Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc

Oebgci

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

EIN: 946102783 ✦ Oakland, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc?

Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California. Primarily staffed by volunteers, their purpose is to maintain and improve gardens in the Lake Merritt area and the broader East Bay region of San Francisco. They raise funds for various projects such as updating garden features, installing new sprinkler systems, and enhancing pollinator gardens. Additionally, they have a specific initiative known as the "Pollinator Posse" aimed at boosting the monarch butterfly population in the gardens. The organization also hosts the Autumn Lights Festival to raise additional funds for their projects.


Official website here: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 1 Star

Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc has received a 57% rating from Charity Navigator, which translates to a one-star rating. This score is based entirely on the Accountability & Finance category, where the organization shows some strengths but also significant weaknesses. The lack of a posted tax form on their website and a low program expense ratio raise concerns about their financial transparency and allocation of resources.

The organization has demonstrated positive governance aspects, such as having a majority of independent board members and policies for conflict of interest, whistleblowers, and document retention. However, despite these strengths, their liabilities to assets ratio is notably low, indicating potential financial instability. The program expense ratio is also quite low, suggesting that a substantial portion of their expenditures may not be directed towards their core mission.

Overall, while Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc has established some robust accountability measures, the financial management aspect appears to hinder their overall effectiveness. Prospective donors may want to consider these factors carefully before contributing.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc?

84% of reviewers on Facebook recommend the Oakland East Bay Garden Center. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many visitors express their appreciation for the beautiful gardens, highlighting that the entry is free, which enhances their experience. Enthusiasm is evident, with one user eagerly looking forward to returning, suggesting that the center resonates positively with the community. Overall, the general sentiment reflects a strong affection for the gardens, indicating that they provide an enjoyable and accessible outdoor space for everyone.

The positive remarks underscore the center's success in creating an inviting environment, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and families alike.


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

Is Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc legitimate?

Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Oakland East Bay Garden Center 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: $33,850
Other Salaries and Wages: $0

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

What is the mission statement of Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc?

The Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc is a volunteer-led organization primarily focused on maintaining and improving gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically at Lake Merritt and the garden center. Their mission involves raising funds for various initiatives such as new sprinkler systems, updating pollinator gardens, and expanding the 'airBee and Bee' habitat. Additionally, they have a program called the Pollinator Posse, which aims to enhance and expand the monarch butterfly population in the gardens.


Official website here: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

What is the revenue of Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc?

Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc's revenue in 2023 was $401,682.


Official website here: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

Who are the executives of Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc and what are their salaries?

There 1200 volunteers at Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc.

Here are 11 key members and their salaries:


Carole Levenson (Co-President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Victoria Rocha (Co-President/Alf Director)
  • Compensation: $15,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rocio Briseno (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Helga Mahlmann (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lydia Swann (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Aixa Gannon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Heather Platt (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brooke Levin (Advisor)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dick Austin (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lisa Hire (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Tsutakawa (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc?

Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

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

Mission Statement of Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc

The Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc, a volunteer-led organization, is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of gardens within the San Francisco Bay Area. Primarily, their efforts are focused on maintaining the gardens at Lake Merritt, the garden center, and implementing ongoing improvements throughout the East Bay region.

In addition to this, the center takes on various projects to support the local ecosystem. One such initiative is the Autumn Lights Festival, where funds are raised to update facilities such as sprinkler systems, pollinator gardens, and the "airBeeand Bee" habitat. This endeavor aims to create a more inviting and sustainable environment for pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies.

Another significant project undertaken by the Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc is the Pollinator Posse. This initiative is designed to boost and expand the monarch butterfly population within the gardens. Through fundraising efforts, the center aims to enhance and expand the monarch butterfly habitat, contributing to the preservation of these vital insects and the ecosystem they support.

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Impact




June, 2024

Oakland East Bay Garden Center Inc's impact is focused on enhancing and maintaining the gardens at Lake Merritt, the garden center, and making ongoing improvements throughout the East Bay area of San Francisco. Through initiatives like the Autumn Lights Festival, which raises funds for various garden projects like new sprinkler systems and updated pollinator habitats, they are able to contribute to the beautification and sustainability of the local environment. Additionally, their Pollinator Posse program works towards enhancing and expanding the monarch butterfly population in the gardens, thereby supporting essential pollinator species. Overall, their efforts demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement in Oakland, California.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Oakland East Bay Garden Center 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
$401,682 (2023)
20132014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$150k$300k$450k$600k
Expenses
$349,383 (2023)
20132014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$90,000$180k$270k$360k
Efficiency
201320142015201620172018201920202021202220230%5%10%15%23%

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $17,520
  • Program Service Revenue: $44,119
  • Gross Receipts: $401,682

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $721,456
  • Total Liabilities: $35,261
  • Net Assets: $686,195

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1957

Principal Officer

Helga Mahlmann

Main Address

PO Box 10895, Oakland, CA, 946100895

NTEE Category

Code: C41 - Environment

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