteristics, the noted deficiencies in financial reporting and policy implementation present areas for improvement that could enhance their credibility and operational effectiveness.


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

Is Lower Columbia School Gardens legitimate?

Lower Columbia School Gardens is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Lower Columbia School Gardens 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: $68,432
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $228,113

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

What is the mission statement of Lower Columbia School Gardens?

Lower Columbia School Gardens aims to offer practical learning experiences about real food to schoolchildren across the county. The organization's primary mission is to establish and maintain school gardens that foster hands-on learning for students, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of food sources and agriculture. Currently, garden programs are implemented in 18 schools within the county, providing opportunities for over 2,000 students to learn about and engage with real food in a tangible way.


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

Who is the CEO of Lower Columbia School Gardens?

Jennifer Johnson is the Board Member of Lower Columbia School Gardens.


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

What is the revenue of Lower Columbia School Gardens?

Lower Columbia School Gardens's revenue in 2022 was $412,227.


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

Who are the executives of Lower Columbia School Gardens and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Lower Columbia School Gardens during 2022 was $26,959. There are 11 employees and 230 volunteers at Lower Columbia School Gardens.


Here are 16 key members and their salaries:


John Anderson (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chuck Berquist (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Janell Bittner (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Brault (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tierra Busby (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Po-Shen Chang (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Mark Connolly (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Beth Fellows (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Lee Ann Gekas (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Louis Lapierre (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maria Peyer (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nagwa Pomerinke (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patricia Reistroffer (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Debbie Sullivan (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Miram Swartout (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Danelle Trimble (Vice Preside)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Lower Columbia School Gardens?

Lower Columbia School Gardens's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.lcschoolgardens.org

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

Mission Statement of Lower Columbia School Gardens

Lower Columbia School Gardens, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing children with hands-on learning experiences about real food in school gardens across various educational institutions. The mission of Lower Columbia School Gardens is to foster an environment where students can engage with their food sources, learn about sustainable agriculture, and develop a deeper understanding of the food system. By facilitating garden programs in 18 schools across Cowlitz County, this organization aims to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious and health-focused individuals.

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Impact




June, 2024

Lower Columbia School Gardens has a significant impact on the community by providing hands-on learning about real food in school gardens across Cowlitz County. Through their garden programs, they engage children in 18 schools in the county, offering them valuable opportunities to connect with the environment, learn about healthy food choices, and develop practical gardening skills. This not only benefits the students directly involved but also has a broader impact on promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Lower Columbia School Gardens. 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
$412,227 (2022)
Expenses
$457,143 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $165
  • Gross Receipts: $423,070

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $180,216
  • Total Liabilities: $1,933
  • Net Assets: $178,283

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2012

Principal Officer

Jennifer Johnson

Main Address

PO BOX 785, LONGVIEW, WA, 98632

NTEE Category

Code: C50 - Environment

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