Your donation attempt encountered a problem. Please refresh the page to try again.
You're faster than our page! Give the page a little longer to finish loading and try your donation again.
PO BOX 246
Key Largo FL 33037-0000
Key Largo FL | IRS ruling year: 1992 | EIN: 65-0270064
REEF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION (REEF) WAS ESTABLISHED AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN 1990. REEF CONSERVES MARINE ENVIRONMENTS WORLDWIDE. OUR MISSION IS TO P ... (More)
REEF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION (REEF) WAS ESTABLISHED AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN 1990. REEF CONSERVES MARINE ENVIRONMENTS WORLDWIDE. OUR MISSION IS TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND OCEAN LIFE BY ACTIVELY ENGAGING AND INSPIRING THE PUBLIC THROUGH CITIZEN SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY. REEF CONNECTS OCEAN ENTHUSIASTS AND THE DIVE COMMUNITY WITH SCIENTISTS AND RESOURCE MANAGERS THROUGH DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES. THE REEF CAMPUS IN KEY LARGO, FL SERVES AS A VISITORS CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Rating histories are available for a growing number of rated organizations. Check back later to see if this organization has a rating history!
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated has earned a 100% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
This Accountability & Finance score represents IRS Form 990 data up until FY 2020, which is the most recent Form 990 currently available to us.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No Credit
Not ApplicableBoard Composition - 10/10 - 25/25 ptsBoard Composition - 10/10 - 25/25 pts
Charity Navigator looks for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of those members identified as independent (not salaried).
The presence of an independent governing body is strongly recommended by many industry professionals to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Audit or Financial Review - Has Audit/Review - 20/20 ptsIndependent Audit or Financial Review - Has Audit/Review - 20/20 pts
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
|---|---|
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsConflict of Interest Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Board Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 ptsBoard Meeting Minutes - Documented - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed - 3/3 ptsDocument Retention and Destruction - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 ptsWhistleblower Policy - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Website - Listed - 3/3 ptsWebsite - Listed - 3/3 pts
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 25.21% - 15/15 ptsLiabilities to Assets Ratio - 25.21% - 15/15 pts
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
| Liabilities to Assets Ratio | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| Less than 50% | Full Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Partial Credit |
| 60% or more | No Credit |
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Ratio - 84.25% - 25/25 ptsProgram Expense Ratio - 84.25% - 25/25 pts
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
| Program Expense Percentage | Amount of Credit Received |
|---|---|
| 70% or higher | Full Credit |
| 60% - 69.9% | Partial Credit |
| 50% - 59.9% | Zero Points for Program Expense Score |
| Below 50% | Zero Points for Both Program Expense AND Liabilities to Assets Scores |
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Presented here are up to five of this organization's highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2020
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Preservation of natural resources (conservation) (BMF activity code: 350)
Other conservation, environmental or beautification activities (BMF activity code: 379)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated) or EIN (650270064) in the 'Search Term' field.
This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. This normally would have reduced their star rating. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
REEF incurred over $587,000 in direct program revenue losses due to Covid-19, resulting in a 58% loss in gross revenue. We applied for and received the PPP loan and thus were able to employ a full staff. However, many other cost-saving reductions were implemented. One example is that we canceled the audit scheduled for 2020’s financial reports because of the significant financial losses we incurred that year.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
The REEF Campus in Key Largo was forced to shut down in March 2020 as part of Florida’s Executive Order to shelter-in-place. To protect the health and safety of our staff and program participants, the Campus remained closed until April 5, 2021. We also canceled all offsite in-person programming, including all Field Survey Trips for volunteers which were scheduled to participate in programs in St. Croix, Indonesia, Honduras, Dominica, Costa Rica, the Red Sea, Yap, Cuba, Grand Cayman, Guanaja, Indonesia, and St Eustatius. All of the programs we were scheduled to provide to student and adult groups through REEF's Ocean Explorers Programs were also canceled.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
We expanded our offerings of online virtual programs, including webinars and online social gatherings. In addition to traditional educational webinars, we also organized a virtual 5K race, online book club and developed a Virtual Field Trip program for student groups.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Because of the success of our expanded online programs, we plan to continue offering them in future years. Enhancing online programs makes it easier for anyone to engage with our marine conservation work regardless of location.
