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Minnesota Zoo Foundation

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

EIN: 510147653 ✦ Apple valley, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for the Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Through their contributions, they facilitate opportunities for people to engage with animals and the natural world via world-class exhibits, award-winning educational programs, wildlife conservation initiatives, and activities that inspire individuals of all ages to connect with nature. The foundation supports the mission of the Minnesota Zoo, which is to bring people, animals, and the natural world together to save wildlife. Some of their key programs include the Free to Explore, which offers free access to an estimated 90,000 adults and their families on public assistance annually; Zoomobile, reaching over 50,000 people across 47 counties; zoo camp and STEM education programs for more than 400,000 participants; exceptional animal welfare for the 4,900+ animals in the zoo's care; collaborative wildlife projects to protect pollinators, bison, mussels, and more; health and wellness programs for guests as they connect with nature; equity and inclusion initiatives through ZooUnlimited; and stewardship of 485 acres of forest, prairie, and lakes. The Minnesota Zoo Foundation employs a team of 23 individuals in their efforts to make a difference.


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating 100% - Four-Star out of Four Star Rating

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation has achieved a perfect score of 100% on Charity Navigator, indicating a strong commitment to accountability and finance. This rating reflects the organization’s dedication to transparency, with a complete set of independent board members and robust financial oversight mechanisms in place. The foundation has demonstrated effective governance by adhering to best practices, such as having conflict of interest and whistleblower policies.

Strengths highlighted include a high program expense ratio of 78.11%, showing that a significant portion of its resources is directed towards programmatic activities rather than administrative costs. The low fundraising efficiency ratio of $0.05 indicates that the foundation is able to raise funds effectively while keeping costs minimal. Additionally, the organization maintains healthy financial ratios, ensuring stability and sustainability for future initiatives.

While the ratings are exceptionally positive, it is essential to continue monitoring the foundation's operations to ensure that it maintains these standards of excellence. The strong governance practices and financial health set a commendable benchmark for other nonprofits to aspire to, reinforcing the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's role as a trustworthy entity in the nonprofit sector.


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

Is Minnesota Zoo Foundation legitimate?

Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Minnesota Zoo Foundation 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: $135,028
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,001,361

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

What is the mission statement of Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation supports the mission of the Minnesota Zoo by raising contributed income and funding conservation and animal care programs. The Minnesota Zoo's mission is to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Through grants to the zoo, opportunities are provided for individuals to engage with animals and nature through world-class exhibits, educational programs, wildlife conservation initiatives, and activities. Programs include free admission for those on public assistance, outreach programs reaching over 50,000 people annually, stem education programs for over 400,000 participants, exceptional animal welfare for the 4,900+ animals, collaborative wildlife projects to protect various species, health and wellness programs, and stewardship of 485 acres of forest, prairie, and lakes.


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

Who is the CEO of Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

John Frawley is the Board Chair of Minnesota Zoo Foundation.


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

What is the revenue of Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

Minnesota Zoo Foundation's revenue in 2022 was $10,864,177.


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

Who are the executives of Minnesota Zoo Foundation and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Minnesota Zoo Foundation during 2022 was $49,408. There are 23 employees and 50 volunteers at Minnesota Zoo Foundation.


Here are 22 key members and their salaries:


Joe Ravens (Board Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Blake Grams (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chet Ellingson (Board Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Larsen (Board Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Aimee Dayhoff (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ellie Crosby (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chad Dayton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Louis Doth (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Doug Fulton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Phil Gaarder (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Suzanne Gappa (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Geisler (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ed Heffernan (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charlene Jundt (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dale Kivimaki (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lori Marco (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Reppenhagen (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Shomenta Maki (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jean Taylor (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ryan Sweeney (Director Of Operations)
  • Compensation: $85,883
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,750
John Frawley (President)
  • Compensation: $44,396
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anne Weber-Smith (Director Of Major Gifts)
  • Compensation: $126,018
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,139


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

Minnesota Zoo Foundation's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.mnzoo.org

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

Mission Statement of Minnesota Zoo Foundation

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a dedicated organization that raises contributed income and supports conservation and animal care programs on behalf of the Minnesota Zoo. The Minnesota Zoo, with its mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife, benefits greatly from the funds granted by the Foundation.

Through the support of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, the Minnesota Zoo offers opportunities for individuals to connect with animals and the natural world in unique and impactful ways. World-class exhibits showcase diverse species, encouraging visitors to learn about and appreciate the natural world. Award-winning education programs engage guests of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife and the environment. Wildlife conservation initiatives, both local and global, aim to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

Moreover, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's contributions support programs that reach beyond the zoo's walls. Programs such as ZooMobile and Zoo Camp offer interactive experiences for over 50,000 people annually, inspiring a connection to nature. Over 400,000 participants have benefited from STEM education programs, developing a strong foundation in science and environmental conservation.

Animal welfare is a top priority for the Minnesota Zoo, with exceptional care provided to the over 4,900 animals in their care. Collaborative wildlife projects focus on protecting various species, from pollinators and bison to mussels and more. Health and wellness programs for guests aim to promote a deeper connection to nature and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Equity and inclusion initiatives, such as ZooUnlimited, ensure that everyone can experience the wonders of the Minnesota Zoo.

Stewardship of the 485-acre habitat, including forests, prairies, and lakes, is a crucial role played by the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. By supporting this essential work, the Foundation helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural world and learn from it, ultimately contributing to the ongoing efforts to save wildlife.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation has a profound impact on both wildlife conservation and community engagement. By raising vital funds, it supports critical animal care programs and conservation initiatives at the Minnesota Zoo. The foundation provides unmatched opportunities for individuals and families to connect with animals and the natural world through world-class exhibits and award-winning educational programs.

Programs like Free to Explore ensure that approximately 90,000 adults and their families on public assistance can access the zoo at no cost, fostering inclusivity and an appreciation for wildlife among diverse communities. The Zoomobile program extends the zoo's reach into 47 counties, engaging over 50,000 individuals annually and bringing educational experiences directly to people across Minnesota.

Furthermore, the foundation contributes to the well-being of more than 4,900 animals, many of which face threats in their natural habitats. It actively participates in collaborative wildlife projects aimed at protecting various species, including pollinators and bison. The foundation also emphasizes health and wellness initiatives, encouraging guests to connect with nature and improve their well-being.

Through its equity and inclusion initiatives like ZooUnlimited, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation strives to ensure that all individuals feel welcome and valued in their interactions with the zoo. Additionally, the stewardship of 485 acres of forest, prairie, and lakes not only preserves natural habitats but also enriches the local ecosystem.

Overall, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation plays a pivotal role in inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect wildlife, while simultaneously enhancing the connection between people and nature in the community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Minnesota Zoo Foundation. 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
$10,864,177 (2022)
Expenses
$10,533,077 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: -$256,058
  • Gross Receipts: $13,342,941

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $17,621,312
  • Total Liabilities: $697,895
  • Net Assets: $16,923,417

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1974

Principal Officer

John Frawley

Main Address

13000 ZOO BOULEVARD, APPLE VALLEY, MN, 55124

NTEE Category

Code: D115 - Animals

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