Overview
What is Marine Resources Development Foundation?
The Marine Resources Development Foundation, also known as MARINELAB, is a nonprofit organization based in Key Largo, Florida. Their primary mission is to promote responsible and sustainable use of marine resources through education, research, and collaboration. MARINELAB engages students in marine science through hands-on programs, including on-site labs, snorkeling explorations, and virtual programs. These experiences provide a unique opportunity for students to connect with the ocean, often their first encounter, enhancing their knowledge retention. The organization offers professional development workshops for teachers and provides free learning resources. MARINELAB's undersea laboratory museum opens the public to the experience of living and working in an underwater research station. Their location serves as a base for researchers and agencies conducting fieldwork. With a team of 54 employees, MARINELAB inspires future ocean protectors by introducing them to marine science concepts and fostering a deeper appreciation for the marine environment.
Official website here: www.mrdf.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 47% (Zero-Star out of Four Stars)
The Marine Resources Development Foundation has received a low overall rating of 47%, indicating significant concerns in its accountability and financial practices. While the organization has shown strength in leadership and adaptability with a perfect score in these areas, its financial metrics, including a program expense ratio of just 8.27%, raise questions about its effectiveness in utilizing funds for its intended mission.
The foundation boasts a high level of board independence, with 88% of its board members being independent, and has adhered to some important governance policies such as conflict of interest protocols and maintaining board meeting minutes. However, the absence of a whistleblower policy and document retention practices are noted deficiencies that could undermine organizational integrity and transparency.
User feedback highlights the foundation's commitment to equity strategies and community engagement, scoring well in feedback collection and usage. Despite these strengths, the overall financial performance and low program spending suggest that the organization may struggle to deliver impactful programs effectively, warranting caution for potential donors.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Marine Resources Development Foundation legitimate?
Marine Resources Development Foundation is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Marine Resources Development 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: $133,643
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $851,619
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.mrdf.org
What is the mission statement of Marine Resources Development Foundation?
The Marine Resources Development Foundation is dedicated to fostering responsible and sustainable utilization of marine resources. Through education, research, and collaboration, the organization strives to inspire the next generation of ocean protectors. It offers experiential education programs, such as Marinelab, which incorporates peer-reviewed science into engaging, hands-on activities for students, both onsite and virtually. The foundation also provides free learning resources and professional development workshops. The public can visit the MarineLab Undersea Laboratory Museum to gain a firsthand experience of underwater research. Researchers and agencies can use the foundation's facilities as a base for their field work.
Official website here: www.mrdf.org
Who is the CEO of Marine Resources Development Foundation?
Ginette Hughes is the Director of Marine Resources Development Foundation. The CEO's salary of Marine Resources Development Foundation is $86,753 and their total compensation is $86,753.
Official website here: www.mrdf.org
What is the revenue of Marine Resources Development Foundation?
Marine Resources Development Foundation's revenue in 2022 was $26,715,726.
Official website here: www.mrdf.org
Who are the executives of Marine Resources Development Foundation and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Marine Resources Development Foundation during 2022 was $18,246. There are 54 employees at Marine Resources Development Foundation.
Here are 11 key members and their salaries (Marine Resources Development Foundation's CEO's salary is $86,753 and their total compensation is $86,753):
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- Compensation: $86,753
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Official website here: www.mrdf.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Marine Resources Development Foundation?
Marine Resources Development Foundation's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.mrdf.org
Learn more at the official website: www.mrdf.org
Mission Statement of Marine Resources Development Foundation
The Marine Resources Development Foundation (MRDF) is dedicated to advocating for the responsible and sustainable utilization of marine resources. Through education, research, and collaboration, MRDF inspires future generations to become champions for ocean conservation.
MRDF's experiential education programs, known as Marinelab, engage students both onsite and virtually with hands-on activities designed to foster a greater appreciation for marine environments. These programs are rooted in peer-reviewed science, providing a solid foundation for learning. In addition to educational resources for students, MRDF offers professional development workshops for educators and researchers.
The Marine Resources Development Foundation also operates an Undersea Laboratory Museum, allowing the public to immerse themselves in the experience of living and working in an underwater research station. The organization's mission extends to researchers and agencies, providing them with a base from which to conduct their fieldwork. By combining education, research, and collaboration, MRDF is at the forefront of promoting responsible and sustainable marine resource use.
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Impact
October, 2024
The Marine Resources Development Foundation (MRDF) significantly contributes to the responsible and sustainable use of marine resources through a multifaceted approach that includes education, research, and collaboration. Their MarineLab onsite programs have engaged over 4,500 students in hands-on marine science experiences, fostering an appreciation for ocean ecosystems. By providing interactive labs, discussions, and snorkeling explorations aboard U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels, MRDF offers students a unique opportunity to experience the ocean, often for the first time.
The organization's commitment to educator development is evident through the hosting of over 50 teachers in professional workshops, including those from Caribbean nations, enhancing the reach of marine science education. Their curriculum integrates peer-reviewed scientific concepts reinforced through field experiences, which research indicates improves knowledge retention.
For high school students, MRDF promotes participation in citizen science projects and offers advanced programs, ensuring continued engagement with marine science. The EMARINELAB virtual programs extend access to those unable to travel to Key Largo, featuring live interactions with marine science instructors. Additionally, they provide a wealth of learning resources, from videos to interactive games, for teachers to utilize in classrooms.
The MRDF also invites the public to explore the MarineLab Undersea Laboratory Museum, allowing visitors to experience life in an underwater research station. This diverse approach establishes MRDF as a pivotal organization in inspiring future ocean protectors while facilitating research and field work for professionals in the marine science community.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Marine Resources Development 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.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: -$18,480
- Program Service Revenue: $2,084,194
- Gross Receipts: $26,762,506
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $36,320,568
- Total Liabilities: $8,177,338
- Net Assets: $28,143,230
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Revenue
$2,082,514
EMARINELAB
Revenue
$1,050
RESEARCH REVENUE
Revenue
$630
Organization Details
Founding Year
1970
Phone
(305) 451-1139Principal Officer
Ginette Hughes
Main Address
PO BOX 37787, KEY LARGO, FL, 330370787
Website
www.mrdf.orgNTEE Category
Code: U210 - Science research
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