Not Currently Scored
Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Learn More
Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated reported its largest program on its FY 2020 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
IN 2020, REEF CONTINUED TO PROTECT MARINE ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH EDUCATION, SERVICE AND RESEARCH. REEF PROVIDES EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO BUILD AND INSPIRE A COMMUNITY OF OCEAN STEWARDS. THE ... (More)
IN 2020, REEF CONTINUED TO PROTECT MARINE ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH EDUCATION, SERVICE AND RESEARCH. REEF PROVIDES EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO BUILD AND INSPIRE A COMMUNITY OF OCEAN STEWARDS. THE REEF CAMPUS IN KEY LARGO FL SERVES AS A VISITORS CENTER TO EDUCATE AND ENGAGE THE PUBLIC WITH MARINE CONSERVATION. WE ALSO CONDUCT ONLINE PROGRAMMING SUCH AS WEBINARS AND OTHER INTERACTIVE CONTENT. WE CONDUCT IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING LED BY REEF STAFF AS WELL AS THE WIDE NETWORK OF PARTNERS INCLUDING DIVE SHOPS AND CLUBS, NATURE CENTERS, AND PUBLIC AQUARIA. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH CONSERVATION IS ALSO FULFILLED THROUGH THE VOLUNTEER FISH SURVEY PROJECT, REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND POWERFUL OCEAN CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS. IT GIVES DIVERS AND SNORKELERS AN ENGAGING AND MEANINGFUL WAY TO SUPPORT MARINE CONSERVATION. PARTICIPANTS SCUBA DIVE AND SNORKEL TO COLLECT AND REPORT INFORMATION ON MARINE FISH POPULATIONS AS WELL AS SEA TURTLES AND SELECT INVERTEBRATE AND ALGAE SPECIES. THIS DATA IS USED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND PROTECT OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS WORLDWIDE. FISHERIES PROTECTIONS AROUND THE WORLD DEPEND ON HIGH-QUALITY DATA. WITH REEF DATA, SUBMITTED BY CITIZEN SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS ARE MAKING EXCITING DISCOVERIES ABOUT MARINE ECOSYSTEMS, AND POLICYMAKERS HAVE MORE INFORMATION TO REFINE CONSERVATION EFFORTS. VOLUNTEERS COLLECT AND SUBMIT DATA ON MARINE LIFE SIGHTINGS. IT HAS GENERATED THE LARGEST MARINE LIFE SIGHTINGS DATABASE, AN UNPARALLELED SOURCE OF INFORMATION THAT PROVIDES INVALUABLE INSIGHT INTO THE HEALTH, STATUS, AND THREATS OF OCEAN HABITATS AND ANIMALS. (Less)
Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated has earned a 100% for the Culture & Community beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 ptsConstituent Feedback - Data Available - 100/100 pts
30% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Who are the people you serve with your mission? Describe briefly.
The success of REEF’s marine conservation mission is made possible by the support of our members, volunteers, and partners. REEF has a broad geographic reach with over 72,000 members. REEF has build strategic partnerships with government agencies, science and academic institutions, the non-profit sector, and local communities. We actively engage and inspire the public in marine conservation so the oceans can be enjoyed by current and future generations.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Suggestion box/email
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
Our staff, Our board
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship with them or shifted power - over decisions, resources, rules or in other ways - to them?
REEF is a grassroots, citizen science organization. Many of our core values are based on the belief that everyone can make a difference and that there is great value to the individual's perspective. When we are working together collaboratively, it is our collective impact that results in the most significant marine conservation successes.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, We don't have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
For more than 30 years, REEF has served as a leader in marine conservation and citizen science in part due to our adaptability. We develop intentional processes to ensure we listen and gather feedback from our members and partners to continuously improve our programs. For example, REEF hosts many online programs to educate and engage the public with marine conservation. After each event, participants are asked to complete a survey with feedback. We use the constructive critism gathered in these surveys to shape and improve the next online program. Adapting the content, length, style, and set up accordingly.
