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Columbia Riverkeeper

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

EIN: 911583492 ✦ Hood river, OR ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Columbia Riverkeeper?

Columbia Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization based in Hood River, Oregon, dedicated to safeguarding the water quality of the Columbia River and all life it supports, from its headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. Their mission encompasses protecting the river, its communities, and the people, fish, and wildlife that rely on it. Their strategies include community work, advocating for climate action, and preventing the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure, such as refineries, shipping terminals, and pipelines, which they believe are detrimental to the environment and the fight against climate change. In 2022, they celebrated several victories, including the abandonment of a controversial fossil fuel processing and export proposal in Columbia County, Oregon, and the prevention of the expansion of an oil-by-rail shipping terminal in Portland. They also successfully challenged a controversial 415-MW fracked gas power plant proposed in Umatilla County, Oregon, and advocated for a permanent fossil fuel infrastructure ordinance in the city of Vancouver. With a workforce of 29 individuals, they continue their mission to protect the Columbia River and promote clean energy.


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

Columbia Riverkeeper has received an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and financial health. The organization scored 97% in Accountability & Finance and an outstanding 100% in Leadership & Adaptability. These scores indicate a robust governance structure, with a majority of the board being independent, and effective oversight measures in place, such as a well-maintained audit committee.

The nonprofit demonstrates exceptional financial management with a low liabilities-to-assets ratio and a high program expense ratio, ensuring that a significant portion of its funds directly supports its mission. Fundraising efficiency is also notable, with minimal costs associated with raising funds, which further reflects the organization’s commitment to maximizing resources for its environmental initiatives.

While the organization showcases strong performance metrics and operational integrity, potential donors or supporters may want to explore specific programs and their outcomes to fully understand the impact of their contributions. Overall, Columbia Riverkeeper stands out as a leader in its field, with transparent practices and a clear focus on its mission to protect the Columbia River and its surrounding communities.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Columbia Riverkeeper?

96% of 73 reviewers on Facebook recommend Columbia Riverkeeper. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many supporters commend the organization's commitment to preserving the environment and advocating for clean waterways in their region. Reviewers express admiration for the passion and dedication displayed by Columbia Riverkeeper in promoting sustainability and protecting natural resources, highlighting its meaningful impact on local communities.

The overall sentiment is one of gratitude, as individuals appreciate the efforts being made to address environmental challenges. This nonprofit seems to resonate strongly with residents who value preserving the beauty of their surroundings, indicating that Columbia Riverkeeper effectively delivers on its mission.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Columbia Riverkeeper legitimate?

Columbia Riverkeeper is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Columbia Riverkeeper 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: $269,775
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,038,912

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

What is the mission statement of Columbia Riverkeeper?

Columbia Riverkeeper's mission is centered around the protection and restoration of the water quality of the Columbia River and its ecosystem. They work to safeguard the river's community, wildlife, and fish populations through various strategies, including community engagement and advocacy. In recent years, their efforts have been focused on preventing new fossil fuel infrastructure projects, such as refineries and pipelines, to combat climate change and transition towards clean energy. Columbia Riverkeeper also engages in legal battles and community organizing against projects that pose a threat to the river's environment, such as the expansion of oil-by-rail terminals and the construction of non-conventional diesel refineries. Their successes in 2022 included the abandonment of a controversial fossil fuel processing and export proposal and the prevention of the expansion of oil-by-rail shipping terminals, among others. Their ongoing campaigns aim to stop the GTN gas pipeline expansion and protect salmon habitats from pollution and habitat destruction.


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

Who is the CEO of Columbia Riverkeeper?

Lauren Goldberg is the Executive Dir. of Columbia Riverkeeper.


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

What is the revenue of Columbia Riverkeeper?

Columbia Riverkeeper's revenue in 2022 was $2,551,124.


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

Who are the executives of Columbia Riverkeeper and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Columbia Riverkeeper during 2022 was $45,127. There are 29 employees and 400 volunteers at Columbia Riverkeeper.


