My Nonprofit Reviews
Scottie Z.
Review for Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, CA, USA
I've been watching the amazing work of MMC for years! The work they do is difficult and sometimes dangerous, yet they are always there for marine mammals in trouble. They make wonderful use of the volunteers who contribute to all aspects of life with seals, sea lions, otters, and whales! (Remember Humphrey the Humpback who wandered into San Francisco Bay?) The Marine Mammal Center does make use of medical and scientific experts for the best solutions to problems. They are ready also to experiment, try new approaches, ad lib when nothing else seems to work.
They have a wonderful center just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and other locations (most recently in Hawaii). They have all kinds of support from donors and volunteers. A great place to visit.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find ways to raise more money for their use!
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
Review for Friends Of The Palo Alto Public Library, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Friends of the Palo Alto Library (the CORRECT name of the nonprofit) has existed for 30 years. Starting small, FOPAL has grown to include approx. 150 volunteers. The objectives of FOPAL include receiving donated books, sorting for subject (biography, history, gardening, etc.), pricing, and shelving books for the MONTHLY used book sale. In the past 6 years FOPAL has raised well over $1 million. The average for the past 3 years ranges from $250,000 to $325,000. The money is used in various grants to the city public library system (5 separate locations in our city). FOPAL helps the library buy books, DVDs, and other media for its collection. FOPAL also provides funds to support library reading groups, summer reading projects for children, software applications such as LINK+, and more. FOPAL has one paid Book Sale Manager. I've volunteered at FOPAL for 5-6 years myself. Personally, one of the surprising benefits for me has been the amount I've learned about books, publishing, first editions, etc. FOPAL has a subcategory for "high-value" books ($20 and up) which we sell on Amazon. Most of the books in our monthly sales are priced quite reasonably: $1 to $4 for hardbacks, 50 cents to $2 for paperbacks (depending on condition).
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Palo Alto Humane Society, Palo Alto, CA, USA
PAHS performs numerous important services in a large community to benefit the welfare of all animals. They have an office/gift store in Menlo Park that is fun to visit. They sell art & jewelry & toys, all beautifully made and unusual. The staff regulars are helpful and friendly. As a volunteer for Palo Alto Animal Services, I enthusiastically support the work of PAHS, and they are wonderful friends to PAAS in return.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
