My Nonprofit Reviews
Kim Freitas
Review for Marine Science Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
We go to MSI several times a year and love the educational value. Marine Science Institute does so much with a tiny budget and has a very dedicated group of youth and adult volunteers. They are super passionate about educating people about the Bay and Pacific. They have been very generous and accommodating with the underserved kids that I've been involved with.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Building Futures Now, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Building Futures Now identifies high potential, high performing students and supports them from 4-12 grade with mentoring, tutoring and enrichment. Studies have shown that kids who receive differentiated experiences and have the personal characteristics of persistence, self reliance and willingness to practice and work hard at an interest can excel beyond expectations established by the culture. BFN tries to identify kids and give them expansive experiences, reinforce key education skills and set the bar higher so that can be productive members of their community and the world. What I like about BFN is that because there is a paid executive and program director so there is a continuity, high level of engagement with the kids and sense of long term investment. The program can learn, grown and adjust over time to meet the needs of the changing educational landscape and the families that support each child. Since BFN is located in the community and works to nourish the whole child they can effectively provide help where needed so that students stay on track. BFN manages their resources well and appears to be careful about how every donor dollar is spent. They actively encourage volunteerism among a permanent community of swimmers, triathletes and other groups that have the time and ability to work with the students in many capacities. I have been involved with BFN since it's inception, planning the monthly field trips that take advantage of the many educational, cultural and technical institutions in our area to expose the kids to art, music, theater, science, environmental education, and outdoors sports. I have seen a lot of growth and confidence develop in the children as they do more things in the community.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
BFN is important in the lives of the children and families. BFN is well functioning so that volunteers feel their time is well spent and valued. Some children have been accepted at elite middle schools but I do not know how well they are performing
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Review for ACTERRA: Action for a Healthy Planet, Palo Alto, CA, USA
High points for really acting locally, engaging schools and homeowners in work that can make a difference. The energy audit program which should lead to weatherizing and insulating projects is one of the single most important things an average citizen can do to save energy.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Good communication and outreach into large corporate businesses that can influence Bay Area culture
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Very professional and very focussed, especially a few individuals who are pursuing 'encore' careers.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Influence big infrastructure projects like passive solar construction and urban planning around transit centers
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
