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Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc

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

EIN: 841416158 ✦ Lehi, UT ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc?

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc is a 170-acre complex located in Lehi, Utah, founded as a gift to the community. Its mission is to inspire curiosity, discovery, and sharing by bringing the joy of learning and the wonders of the natural world to life. With over 2.4 million guest visits in the 2022-23 tax year, the complex consists of five primary venues: Ashton Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life, Museum of Natural Curiosity, Butterfly Biosphere, and Farm Country. Educators and volunteers facilitate interactive learning experiences for children, while volunteers support community-oriented efforts. In 2022-23, 1,406 volunteers provided 17,594 hours of support. Interactive programs, including free science and engineering programs for 3rd and 8th graders, field trips, and outreach classes, engage over 20,000 students annually. The organization pivoted to virtual classes during COVID-19 restrictions and provided free teacher professional development for 480 K-12 public school teachers. Summer camps host approximately 76 camps for children of all ages and backgrounds, including Autism Adventures Camp for autistic children ages 13 to 18. Thanksgiving Point promotes diversity and inclusion, offering sensory backpacks and Super Tuesdays for discounted rates. It partners with community organizations, such as the South Franklin Community Center, to provide venue tickets and support their learning and growth.


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc has achieved a commendable Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong performance in the realms of Accountability and Finance. This score is particularly significant as it underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and prudent financial management. The high rating is derived entirely from their Accountability & Finance metrics, showcasing a robust foundation for their operations.

The organization exhibits a high level of governance, with 55% of board members being independent, which enhances its accountability. Additionally, all key governance practices, such as conflict of interest policies and whistleblower protections, are in place. Their financial health is strong, as indicated by an impressively low liabilities-to-assets ratio of 9.81% and a program expense ratio of 84.02%, suggesting that the majority of funds are directed towards their mission-driven activities.

While the data highlights many strengths, it's essential to maintain awareness that the rating is based solely on financial metrics and governance practices. This focus may overlook other qualitative aspects of the organization’s impact and community engagement, which could provide a more comprehensive view of its overall effectiveness.


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

Is Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc legitimate?

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Thanksgiving Point Institute 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $12,634,095

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

What is the mission statement of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc?

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc is dedicated to bringing the joy of learning and the wonders of the natural world to life. Their mission is to inspire curiosity, discovery, and sharing through unique and life-changing experiences with bugs, butterflies, tulips, and dinosaurs. In the 2022-23 tax year, they welcomed over 2.4 million guests, with most visiting their museums or garden events. Interactive learning experiences are an integral part of their mission, with over 20,982 third and eighth-grade students participating in free science programs. The organization's venues, including Ashton Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life, Museum of Natural Curiosity, Butterfly Biosphere, and Farm Country, employ aspiring educators and experienced volunteers to facilitate learning and discovery. They also offer free teacher professional development and summer camps for children of all ages and backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion are essential to their mission, with programs and accommodations for guests of all abilities.


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

Who is the CEO of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc?

Mckay F Christensen is the Ceo & Truste of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc. The CEO's salary of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc is $290,471 and their total compensation is $290,471.


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

What is the revenue of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc?

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc's revenue in 2023 was $39,962,209.


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

Who are the executives of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc during 2023 was $12,559. There are 1006 employees and 1406 volunteers at Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc.


Here are 15 key members and their salaries (Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc's CEO's salary is $290,471 and their total compensation is $290,471):


Mckay F Christensen (Ceo & Truste)
  • Compensation: $290,629
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mike Washburn (Former Ceo)
  • Compensation: $290,471
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brent Lange (Vp Of Develo)
  • Compensation: $214,066
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $15,038
Kendall Wimmer (Coo)
  • Compensation: $156,741
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $18,682
Allen Ash (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $151,755
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,986
Erica Vanamen (Vp Marketing)
  • Compensation: $137,822
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $2,814
Lorie Millward (Vp Of Progra)
  • Compensation: $127,389
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,458
Stephen Ashton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $60,402
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $16,226
Alan C Ashton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karen Ashton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Spencer Ashton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dane Runia (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ruth Todd (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Wolfert (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeanette Bennett (Cvo)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc?

