My Nonprofit Reviews
jason8
Review for Reef Ball Foundation Inc, Athens, GA, USA
I was paired with the Reef Ball Foundation as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored program which provides graduate students funding for internships with non-profit organizations. One of the most impressive things about the Foundation is that it operates on a 'people first' mentality: by driving awareness through community outreach and education, volunteerism, and collaboration, the Foundation not only stretches every dollar as far as it can go, it also accomplishes a key aspect of its own mission statement. Another thing I find refreshing is that the Reef Ball Foundation always strives to do the best thing for the ecosystem in any given situation (with revenue always second to environmental impact). Whether that means retaining additional scientific input/consultation, refusing to 'underbid' a restoration to get a contract, or even advising against the use of artificial reefs because they weren't the best solution for a given problem. Even in this competitive economy, with dozens of companies, riding the 'green wave' to make a quick buck, the Reef Ball team has stood on their principles, which is impressive to say the least
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
5 different countries, and ecosystems as wide ranging as oyster beds, mangroves, and coral reefs!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Ensure availability of funding for scientifically grounded long term monitoring efforts (no easy task)
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the people!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always devoted to doing what was best for the environment, regardless of cost (both in financial terms, and in willingness to spend 12 hour days waist deep in mud)
Ways to make it better...
additional funding were available for scientific research and advanced/long term monitoring.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
external threats to coral reefs (climate change, overfishing, pollution), which complicate rehabilitation efforts.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
