Overview
What is Avian Conservation Center?
The Avian Conservation Center, previously known as the Charleston Raptor Center, is a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization founded in 1991. It was established to address the need for an avian conservation center in the area and has since expanded its programs and services, leading to its renaming as the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey in 1995 and later, the Avian Conservation Center in 2004. The organization operates under the umbrella of three distinct divisions: The Center for Birds of Prey, the Avian Medical Center, and the South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility. The center is committed to avian medical care, environmental education, research, and conservation initiatives. The Avian Medical Center, which operates 365 days a year, treats more than 600 injured birds of prey and shorebirds annually, releasing the majority back to their natural habitats. Its team of dedicated volunteers ensures that the state-of-the-art medical facility provides top-notch care to these creatures, making it an invaluable source of insight into critical environmental issues, many of which have human health implications. The South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility is a unique facility housed at the Avian Conservation Center and was awarded a $1.8 million grant in 2005. It is the only permanent oil spill treatment center of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. Research and field studies, in conjunction with the medical and educational programs, support the protection of wild bird populations and their habitats. The organization has made significant strides in scientific research, including avian genetics and environmental hazards, and in addressing pressing environmental threats, such as Avian Vacuolar Myelinosis (AVM) and poisoning from unregulated landfill substances. The Avian Conservation Center's citizen science approach invites public participation in wildlife conservation and raising awareness about vital ecological issues. The center's educational programs engage thousands of students each year, utilizing the power of birds of prey as unparalleled ambassadors in public education. In summary, the Avian Conservation Center is a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and addressing vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of prey and shorebirds and through educational, research, and conservation initiatives.
Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator gives the Avian Conservation Center a rating of 82%, which translates to a Three-Star out of Four Star rating. This score reflects a strong performance in accountability and finance, earning an impressive 83% in this area. The organization demonstrates significant transparency, having a fully independent board and no reported issues with asset diversion.
User feedback highlights the center's dedication to bird education and rehabilitation, particularly for birds of prey. A volunteer praises the organization's efforts, noting their success in rehabilitating and releasing over 7,000 birds, including a Bald Eagle. The positive experiences shared by supporters emphasize the importance of community involvement and the center's impact on wildlife conservation.
However, while the accountability and finance scoring is robust, the culture and community score is slightly less pronounced at 17%. This suggests potential areas for improvement in fostering a broader community engagement or outreach efforts, despite the high marks for feedback collection and usage. Overall, the Avian Conservation Center is recognized for its mission and effectiveness in bird rehabilitation and education.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Avian Conservation Center?
94% of 880 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Avian Conservation Center. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Many visitors express enjoyment and appreciation for their experiences at the center, highlighting its educational value and well-maintained facilities. The opportunity to learn about avian species and conservation efforts resonates strongly with guests, who are eager to return for additional visits.
Overall, the Avian Conservation Center successfully engages its audience with informative programs and a commitment to avian welfare, fostering a positive atmosphere that encourages ongoing support and interest in the conservation of bird species.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Avian Conservation Center legitimate?
Avian Conservation Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Avian Conservation Center 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: $65,000
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $332,321
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
What is the mission statement of Avian Conservation Center?
The Avian Conservation Center is dedicated to addressing vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of prey and shorebirds. Through educational, research, and conservation initiatives, the organization aims to support the protection of wild bird populations and their habitats. The center's medical clinic operates 365 days a year, treating over 600 injured birds each year, and releasing the majority back to their natural habitats. Human activities are the leading cause of injuries, ranging from gunshot wounds to collisions and toxicity. The center's programs engage thousands of students annually, using birds of prey as unparalleled ambassadors in public education. With decades of experience and consistent evaluations, these programs have been shown to capture students' attention, enhance retention, and foster renewed enthusiasm for learning. Citizen science initiatives allow the public to become actively engaged supporters of wildlife conservation while raising awareness of ecological issues and the importance of preserving habitats.
Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
Who is the CEO of Avian Conservation Center?
James D Elliot Jr is the Executive Director of Avian Conservation Center.
Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
What is the revenue of Avian Conservation Center?