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.thanksgivingpoint.org

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

Mission Statement of Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to bringing the joy of learning and the wonders of the natural world to life. With a mission that touches upon curiosity, discovery, and sharing, this institution aims to inspire, optimize, and energize individuals through unique and life-changing experiences.

The Natural World that Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc presents is diverse and captivating. From bugs and butterflies to tulips and T-rexes, each experience is designed to ignite the sense of wonder within visitors. In the past year, the institute welcomed over 2.4 million guests, the majority of whom visited one of its museums or garden events. Among these visitors were tens of thousands who attended educational and cultural events.

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc's offerings extend beyond the physical experiences. Interactive learning experiences are an integral part of its mission, particularly for children. In the previous year, over 20,982 third and eighth-grade students participated in free science and engineering programs. The institute also hosts approximately 2,163 field trips and outreach classes, traveling to schools throughout Utah to facilitate hands-on learning experiences.

The institute's team is comprised of aspiring educators and experienced volunteers who facilitate learning and guide guests in the exploration of natural world science. Volunteers play a vital role in the success of various community-oriented efforts. In the 2022-23 tax year, 1,406 volunteers provided 17,594 hours of support.

The institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its welcoming attitude towards guests of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Sensory backpacks are available for children on the autism spectrum at the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Museum of Ancient Life, and Butterfly Biosphere. Super Tuesdays in August offer discounted rates and participation in the National Museums for All Program grant free entrance to eligible families.

The Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc partners with various community organizations to aid in their learning and life. One example is the South Franklin Community Center in Provo, Utah. The institute provides venue tickets throughout the year to help support the center's mission of serving children attending Title I schools, many of whom are economically disadvantaged and come from under-represented groups.

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Impact




October, 2024

Thanksgiving Point Institute Inc significantly enriches the lives of individuals and communities through its immersive educational experiences focused on the natural world. Spanning 170 acres, this complex features a variety of venues, including museums and gardens, that attract over 2.4 million visitors annually. This vast engagement illustrates the community's desire for interactive learning experiences that spark curiosity and discovery.

The institute not only caters to the general public but emphasizes educational outreach. In the 2022-23 tax year, it facilitated over 20,982 students in 3rd and 8th grades through free science and engineering programs, showcasing its commitment to fostering an appreciation for science and enriching academic curriculums. This includes hosting approximately 2,163 field trips and outreach classes, ensuring that educational experiences extend beyond its venue and into local schools.

Volunteers play a crucial role in achieving Thanksgiving Point's mission, with 1,406 individuals contributing 17,594 hours to community initiatives. Events like the Tulip Festival highlight the collaborative spirit of the community, where thousands of tulip bulbs are planted by volunteers.

The institute prioritizes diversity and inclusion, offering sensory backpacks for children on the autism spectrum and extending programs that cater to economically disadvantaged families. Initiatives such as the National Museums for All program provide free access to students and families who might otherwise be unable to enjoy these enriching experiences.

Furthermore, Thanksgiving Point actively supports educational development through professional training for teachers and dedicated camps designed for children of all backgrounds, including specialized programs for autistic youth. Its partnerships with local organizations, such as the South Franklin Community Center, ensure that resources are shared with those in need, amplifying the institute’s positive impact within the community.

Overall, Thanksgiving Point serves as a vital hub for learning and discovery, empowering visitors of all ages to engage with the wonders of nature while nurturing a love for education that inspires optimism and creativity.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Thanksgiving Point Institute 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.

Revenue
$39,962,209 (2023)
Expenses
$31,176,972 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $236,741
  • Program Service Revenue: $17,651,111
  • Gross Receipts: $45,743,995

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $92,421,837
  • Total Liabilities: $9,067,619
  • Net Assets: $83,354,218

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Programs

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

PROGRAM REVENUE

Revenue

$11,142,382

NON-EXEMPT ACTIVITIES

Revenue

$4,907,531

SPONSORSHIP REVENUE

Revenue

$1,282,855

MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE

Revenue

$185,762

MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE

Revenue

$127,181

Organization Details

Founding Year

1997

Principal Officer

Mckay F Christensen

Main Address

3003 N THANKSGIVING WAY, LEHI, UT, 84043

NTEE Category

Code: C41 - Environment

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