Here are 10 key members and their salaries:


Lauren Goldberg (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $145,833
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $15,359
Brett Vandenheuvel (Sect, Past Ed)
  • Compensation: $102,776
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,807
Emily Washines (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rudy Salakory (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sue Vosburg (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Linda Mclain (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alanna Nanegos (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Spurr (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ted Wolf (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marta Yera Cronin (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Columbia Riverkeeper?

Columbia Riverkeeper's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.columbiariverkeeper.org

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

Mission Statement of Columbia Riverkeeper

Columbia Riverkeeper is a mission-driven organization dedicated to safeguarding and restoring the water quality of the Columbia River and all life associated with it, from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. The organization's strategy for protecting the Columbia River encompasses working in river communities and ensuring the well-being of people, fish, and wildlife that depend on the river.

Throughout its operations, Columbia Riverkeeper has been instrumental in combating fossil fuel projects, collaborating with tribal nations, local businesses, strong coalitions, and community members residing in river communities. By defeating nearly every new fossil fuel infrastructure project on the Columbia, the organization has successfully thwarted the construction of the world's largest fracked gas to methanol refinery, the nation's largest oil-by-rail shipping terminal, and the nation's largest coal export terminal. In 2022, Columbia Riverkeeper celebrated significant victories and momentum building, marking a critical task in protecting our climate.

Additionally, Columbia Riverkeeper has been actively involved in campaigns to prevent the expansion of fracked gas infrastructure, such as TC Energy's GTN gas pipeline expansion proposal. The organization has played a leadership role in community organizing, legal, and communications efforts to halt the proposed GTN pipeline expansion, an existing fracked gas pipeline that, if expanded, would undermine the West Coast's climate commitments.

Furthermore, Columbia Riverkeeper has partnered with farmers, business owners, and residents to oppose plans to rezone over 800 acres adjacent to prime salmon habitat from agricultural to industrial. The rezone would pave the way for more pollution and habitat destruction. The organization has also advocated against a non-conventional diesel refinery at Port Westward, which, if built, would become one of the top ten greenhouse gas polluters in Oregon. In Portland, Columbia Riverkeeper and allies have helped prevent the expansion of Zenith Energy's oil-by-rail shipping terminal, a move that benefits public health, safety, our climate, and clean water.

Overall, Columbia Riverkeeper's mission is to protect and restore the water quality of the Columbia River and all life connected to it, while also advocating for climate action at the state and local levels. The organization's work is essential in ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for the Columbia River and its surrounding ecosystems.

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Impact




June, 2024

Columbia Riverkeeper has had a significant impact in protecting the Columbia River and its surrounding communities from the threats posed by fossil fuel infrastructure projects. Their efforts have led to the defeat of major projects such as the world's largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery, the nation's largest oil-by-rail shipping terminal, and the nation's largest coal export terminal. By preventing the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure, Columbia Riverkeeper is helping to safeguard the climate by advocating for a rapid transition towards clean energy sources. Their victories in 2022, such as the abandonment of a fracked gas refinery and pipeline proposal in Oregon, highlight their successful advocacy and community organizing efforts in the region.

Additionally, Columbia Riverkeeper has been instrumental in opposing the expansion of fracked gas infrastructure, advocating for the protection of salmon habitats, and fighting against projects that pose environmental and public health risks, such as a proposed diesel refinery in Oregon. Through partnerships with local communities, businesses, and residents, Columbia Riverkeeper has successfully advocated for policies that promote sustainability and protect the Columbia River watershed.

Their work extends beyond project-specific campaigns, as they have also engaged in advocacy for climate action at the state and local levels, resulting in important policy wins such as the adoption of a permanent fossil fuel infrastructure ordinance in the city of Vancouver. By working with various stakeholders and utilizing legal strategies, Columbia Riverkeeper continues to be a driving force in environmental protection and community empowerment in the Columbia River region.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Columbia Riverkeeper. 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
$2,551,124 (2022)
Expenses
$2,477,493 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $23,314
  • Gross Receipts: $2,551,124

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $5,468,055
  • Total Liabilities: $273,736
  • Net Assets: $5,194,319

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1989

Principal Officer

Lauren Goldberg

Main Address

PO Box 950, Hood River, OR, 97031

NTEE Category

Code: C013 - Environment

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