Surfrider Foundation
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
Surfrider Foundation does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 6 (Board Policy on Effectiveness)
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
Surfrider Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors does not have a written policy stating that, at least every two years, an appraisal be done assessing the organization’s performance and effectiveness and determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
Standard 7 (Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness)
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.
Surfrider Foundation does not meet this Standard because:
- The organization has not completed an effectiveness assessment in the last two years.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability: 13, 18
Surfrider Foundation meets the remaining 16 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network."
Year, State Incorporated:
1984, CA
Surfrider Foundation reports that it works to preserve beach water quality, beach and wave preservation, and promotes environmental initiatives. The organization operates a national network of chapter volunteers and student clubs that serve as the first response to environmental concerns in coastal communities across the United States. Surfrider Foundation assists these chapters and clubs with training materials and campaign planning. The organization also develops environmental initiatives, such as its plastic pollution initiative, which encourages the reduction of single-use plastics. In 2023, Surfrider Foundation states that it planted more than 12,000 native plants buffering coastlines, held 997 cleanups, and launched its Ocean Friendly Hotels program.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Surfrider Foundation's program expenses were:
| Program services | $11,243,443 |
| Total Program Expenses | $11,243,443 |
Chief Executive
Chad Nelsen, PhD
Compensation*
$256,243
Chair of the Board
Sarah Lim
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Chief Counsel, Standing Committee, House of Representatives
Board Size
20
Paid Staff Size
83
*2023 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements
Surfrider Foundation incurred joint costs of $286,900 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $215,175 was allocated to program expenses and $71,725 was allocated to fundraising expenses.
Fundraising costs were 10% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $13,730,501, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Surfrider Foundation's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Source of Funds
| Grants and contributions | $10,268,150 |
| Corporate partnership | $1,754,004 |
| Membership | $1,445,753 |
| Investment income, net | $741,098 |
| Merchandise sales, net | $272,772 |
| In-kind contributions | $189,153 |
| Other income | $183,552 |
| Special events, net | $73,441 |
| Total Income | $14,927,923 |
Programs: 82% Fundraising: 10% Administrative: 7%
| Total Income | $14,927,923 |
| Total expenses: | $13,649,309 |
| Program expenses | $11,243,443 |
| Fundraising expenses | $1,416,789 |
| Administrative expenses | $989,077 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $1,278,614 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $18,569,831 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $19,848,445 |
| Total Liabilities | $1,427,379 |
| Total Assets | $21,275,824 |
Note: According to Surfrider Foundation's 2023 audited financial statements, the organization received $189,153 in contributed goods and services including legal services ($90,859), advertising services ($65,794), and materials ($32,500).
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
RELATED CONTENT
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Meets Standards
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Standards Not Met
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Did Not Disclose
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Review in Progress
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Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance