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Sonoma Ecology Center

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

EIN: 943136500 ✦ Eldridge, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Sonoma Ecology Center?

The Sonoma Ecology Center is a nonprofit organization based in Eldridge, California, focused on fostering ecological health within the Sonoma Valley community. They have spearheaded collaborative efforts with local authorities to keep state parks accessible to the public. Through their work, they have managed Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and engaged over 1500 K-12 students in quality science education, linking classroom learning to real-world community experiences. Dedicated to empowering the next generation, they offer vocational training for teens as Enviroleader interns. Their initiatives have led to substantial improvements in the community's parks and parks facilities. The Sonoma Ecology Center has also formed partnerships with over 20 local organizations within the Sonoma Valley Collaborative to identify and address socioeconomic challenges within the community. Beyond this, they have made significant strides in biochar research and the development of biomass production. Their stewardship programs involve cleaning up local waterways and monitoring riparian and wildlife corridors. In terms of fire safety, they lead efforts to reduce fire fuels and create resilient landscapes, utilizing native plants from their in-house nursery. Lastly, the Sonoma Ecology Center supports the community with science and stewardship initiatives to help adapt to a changing climate. They have a workforce of 75 dedicated individuals working tirelessly for the betterment of the Sonoma Valley's ecosystem.


Official website here: www.sonomaecologycenter.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 81% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Sonoma Ecology Center has achieved a solid Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a respectable score of 81%. This rating indicates a good level of accountability and financial health, suggesting that the organization effectively manages its resources. The center demonstrates strong governance practices, with a fully independent board and no material diversion of assets.

Strengths of the Sonoma Ecology Center include a high percentage of independent board members and a favorable program expense ratio of 70.77%, which shows that a significant portion of its spending is directed towards its mission-related activities. Additionally, the organization has comprehensive policies in place, including those for conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, contributing to its transparency and ethical standards.

While the organization appears to be well-managed, potential donors and supporters may want to consider the overall impact of its programs and the specific outcomes achieved. The rating indicates that the Sonoma Ecology Center is a reliable option for those looking to support environmental initiatives, although further details on program effectiveness could enhance understanding of its impact.


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

Is Sonoma Ecology Center legitimate?

Sonoma Ecology Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Sonoma Ecology Center 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: $96,210
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,812,903

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.sonomaecologycenter.org

What is the mission statement of Sonoma Ecology Center?

The Sonoma Ecology Center is dedicated to improving and preserving ecological health within the community, focusing on the Sonoma Valley. Their mission is to foster partnerships and collaborations to achieve this goal, involving various initiatives such as maintaining state parks, providing quality science education to children, and implementing stewardship programs to clean up local waterways. The center also engages in research and development projects, like biochar and biomass production, and helps the community address socioeconomic challenges through partnerships with local organizations. Moreover, they contribute to reducing fire fuels and creating resilient landscapes by utilizing native plants from their in-house nursery, and provide support to the community with science and stewardship efforts to address a changing climate.


Official website here: www.sonomaecologycenter.org

What is the revenue of Sonoma Ecology Center?

Sonoma Ecology Center's revenue in 2023 was $3,542,558.


Official website here: www.sonomaecologycenter.org

Who are the executives of Sonoma Ecology Center and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Sonoma Ecology Center during 2023 was $28,926. There are 66 employees and 200 volunteers at Sonoma Ecology Center.

Here are 14 key members and their salaries:


Richard Dale (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $90,611
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Morell (President)
  • Compensation: $5,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ava Castro (Director)
  • Compensation: $300
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Christi Gabaldon (Director)
  • Compensation: $300
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ellie Insley Vice Pres (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anna Bimenyimana (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Breck Parkman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marc Flocco (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nancy Padian (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Palladini (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Parker Bacon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patricia Farrar-Rivas (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kendall Clemons (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeanne-Louise Camus (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.sonomaecologycenter.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Sonoma Ecology Center?

Sonoma Ecology Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.sonomaecologycenter.org

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

Mission Statement of Sonoma Ecology Center

The Sonoma Ecology Center, a dedicated nonprofit organization, works tirelessly to promote and preserve ecological health within the Sonoma Valley. Its primary mission is to collaborate with the local community in enhancing and sustaining the region's ecosystem.

Through various initiatives, the Center has demonstrated a commitment to environmental education, particularly for K-12 students, by linking classroom lessons with real-world experiences within the community. Moreover, it has spearheaded partnerships to manage state parks, ensuring that these natural spaces remain accessible to the general public.

Beyond conservation and education, the Sonoma Ecology Center also focuses on community development. It has formed partnerships with local organizations to identify and address socioeconomic challenges within the community. Additionally, the Center has made significant improvements to local parks and has been instrumental in biochar research and biomass production.

The organization's stewardship programs extend to cleaning up local waterways and monitoring riparian and wildlife corridors. Furthermore, it takes a proactive approach to reducing fire fuels and creating resilient landscapes by utilizing native plants from its in-house nursery. In times of climate change, the Sonoma Ecology Center provides vital support to the community, offering science and stewardship resources to help adapt to a changing environment.

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Impact




June, 2024

Sonoma Ecology Center's impact is far-reaching and multifaceted. The organization has actively worked with the community to enhance and sustain ecological health in the Sonoma Valley. Some of their notable accomplishments include partnering with the State of California to keep state parks open to the public and leading the operation of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. They have also engaged over 1500 K-12 students in quality science education, providing vocational training for teens as Enviroleader interns, and making significant improvements to community parks.

Furthermore, Sonoma Ecology Center has established partnerships with over 20 local organizations through the Sonoma Valley Collaborative to address socio-economic challenges in the community. The organization is a leader in biochar research and the development of biomass production. They have implemented stewardship programs to clean up local waterways, monitor riparian and wildlife corridors, and reduce fire fuels while creating resilient landscapes using native plants from their in-house nursery.

In the face of a changing climate, Sonoma Ecology Center continues to support the community with science and stewardship initiatives. Overall, their work has had a significant impact on the environment and the community they serve.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Sonoma Ecology Center. 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
$3,542,558 (2023)
Expenses
$3,555,481 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $20
  • Program Service Revenue: $1,056,037
  • Gross Receipts: $3,598,771

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,368,665
  • Total Liabilities: $337,464
  • Net Assets: $1,031,201

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Programs

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

Park entrance

Revenue

$654,383

Park facility fees

Revenue

$4,583

Restoration Fees

Revenue

$397,071

Organization Details

Founding Year

1990

Principal Officer

Richard Dale

NTEE Category

Code: C600 - Environment

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