Overview
What is Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc?
The Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc, established in 1945, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida. With nearly 8,000 acres of unique and ecologically significant ecosystems, the refuge faces budget constraints, and the society steps in to fill the gap. Through financial contributions, the society funds various initiatives, including education, land acquisition, interpretive signage and exhibits, habitat management, and research. In the past year, they reached out to underserved communities, expanded their outreach efforts, hired new staff, and established new endowments. They also brought school kids to the refuge for on-site field trips and held successful in-person events, fostering partnerships and collaboration. Their partnership with Lee County School District was particularly impactful, instilling a love for nature in young generations. The society's support allowed the refuge to continue its crucial conservation work and outreach efforts.
Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator rating: 91% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)
Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc has achieved a strong rating of 91% from Charity Navigator, reflecting exceptional accountability and financial health. This rating indicates that the organization adheres to high standards of transparency and governance, as evidenced by a fully independent board and robust oversight measures, including an audit and oversight committee that scored perfectly.
The organization has demonstrated excellent financial management, with a low liabilities-to-assets ratio and a healthy working capital ratio, indicating strong financial stability. Additionally, Ding Darling Wildlife Society has a strong fundraising efficiency and minimal costs associated with fundraising activities, allowing more resources to be directed towards its programs.
However, one area noted for improvement is its program expense ratio, which stands at 59.67%. While this figure is not uncommon for nonprofits, it suggests that there may be room for the organization to enhance its direct impact through programmatic investments. Overall, Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc is well-regarded for its financial practices and governance, positioning it as a reliable choice for potential donors.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc?
96% of 42 reviewers on Facebook recommend Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Visitors express a deep appreciation for the wildlife experiences offered at the preserve, noting the joy of exploring the area and the unpredictability of wildlife sightings. The range of programs available, including those focused on children, educational exhibits, films, and lectures, are highlighted as valuable resources that enhance the community and the island's appeal.
Overall, the consensus is that this nonprofit effectively contributes to both environmental education and wildlife conservation, making it a cherished aspect of the local community. The variety of activities and programs available draws commendations, suggesting that the organization truly fulfills its mission.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc legitimate?
Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc 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: $140,000
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $368,839
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
What is the mission statement of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc?
The Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc supports the conservation operational and interpretive work of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Their mission is to enhance the educational opportunities for the nearly 800,000 annual visitors about the importance of conservation and protection of natural resources and wildlife. The organization, founded in 1945, provides financial support in areas such as education, land acquisition, interpretive signage and exhibits, habitat management, biological studies, water research, and much more. They have achieved significant milestones, including outreach efforts to underserved schools and neighborhoods, hiring a community outreach coordinator, establishing new endowments, and bringing back in-person events. The Society's philanthropic support enables the accomplishment of mission-critical work, including community partnerships, internships, educational programs, and conservation projects.
Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
Who is the CEO of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc?
Birgit P Miller is the Executive Di of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc.
Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
What is the revenue of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc?
Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc's revenue in 2022 was $5,673,228.
Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
Who are the executives of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc during 2022 was $33,923. There are 15 employees and 65 volunteers at Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc.
Here are 14 key members and their salaries:
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Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc?
Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
Learn more at the official website: www.dingdarlingsociety.org
Mission Statement of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc
The Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc is a dedicated organization that supports the educational opportunities of the nearly 800,000 annual visitors to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Their mission is threefold: to enhance the interpretive and operational work of the Refuge, promote conservation and wildlife protection, and provide enriching experiences for the public.
Founded in 1945, the Society plays a crucial role in filling the gaps in federal funding for the Refuge. With a focus on education, land acquisition, interpretive signage and exhibits, habitat management, and biological studies, the Society's efforts have made a significant impact in preserving the unique and ecologically important ecosystems of the Refuge.
For over four decades, the Ding Darling Wildlife Society has been a beacon of support, enabling the Refuge to thrive and adapt to the increasing number of visitors. In the past year alone, they have expanded their outreach to underserved schools and neighborhoods, hired a Community Outreach Coordinator, established new endowments, and brought school children to the Refuge for onsite field trips. Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, the Society continues to make a difference in the conservation and community landscape.
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Impact
October, 2024
Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc significantly enhances educational opportunities for nearly 800,000 annual visitors to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, promoting awareness about conservation and wildlife protection. Established in 1945, the Society plays a vital role in supporting the refuge, which comprises nearly 8,000 acres of unique and ecologically important ecosystems.
In recent years, the Society has expanded outreach efforts, particularly to underserved communities, educating over 11,000 students and families about conservation through initiatives like Wildlife on Wheels. Collaborating with the Lee County School District, the Society has facilitated on-site field trips, reigniting connections with nature after pandemic restrictions, effectively instilling a love of the environment in younger generations.
Financially, Ding Darling Wildlife Society has established six new permanent endowments to support various aspects of conservation, including habitat management and biological studies. Their annual events, such as the Go Wild for "Ding" fundraiser and the Tarpon Tournament, have successfully raised significant funds for ongoing conservation efforts.
Moreover, the Society supports artists in residence, promoting art as a means of environmental education, while also providing internships that contribute to the refuge's conservation goals. Their retail efforts, including the Nature Store, funnel profits directly to support these critical initiatives.
Land acquisition efforts, highlighted by the purchase of 8.5 acres adjacent to the refuge, further enhance conservation efforts and expand natural habitats. The Society is instrumental in advocating for water quality initiatives, ensuring that the needs of the refuge and its wildlife are met.
With continuous community outreach, educational programming, and financial support for conservation projects, Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc fosters not only environmental stewardship but also a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between communities and the ecosystems they inhabit.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Ding Darling Wildlife Society Inc. 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: $276,183
- Gross Receipts: $9,818,317
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $18,138,588
- Total Liabilities: $73,835
- Net Assets: $18,064,753
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Organization Details
Founding Year
1988
Phone
(239) 470-1100Principal Officer
Birgit P Miller
Main Address
1 WILDLIFE DRIVE, SANIBEL, FL, 33957
Website
www.dingdarlingsociety.orgNTEE Category
Code: D113 - Animals
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