Overview
What is Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association?
The Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association (VMNHA), established in 1973, is a nonprofit organization based in Glen Ellen, California. They primarily support the interpretive needs of three Sonoma County parks – Annaldel State Park, Jack London State Historic Park (JLSHP), and Sugarloaf Ridge State Historic Park. The organization plays a significant role in providing financial support for training, coordination, and recognition of volunteers who carry out essential functions in these parks. VMNHA has overseen the development of cultural and recreational programs, educational exhibits, signage, and historical displays at JLSHP, including the award-winning restoration of the cottage that Jack London lived in after acquiring Beauty Ranch. In 2012, VMNHA became the first non-profit to enter into an operating agreement with the State of California to prevent JLSHP from closure, with Jack London Park Partners (JLPP) now overseeing its management. Currently, a staff of 12 and over 250 volunteers carry out essential operations and maintenance responsibilities at JLSHP. To sustain the park and its programs, VMNHA relies entirely on private donations. They are responsible for developing and overseeing programs such as summer theatre, school and docent tours, piano concerts, outdoor recreation programs, interpretive education, and cultural programs. In addition, VMNHA collaborates with its community and volunteers to ensure a sustainable park that Jack London would be proud of. They design and print maps, guides, books, and interpretive publications for use in JLSHP, and create exhibits and outdoor signage to enhance visitors' experiences. There is a reciprocal arrangement between the operator and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park to create an exchange of labor between the two parks to maximize efficiencies. VMNHA has a contract with the park operator of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park to provide coordination of volunteer services.
Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator rating: 79%, Three-Star out of Four Star rating.
The Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association has achieved a solid Three-Star rating, indicating a decent level of performance in key areas of accountability and finance. With an overall score of 79%, the organization demonstrates strong governance practices, including 100% independent board members and comprehensive policies on conflict of interest and whistleblowing.
Strengths noted include a very low liabilities to assets ratio at 0.95%, which reflects strong financial health. Additionally, the organization allocates a significant portion of its expenses (68.30%) directly to its programs, showcasing a clear commitment to its mission and effective use of resources.
While the overall rating is positive, the organization may benefit from further improvements in its program expense ratio, as there is always room for increasing efficiency and impact. Maintaining transparency and accountability will be essential in sustaining public trust and support moving forward.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association legitimate?
Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association 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: $578,615
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
What is the mission statement of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association?
The Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association preserves and enhances the historic and natural beauty of a park, creating innovative opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for its visitors. The organization collaborates with its community and volunteers to ensure a sustainable park that would make its founder proud. Through its efforts, it manages various programs, exhibits, signage, and historical displays, including the award-winning restoration of a cottage. The association also oversees the management of the park, relying on private donations to execute programming, maintain the grounds, and administer operations, with over 250 volunteers and a staff of 12 carrying out essential operations and maintenance. The association raises funds for services, programs, restoration, and outreach, and develops and oversees programs such as summer theatre, school tours, piano concerts, outdoor recreation programs, interpretive education, and cultural programs.
Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
Who is the CEO of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association?
Mike Benziger is the Chair of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association.
Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
What is the revenue of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association?
Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association's revenue in 2022 was $956,301.
Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
Who are the executives of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association during 2022 was $52,601. There are 11 employees and 250 volunteers at Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association.
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Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
Where can I find the form 990 for Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association?
Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.jacklondonpark.com
Learn more at the official website: www.jacklondonpark.com
Mission Statement of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association
The Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to preserving the historic and natural beauty of a park, while creating innovative opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment. They strive to maintain a sustainable park that would make Jack London proud, through their collaboration with the community and volunteers.
The Association's mission is multifaceted. It involves overseeing the development of cultural and recreational programs, educational exhibits, signage, and historical displays. One of their significant accomplishments is the restoration of the cottage that Jack London lived in after acquiring his ranch. They have also played a key role in providing monetary support for training, coordination, and recognition of volunteers who carry out essential functions in the parks.
Moreover, the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association manages the operations of Jack London State Historic Park, under a contract with the California State Parks. They rely solely on private donations to execute programming, maintain the grounds, and administer operations, as they receive no funds from state parks to subsidize management and operation costs. Their efforts have attracted a significant number of visitors, with nearly 20% being foreign visitors and an additional 40% traveling more than 50 miles to experience the 1,400-acre ranch.
The Association carries out essential operations and maintenance of the park, including raising funds for services, programs, restoration, and outreach. They develop and oversee programs such as summer theatre, school and docent tours, piano concerts, outdoor recreation programs, interpretive education, and cultural programs. They also have a reciprocal arrangement with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park to create an exchange of labor between the two parks to maximize efficiencies. Maps, guides, books, and interpretive publications are designed and printed by the Association for use in Jack London State Historical Park, enhancing visitors' experiences and serving as a continuous project for the organization.
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Impact
June, 2024
Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, through its work in supporting the interpretive needs of Sonoma County parks like Jack London State Historic Park, has had a significant impact on preserving the historic and natural beauty of these areas. Their efforts not only include monetary support for training and coordinating volunteers, but also overseeing the development of cultural and recreational programs, educational exhibits, signage, and historical displays.
One of the notable accomplishments of Valley of the Moon Natural History Association is the award-winning restoration of the cottage where Jack London lived, showcasing their dedication to maintaining historical landmarks. Additionally, their partnership with the state of California to prevent the closure of Jack London State Historic Park highlights their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of these important parks.
By managing the operations and maintenance of Jack London State Historic Park with over 250 volunteers and a staff of 12, Valley of the Moon Natural History Association has been able to offer a range of services and programs to visitors, including summer theatre, school and docent tours, piano concerts, outdoor recreation programs, interpretive education, and cultural programs. They have also facilitated a reciprocal arrangement with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park to maximize efficiencies and enhance the visitor experience.
Overall, the impact of Valley of the Moon Natural History Association extends beyond just preservation, as they are actively creating innovative opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment in these parks, ensuring that the legacy of Jack London and the natural beauty of the area are appreciated and accessible to all.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association. 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: $5,198
- Program Service Revenue: $444,528
- Gross Receipts: $1,345,934
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,800,792
- Total Liabilities: $15,701
- Net Assets: $1,785,091
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
PARK FEES
Revenue
$256,434
MEMBERSHIP DUES & ASSESSMENTS
Revenue
$188,094
Organization Details
Founding Year
1977
Phone
(707) 938-5216Principal Officer
Mike Benziger
Main Address
2400 LONDON RANCH ROAD, GLEN ELLEN, CA, 95442
Website
www.jacklondonpark.comNTEE Category
Code: C60Z - Environment
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