Equity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 ptsEquity Practices - Data Available - 100/100 pts
70% of beacon score
This organization's score of 100 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 11 Equity Practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective equity policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Equity Practices (6/7) | |
|---|---|
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Equity Policies and Procedures (5/7) | |
|---|---|
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. | |
Reef Environmental Education Foundation Incorporated has earned a 100% for the Leadership & Adaptability beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditNot ApplicableMission - 10/10 ptsMission - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
REEF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION (REEF) WAS ESTABLISHED AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN 1990. REEF CONSERVES MARINE ENVIRONMENTS WORLDWIDE. OUR MISSION IS TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND OCEAN LIFE BY ACTIVELY ENGAGING AND INSPIRING THE PUBLIC THROUGH CITIZEN SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY. REEF CONNECTS OCEAN ENTHUSIASTS AND THE DIVE COMMUNITY WITH SCIENTISTS AND RESOURCE MANAGERS THROUGH DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES. THE REEF CAMPUS IN KEY LARGO, FL SERVES AS A VISITORS CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC.
Vision - 10/10 ptsVision - 10/10 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
We envision a world where marine species and habitats thrive for current and future generations to enjoy. This world is made possible activity engaging people in marine conservation initiatives through education, service, and research.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals - 20/20 ptsGoals - 20/20 pts
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: - Expand the portfolio of projects directly tied to REEF’s major programs of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, Invasive Species Program, Grouper Moon Project, and Ocean Explorers Program.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Increase diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes in REEF’s programs, staff, and Board of Trustees.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: Develop a diversified and sustainable funding base for marine conservation action.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Leadership Development - 15/15 ptsLeadership Development - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
REEF believes that leadership development boosts employee engagement, advances our mission driven work, and reduces costs associated with turnover. We embrace it as part of our organization's culture for every career stage, from guiding participants in our Marine Conservation Internship program to supporting the development of REEF's executive leadership and Board of Trustees. In January, staff completed a personal, professional development plan identifying their goals and activities for the year. Some planned activities were postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19. REEF financially supported staff and interns to participate in professional and industry conferences. We facilitated a multi-day staff workshop providing content on Science Communication, Management Skills, and Customer Service. REEF organized coaching and mentorship opportunities amongst the staff, board, and volunteer base and encouraged staff to participate in online professional development workshops.
Mobilizing for Mission - 15/15 ptsMobilizing for Mission - 15/15 pts
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
We are protecting biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. The heart of REEF’s mission is to mobilize and inspire individuals, communities and partners to participate in marine conservation activities. With knowledge, training and the opportunity to get involved, marine citizen scientists make significant and ongoing contributions through REEF’s strategic partnerships with government agencies, science and academic institutions, the non-profit sector, and local communities. Divers and snorkelers are in a unique position to observe and document the many valuable and vulnerable living marine resources. They play an important role in bringing information to the surface that adds to the knowledge base of ocean ecosystems and facilitates informed decision-making. Through REEF’s efforts, marine citizen scientists impart an ethic of stewardship to current and future generations.
Adaptability Story - 30/30 ptsAdaptability Story - 30/30 pts
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
2020 marked REEF’s 30th anniversary of engaging citizen scientists in meaningful marine conservation. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, REEF has adapted in the face of adversity. Most of REEF’s in-person programs and activities were canceled to protect the health and safety of our participants. We adapted to these external changes by: -Building connections and bringing people together through increased online programming and virtual events for ocean enthusiasts around the globe. In 2020, we launched the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, Into the Blue Online Book Club, and Ocean Explorers Virtual Field Trip Program. -Continuing our work to save endangered Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands by training local resident partners to conduct the annual Grouper Moon research project. The previous 19 seasons of the project were led by a large collaborative team of advanced researchers from many universities and institutions. - Continuing to reduce the impact of invasive species by modifying our annual Lionfish Derby Series to be socially distanced with multiple lionfish drop-off locations and live-streamed activities. Since the invasion began, REEF has removed over 55,000 of these destructive predators from Florida and Caribbean reefs. -Working in online meeting environments to develop collaborative, science-based solutions. REEF’s strategic partnerships with government agencies, science and academic institutions, and local organizations have generated concrete conservation results for many species and habitats. For example, this year REEF joined in a partnership of more than 60 institutions that led to the Sunflower Sea Star being placed on the IUCN Red List as a Critically Endangered Species. -Supporting diverse communities by establishing the Oceans for All Fund, which brings education and mentoring opportunities to underserved individuals.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
The Giving Basket is having some issues. If you wish to donate, please refresh the page. If the problem persists contact us.
Cart ID: Not Assigned
The Giving Basket is having some issues. If you wish to donate, please refresh the page. If the problem persists contact us.
Cart ID: Not Assigned
