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Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute

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

EIN: 956197597 ✦ Gardena, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute?

The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute is a nonprofit organization that caters to the local Japanese American community. Their mission is to preserve and promote the Japanese and Japanese American cultural heritage through various educational, cultural, and social programs. This includes community service initiatives, specifically focusing on the elderly and youth. By offering these programs, the institute aims to foster a sense of unity and shared cultural identity within the community.


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 33% (Zero-Star out of Four Star Rating)

The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute holds a low score of 33% on Charity Navigator, resulting in a Zero-Star rating. This rating is derived entirely from its Accountability & Finance score, indicating serious concerns about the organization's financial practices and transparency. Although the board is composed entirely of independent members, the charity has significant gaps in its financial oversight and policy documentation.

Among the strengths, the institute maintains 100% independent board membership and does not have any material diversion of assets. However, the lack of key financial practices such as a conflict of interest policy and a whistleblower policy raises red flags regarding governance. Additionally, the organization scored poorly on financial transparency metrics, particularly regarding the review of financial statements and the program expense ratio.

Such limitations suggest that while the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute has a solid board structure, it needs to improve its financial accountability and adherence to best practices to foster greater trust and support from the community. The absence of critical documents on its website further undermines its credibility as a nonprofit organization.


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

What do the Facebook reviews say about Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute?

84% of the 18 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute. Many individuals express nostalgia for their experiences, particularly highlighting the positive memories associated with their participation in Judo classes during the past decades.

The sentiment around the institute is generally favorable, with users appreciating the cultural enrichment it provides, allowing for a reconnection with Japanese traditions. People also seem to value the community aspect of the programs offered.

Overall, the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute appears to successfully deliver meaningful experiences and foster a sense of belonging among its members.


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

Is Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute legitimate?

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute 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: $97,517
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $304,929

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

What is the mission statement of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute?

The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute is dedicated to serving the needs of the local Japanese American community. They accomplish this goal through various educational, cultural, and social programs, aiming to preserve and promote the Japanese and Japanese American cultural heritage. The institute offers community service programs for both seniors and youth, fostering a sense of unity and shared history within the community.


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

Who is the CEO of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute?

Alison Kochiyama is the Executive Director of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute.


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

What is the revenue of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute?

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute's revenue in 2022 was $1,382,685.


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

Who are the executives of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute during 2022 was $22,358. There are 18 employees at Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute.


Here are 20 key members and their salaries:


Alison Kochiyama (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $93,967
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michelle Hirano (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Oyagi (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Miles Akiyama (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Grant Nakaoka (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alan Kita (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard Ames (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lawrence Hada (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Juan Hernandez (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marilyn Tsuge (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bryce Ikemura (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Glenn Tachibana (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dan Ashimine (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alvin Takamori (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ray Shibata (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gail Doi (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Koshi (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Helen Nakano (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Terry Terauchi (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kerilyn Sato (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

Where can I find the form 990 for Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute?

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.jci-gardena.org/

Learn more at the official website: www.jci-gardena.org/

Mission Statement of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to serving the local Japanese American community. Its mission is centered around providing educational, cultural, and social programs that aim to preserve and share the Japanese and Japanese American cultural heritage. By offering these programs, the institute seeks to meet the needs of this community, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride. Among its initiatives, the institute provides community service programs for both seniors and youth, furthering its commitment to enriching the lives of the Japanese American community.

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Impact




July, 2024

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute has a significant impact on the local Japanese American community in Gardena, California. Through its educational, cultural, and social programs, it provides a platform for sharing and preserving the Japanese and Japanese American cultural heritage.

The institute's activities not only educate the community about their cultural roots but also create a sense of belonging and connection among the members. By offering programs tailored to different age groups, such as community service programs for seniors and youth, GVJCI fosters intergenerational relationships and promotes cultural understanding within the community.

Overall, Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Japanese American heritage, enriching the lives of its members, and strengthening the bonds within the local Japanese American community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute. 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
$1,382,685 (2022)
Expenses
$702,915 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $108,632
  • Program Service Revenue: $193,039
  • Gross Receipts: $1,446,203

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,768,322
  • Total Liabilities: $21,419
  • Net Assets: $3,746,903

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Programs

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

Language School

Revenue

$38,938

Program Fees

Revenue

$10,910

Services to Seniors

Revenue

$143,191

Organization Details

Founding Year

1967

Principal Officer

Alison Kochiyama

Main Address

1964 WEST 162ND STREET, GARDENA, CA, 90247

NTEE Category

Code: A74Z - Arts

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