Avian Conservation Center's revenue in 2022 was $1,246,935.
Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
Who are the executives of Avian Conservation Center and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Avian Conservation Center during 2022 was $28,380. There are 14 employees and 65 volunteers at Avian Conservation Center.
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Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Avian Conservation Center?
Avian Conservation Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
Learn more at the official website: www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
Mission Statement of Avian Conservation Center
The Avian Conservation Center, a renowned organization dedicated to the preservation of birds of prey and shorebirds, strives to identify and tackle vital environmental issues through its medical care services, educational initiatives, research projects, and conservation programs. Established in 1991, the Center has been a pioneer in avian welfare, expanding its scope to accommodate distinct disciplines within its umbrella organization: The Center for Birds of Prey, The Avian Medical Center, and The South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility.
The Avian Conservation Center's primary mission revolves around providing medical care to injured birds. Its state-of-the-art medical facility treats over 600 birds each year, with support from more than 60 dedicated volunteers. The Center has admitted over 7,000 birds for treatment since its inception, releasing the majority back to their natural habitats. The causes of injuries are largely human-related, ranging from gunshot wounds to collisions, electric shock, and toxicity. The medical clinic operates 365 days a year, playing a crucial role in raising awareness about critical environmental issues, many of which have human health implications.
In addition to the medical function, the Center is committed to environmental education. Thousands of students engage in the Center's science- and nature-based educational programs each year, fostering an appreciation for the natural world and inspiring stewardship. The Center's experiential programs, onsite and offsite, promote awareness and emphasize the importance of our roles as guardians of the environment. The Center's significant experience and evaluations from educators demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs, contributing to improved academic performance.
Furthermore, the Avian Conservation Center is designated as the official repository for oiled birds in South Carolina and maintains readiness in this role. Its combined Avian Medical Center and South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility is the only permanent avian treatment center of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. The facility offers the highest quality medical care to injured birds daily and ensures an efficient response in the event of a contaminant spill affecting native bird populations and their breeding habitats. Research and field studies work synergistically with the Center's medical and educational programs, supporting the protection of wild bird populations and their critical habitats. The Center's groundbreaking research includes avian genetics, environmental toxins, and endangered and threatened species in South Carolina.
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Impact
October, 2024
The Avian Conservation Center significantly impacts wildlife and environmental health through multiple initiatives. Its medical clinic operates year-round, providing critical care to over 600 injured birds of prey and shorebirds annually, a service that has benefitted more than 7,000 birds since its inception. By addressing injuries that often stem from human activities—such as gunshot wounds, collisions, and toxicity—the Center not only aids individual birds but also sheds light on broader ecological issues, informing conservation strategies.
With a dedicated oil spill treatment facility, it stands as the only permanent center of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard, prepared to respond to environmental crises that threaten avian populations. This facility enhances the Center’s capacity to safeguard fragile bird habitats amidst contaminant spills.
In addition to its medical efforts, the Center promotes education and research. Thousands of students participate in science and natural history programs each year, fostering a greater public appreciation for avian species and their environments. These educational initiatives serve to heighten awareness of ecological concerns and encourage active community involvement in wildlife conservation.
Research conducted at the Center, including groundbreaking studies on avian genetics and environmental toxins, plays a vital role in understanding and mitigating threats faced by endangered and threatened species, such as the swallow-tailed kite. This commitment to science, education, and conservation ensures a holistic approach to protecting both avian populations and their habitats, ultimately leading to healthier ecosystems in South Carolina and beyond.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Avian Conservation Center. 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: $1,716
- Program Service Revenue: $415,262
- Gross Receipts: $1,377,748
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $5,365,624
- Total Liabilities: $775,508
- Net Assets: $4,590,116
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
ADMISSIONS
Revenue
$164,861
MEMBERSHIPS
Revenue
$150,055
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Revenue
$81,134
CAPTIVE BREEDING
Revenue
$19,212
Organization Details
Founding Year
1991
Principal Officer
James D Elliot Jr
Main Address
PO BOX 1247, CHARLESTON, SC, 29402
NTEE Category
Code: D320 - Animals
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