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Columbia Sailing School

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

EIN: 473706487 ✦ Chicago, IL ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Columbia Sailing School?

Columbia Sailing School is a nonprofit organization situated in Chicago, Illinois. Their mission is to encourage the safe and enjoyable use of sailboats and other watercraft for individuals of various ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. The school offers a diverse range of programs catering to children as young as five, high school and university students, and adults. The curriculum includes beginner sailing lessons, advanced dinghy and keelboat racing, and is based on U.S. Sailing's recognized curricula. In 2022, approximately 500 children participated in day camp sessions, while 400 engaged in other programs. Around 200 adults also joined various classes. Emphasis is placed on both sailing excellence and sportsmanship. The organization is led by a team of 54 certified instructors.


Official website here: www.columbiasailingschool.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement (Two-Star out of Four Star Rating - 73%)

The Columbia Sailing School has received a rating indicating that it needs improvement, with a score of 73%. This rating reflects that the organization's overall score is calculated entirely from a single beacon score, which may limit the breadth of its assessment. While the organization has demonstrated strengths in areas such as having an independent board and effective program expense ratios, its lack of financial statements, whistleblower policy, and document retention policies are noted limitations.

The school has a 100% independent board, indicating strong governance practices, and it maintains a favorable liabilities to assets ratio of 23.28%. Additionally, the program expense ratio is commendably high at 93.69%, suggesting that a significant portion of its resources is directed toward its programs. However, the absence of essential financial documentation and policies, such as a whistleblower policy and tax forms on its website, raises concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

Overall, while Columbia Sailing School has some solid governance practices and is effectively using its funds to support its mission, the critical areas lacking documentation and policies need to be addressed to enhance its overall rating and build trust with donors and stakeholders.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Columbia Sailing School?

94% of 21 reviewers on Facebook recommend Columbia Sailing School. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Participants share positive experiences about the sailing lessons, highlighting the quality of instruction and the hands-on opportunities provided. One reviewer enthusiastically recounted successfully docking the boat during their Basic Keelboat class, noting it as a significant achievement and a testament to the effective teaching methods employed by the instructors.

Overall, the sentiment expressed reflects a strong appreciation for the school’s ability to enhance sailing skills and create enjoyable, memorable experiences on the water. Many seem to feel that the nonprofit truly delivers on its promise of quality sailing education.


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

Is Columbia Sailing School legitimate?

Columbia Sailing School is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Columbia Sailing School 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: $100,888
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $356,738

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.columbiasailingschool.org

What is the mission statement of Columbia Sailing School?

The Columbia Sailing School's mission is centered around promoting safe, responsible, and enjoyable sailboat and watercraft operation for individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. The school aims to foster sailing and boating as rewarding activities, ensuring that participants engage in these activities in a safe and responsible manner. Their programs cater to various age groups, including young children, high school and university students, and adults. The curriculum covers a range of sailing and seamanship skills, from introductory lessons to advanced dinghy and keelboat racing. The school adheres to U.S. Sailing's recognized curricula and employs certified instructors to teach these elements. In 2022, around 500 children participated in day camp sessions, while approximately 400 engaged in other programs. Additionally, about 200 adults participated in various classes.


Official website here: www.columbiasailingschool.org

What is the revenue of Columbia Sailing School?

Columbia Sailing School's revenue in 2023 was $1,021,146.


Official website here: www.columbiasailingschool.org

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

The average compensation at Columbia Sailing School during 2023 was $7,264. There are 63 employees and 20 volunteers at Columbia Sailing School.

Here are 11 key members and their salaries:


Kurt Thomsen (Sailing Master)
  • Compensation: $100,888
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marc Laguardia (Commodore)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Korbel (Vice Commodore)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephen Pratt (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Larson (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Crouch (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Erik Zamudio (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hunter Ratliff (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeffrey Vander Meade (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joey Harris (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Willis (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.columbiasailingschool.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Columbia Sailing School?

Columbia Sailing School's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.columbiasailingschool.org

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

Mission Statement of Columbia Sailing School

Columbia Sailing School is committed to promoting the safe, responsible, and enjoyable operation of sailboats and other watercraft for individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. Their mission is to encourage sailing and boating as rewarding activities, ensuring that those who participate do so in a secure and responsible manner.

The organization caters to a diverse range of individuals, from small children starting at the age of 5, to high school and university-aged young adults, and adults. Their curriculum encompasses an introduction to sailing and seamanship, progressing to advanced dinghy and keelboat racing. Columbia Sailing School uses U.S. Sailing's recognized curricula and employs certified instructors to teach these elements. In 2022, approximately 500 children participated in day camp sessions, while around 400 individuals joined other programs. Furthermore, about 200 adults engaged in various classes offered by the school. While striving for sailing excellence, the school places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship.

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Impact




July, 2024

Columbia Sailing School is making a significant impact by promoting the safe, responsible, and enjoyable operation of sailboats and other watercraft for people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. Their programs cater to a diverse range of individuals, from small children starting at age 5 to young adults and adults. By offering curricula that span from introductory sailing and seamanship to advanced dinghy and keelboat racing, they are providing a comprehensive learning experience for their participants.

In 2022 alone, Columbia Sailing School engaged around 500 kids in day camp sessions and another 400 in various programs. Additionally, approximately 200 adults took part in different classes offered by the school. By striving for sailing excellence while emphasizing sportsmanship, the school is not only teaching valuable skills but also instilling important values in its participants.

Through their dedication to promoting sailing and boating as viable and rewarding activities, Columbia Sailing School is ensuring that those who participate do so in a safe and responsible manner. This commitment is helping to create a community of sailors who are not only skilled on the water but also respectful of both the sport and the environment in which they sail.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Columbia Sailing School. 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
$1,021,146 (2023)
Expenses
$986,524 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $841
  • Program Service Revenue: $900,860
  • Gross Receipts: $1,030,663

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $425,238
  • Total Liabilities: $99,013
  • Net Assets: $326,225

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Programs

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

SAILING INSTRUCTION

Revenue

$900,860

Organization Details

Founding Year

2015

Principal Officer

Marc Laguardia

NTEE Category

Code: N40 - Recreation

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