My Nonprofit Reviews
gorillagirl
Review for Gorilla Foundation, Redwood City, CA, USA
Most of the information presented on the organization's 990 and in the donor/fundraising material is completely inaccurate. Funds raised could not possibly be used for gorilla conservation in the wild as the only record of donation is from the 1990's, the foundation does not support in-person educational outreach as stated, a review of medical records displays that the female gorilla is unable to have a baby and does not tolerate the presence of another gorilla, there is no real or legitimate scientific research being collected or produced, and the Foundation's headquarters could not be moved to Maui as the company offering the land withdrew support almost a decade ago. Yet each of these items, and many more inaccuracies, are used in donor materials and appear on IRS forms. Another notable deception is the President's salary of a mere $15,000/ year. What the 990 does not display is the salary of her partner, also employed by the foundation, who presumably finances the Lexus and large hillside property on Skyline Blvd. where the two live.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Overhaul the leadership. The deception to donors and the public has gone on for 25 years at least, the only chance for positive change is the removal of all involved and the involvement of experts who can help.
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
None
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for SARSEF, Tucson, AZ, USA
My participation in SARSEF began as a student in the Third Grade. I wasn't very skilled in sports and had always quietly envied the shiny trophies my friends had for soccer and swimming. Then I completed my first research project. I not only investigated a topic I was truly interested in at the time (where bugs like to live), but my effort was rewarded with a beautiful trophy with my name on it. That was enough to light the fire. I continued to enter SARSEF year after year, each time gaining more skill in the scientific process, each time researching something I loved and each time getting the encouragement I needed to continue.
I ended up attending the International Science and Engineering Fair five times- all expenses paid by SARSEF. I won a top award (2nd, 1st, and special awards) three of those visits. i was sent to Washington DC twice, and to China to compete in research further. i had so many incredible opportunities opened to me due to the overwhelming support and generosity of SciEnTeK-12 that the best way I can attempt to quantify it is by explaining that due to my participation in SARSEF, i earned over $180,000 in scholarships. And yet that doesn't come close to portraying what completing a research project and gaining the life-skills necessary to explain it to a professional does for a student's confidence.
I have served as a member of the Board of Directors since the moment I completed my last Science Fair competition, and did so while completing my higher education- currently culminating in a Master of Science. I am passionate about bringing the SARSEF experience to every student in the Southern Arizona region, and empowering every child to believe that they can be successful in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. SARSEF not only has the antidotal evidence for student achievement, but one of the best records for student success at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Over 1,800 students competed in SARSEF last year, representing over 52,000 students who competed to get there. We are committed to expanding the opportunity to succeed in STEM.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Hire full-time staff members to run the Foundation's programs. We are too big, and too important to rely solely on volunteers!
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
