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Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

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

EIN: 770248682 ✦ San luis obispo, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden?

Friends of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a nonprofit organization situated in San Luis Obispo, California, specifically at 3450 Dairy Creek Road. The primary mission of this organization is to showcase the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones around the world. To achieve this, they offer a variety of educational programs and services, including website and newsletter management, adult lectures, children's education, summer camps, docent tours, a library, children's cooking demonstrations, plant accessioning, and garden maintenance. By providing these programs and facilities, Friends of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden aims to foster an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature, encouraging a sense of stewardship toward the natural environment. The organization's activities are not limited to education and recreation; they also extend to conservation and research. With a workforce of 33 dedicated individuals, the garden is committed to providing opportunities for the community to engage with and learn from the rich and diverse world of Mediterranean flora.


Official website here: www.slobg.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 59% (One-Star out of Four Stars)

Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has received a low overall rating of 59% from Charity Navigator, reflecting concerns primarily around its financial transparency. Although the organization benefits from a fully independent board and demonstrates strong governance practices such as conflict of interest and whistleblower policies, it lacks financial statements, which heavily impacts its accountability score. The program expense ratio also indicates that less than half of its expenses are directed toward programs, which is a limitation for potential donors seeking impactful investments.

Despite these financial concerns, user reviews paint a positive picture of the garden as a vibrant community hub. Visitors and volunteers alike appreciate the ongoing improvements and the diversity of plant life showcased in the garden. Many highlight the dedication of volunteers who maintain the gardens and contribute to ongoing educational programs, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The garden's potential is also noted by board members, who express excitement about future developments that may enhance the visitor experience. Overall, while there are notable strengths in community involvement and environmental education, the organization must address its financial transparency to improve its standing and trust among supporters and potential donors.


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

Is Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden legitimate?

Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden 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: $100,325
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $281,480

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.slobg.org

What is the mission statement of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden?

The Friends of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden seeks to exhibit the diverse plant life of Mediterranean climate zones worldwide, offering opportunities for education, recreation, conservation, and research. Through its programs and facilities, the garden aims to foster an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature, encouraging a sense of stewardship towards the natural environment.


Official website here: www.slobg.org

Who is the CEO of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden?

Emma Gomez is the President of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.


Official website here: www.slobg.org

What is the revenue of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden?

Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden's revenue in 2022 was $847,883.


Official website here: www.slobg.org

Who are the executives of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden during 2022 was $11,570. There are 33 employees and 200 volunteers at Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.


Here are 15 key members and their salaries:


Jim Salio (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eva Vigil (President - Part Year)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kerry Hughes (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nisha Abdul-Cader (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brandon Schmiedeberg (Secretary - Part Year)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elinor Dempsey (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tamara Blett (Director - Part Year)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anne Byerly (Director - Part Year)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Torrey Byles (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rick Matthews (Director - Part Year)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lief Mckay (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Post (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ben Trogdon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rich Tuckwell-Skuda (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chenda Lor (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $100,325
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,610


Official website here: www.slobg.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden?

Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.slobg.org

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

Mission Statement of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

The Friends of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to showcasing the diverse plant life of Mediterranean climate zones from around the world. By creating opportunities for education, recreation, conservation, and research, the garden aims to foster an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature. Through its programs and facilities, the garden encourages a sense of stewardship towards the natural environment, aiming to instill a stronger connection between individuals and the world's flora. The organization's mission is to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the role that plants play in our lives and the environment, ultimately inspiring a commitment to their preservation.

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Impact




June, 2024

Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden plays a vital role in displaying the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world. Through its various educational programs and facilities, the organization fosters an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature. By providing opportunities for education, recreation, conservation, and research, the Garden encourages a sense of stewardship toward the natural environment. The organization's focus on environmental education and conservation makes a significant impact on raising awareness about the importance of preserving plant biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Friends Of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. 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
$847,883 (2022)
Expenses
$877,736 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $9,510
  • Program Service Revenue: $86,322
  • Gross Receipts: $1,007,327

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,923,186
  • Total Liabilities: $521,427
  • Net Assets: $1,401,759

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Revenue

$86,322

Organization Details

Founding Year

1991

Principal Officer

Emma Gomez

Main Address

3450 DAIRY CREEK ROAD, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, 93405

NTEE Category

Code: C114 - Environment

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