Naturebridge

What it reported doing in 2024

Naturebridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. We deliver hands-on outdoor education programs in some of the world's most beautiful classrooms-our national parks. Founded in 1971, our campuses are located in yosemite national park, golden gate national recreation area, olympic national park, and prince william forest park.naturebridge's school & group education programs take young people out of the classroom and into the outdoors for multi-day immersive experiences, helping students create lasting connections with themselves, their peers, and the natural world. With children immersed in the outdoors, scientific principles are brought to life and inspire both in-depth learning and a lifelong connection to nature. Each program is customized to meet individual school groups' academic needs and align with state/national science standards. Optional pre- and post-program classroom visits from naturebridge educators enable teachers to deepen the impact of the naturebridge experience throughout and beyond the academic school year.naturebridge provides outdoor education programs to a diverse audience including k-12 teachers, teens and families. We also work with leaders in the field of education to advance scientific and social emotional learning nationwide. At the heart of our work is our evidence-based core educational framework, which comprises three themes: sense of place, interconnections and stewardship. Using this one-of-a-kind framework in our range of programs, naturebridge reaches over 35,000 individuals in a typical year and helps grow the next generation of environmental stewards.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 78.5%; rating input score 79
• Program expense ratio: 82.8%; rating input score 83
• Fundraising efficiency: $3.73 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 14; 14th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 89.5%; rating input score 89; 3rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 5 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 83
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 70.4%; rating input score 70; 14th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 6.2%; rating input score 57; 57th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1; rating input score 36; 36th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.22; rating input score 55; 55th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 7%; rating input score 36; 36th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 3.5% per year; rating input score 100; 30th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -0% per year; rating input score 0; 8th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 0.5% per year; rating input score 100; 12th percentile among comparable filings