Overview
What is The Wilderness Society?
The Wilderness Society is a prominent nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to protect America's wild places. Founded in 1935, this organization has an impressive 80-year history of successes and collaborates with various stakeholders, including lawmakers, land managers, local coalitions, and interested citizens. Their efforts focus on national policy issues related to wilderness and public lands. Their primary goal is to ensure the responsible development of energy projects and the preservation of public lands that contribute to climate solutions. Moreover, they strive to guarantee equal access to the outdoors for all Americans, from urban areas to wild wildernesses. In 1964, they spearheaded the establishment of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which now safeguards 109 million acres of protected wildlands in the U.S. The Wilderness Society's work aims to address the pressing issue of losing wild lands, as approximately 1.2 million square miles have been lost worldwide in the last 20 years. The consequences of this loss affect our sources of clean air and water, as well as offering fewer refuges for people and wildlife struggling to adapt to climate change. Furthermore, these landscapes are crucial in our fight against climate change, as they have a significant capacity to absorb greenhouse gas emissions. With 179 employees, they are dedicated to conserving the natural character of federal public lands and ensuring their long-term preservation for future generations.
Official website here: www.wilderness.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)
The Wilderness Society holds an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a strong commitment to accountability and finance. With a full score on numerous criteria, including an entirely independent board and robust financial oversight, this organization demonstrates a high level of transparency and governance. Their operational efficiency is also notable, with program expenses comprising a significant portion of their budget, ensuring that the majority of funds are directed towards their mission.
User reviews present a mixed perspective on The Wilderness Society's recent direction and effectiveness. Some long-time supporters express disappointment with a perceived shift away from a focus on wilderness preservation towards broader public land issues, criticizing the organization for losing its original mission. Meanwhile, others commend the Society for its strategic coalition building and successful advocacy, highlighting recent victories in conservation legislation and local engagement.
While the organization has garnered praise for its operational integrity and dedication to environmental causes, concerns about financial management and shifts in advocacy focus have led to discontent among some members and donors. Issues such as excessive fundraising efforts and high executive salaries have been raised, which may affect donor trust and support. Overall, while The Wilderness Society excels in governance and financial management, it faces challenges related to member satisfaction and mission clarity.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is The Wilderness Society legitimate?
The Wilderness Society is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Wilderness Society 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: $2,843,099
Professional Fundraising Fees: $151,525
Other Salaries and Wages: $14,726,329
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.wilderness.org
What is the mission statement of The Wilderness Society?
The Wilderness Society is a pioneering organization, established in 1935, dedicated to safeguarding America's wild places. Their mission encompasses protecting wilderness areas and uniting people to preserve America's public lands. They strategically collaborate with various stakeholders, including lawmakers, land managers, local coalitions, and interested citizens, to lead national policy issues on wilderness and public lands.
The Wilderness Society's efforts extend to guiding energy development to appropriate locations and ensuring public lands contribute to climate solutions. Their ultimate goal is for all individuals to access and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors. The organization played a significant role in establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964, which now covers over 109 million acres of protected wildlands preserving America's natural heritage. With growing threats to federal public lands, The Wilderness Society's actions are essential to conserve their natural character.
Official website here: www.wilderness.org
Who is the CEO of The Wilderness Society?
Jamie Williams is the President of The Wilderness Society.
Official website here: www.wilderness.org
What is the revenue of The Wilderness Society?
The Wilderness Society's revenue in 2022 was $62,637,504.
Official website here: www.wilderness.org
Who are the executives of The Wilderness Society and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at The Wilderness Society during 2022 was $98,153. There are 179 employees and 32 volunteers at The Wilderness Society.
Here are 45 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $395,476
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- Other: $19,924
- Compensation: $273,181
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- Other: $15,083
- Compensation: $269,348
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- Compensation: $266,226
- Related: $0
- Other: $19,981
- Compensation: $228,256
- Related: $0
- Other: $21,048
- Compensation: $226,713
- Related: $0
- Other: $24,058
- Compensation: $218,822
- Related: $0
- Other: $13,532
- Compensation: $185,613
- Related: $0
- Other: $6,930
- Compensation: $181,698
- Related: $0
- Other: $13,648
- Compensation: $162,413
- Related: $0
- Other: $13,624
- Compensation: $158,221
- Related: $0
- Other: $22,945
- Compensation: $154,856
- Related: $0
- Other: $22,750
- Compensation: $151,087
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- Other: $18,322
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Official website here: www.wilderness.org
Where can I find the form 990 for The Wilderness Society?
The Wilderness Society's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.wilderness.org
Learn more at the official website: www.wilderness.org
Mission Statement of The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society, a pioneering organization established in 1935, is dedicated to preserving America's wild places. This renowned nonprofit works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including lawmakers, land managers, local coalitions, and concerned citizens, to shape national policy around wilderness and public lands.
Upholding a rich 80-year legacy, The Wilderness Society champions the protection of America's wild public lands. Their mission extends beyond mere preservation, as they strive to guide energy development to suitable locations and ensure public lands contribute to climate solutions. They believe in making the outdoors accessible to all, fostering a connection between urban dwellers and the wild.
Founded by visionary conservationists, The Wilderness Society's relentless efforts culminated in the establishment of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964. This system now safeguards 109 million acres of protected wildlands, preserving America's natural heritage for future generations. Amidst growing challenges to the conservation of federal public lands, The Wilderness Society remains a beacon of hope, advocating for their preservation and championing their natural character.
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Impact
October, 2024
The Wilderness Society has significantly influenced the protection and preservation of America's wild spaces. Established in 1935, it has been a key player in advocating for wilderness conservation, directly contributing to the establishment of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which currently safeguards 109 million acres of wildlands. This extensive network not only ensures the protection of these natural areas but also supports vital ecological functions, aiding in the maintenance of clean air and water resources.
Through strategic collaboration with lawmakers, land managers, and local communities, the organization addresses pressing national policy issues related to wilderness and public lands. This collaborative approach enhances its effectiveness in guiding energy development to appropriate areas, thus minimizing environmental impacts. The Wilderness Society is also at the forefront of initiatives like the 30x30 movement, which seeks to halt the alarming loss of natural landscapes that has occurred over the past two decades.
Additionally, its efforts extend to making outdoor spaces accessible to all, emphasizing that everyone should benefit from the natural environment, from urban settings to remote wilderness. This commitment not only fosters a deeper connection to nature but also plays a crucial role in combating climate change by protecting and restoring ecosystems that absorb greenhouse gas emissions. Through these multifaceted efforts, The Wilderness Society continues to serve as a vital steward of America’s wild places and a champion for environmental conservation.
This information is meant to be a general summary of The Wilderness Society. 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: $2,256,298
- Program Service Revenue: $66,903
- Gross Receipts: $65,494,110
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $95,687,234
- Total Liabilities: $9,898,953
- Net Assets: $85,788,281
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
CONTRACTED SERVICES
Revenue
$59,903
ADVOCATE TRIPS
Revenue
$7,000
Organization Details
Founding Year
1937
Phone
(202) 833-2300Principal Officer
Jamie Williams
Main Address
1801 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW 200, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006
Website
www.wilderness.orgNTEE Category
Code: C340 - Environment
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