NonprofitsSalish Sea School

Environment

Salish Sea School

ANACORTES, WA

Total revenue

$449K

Total expenses

$411K

Net assets

$224K

Grants received

$91K

14 grants

EIN

833277816

Tax year

2024

Mission

The salish sea schools mission is to awaken curiosity and deepen connections with the sea through shore and sea exploration programs for all ages.

Programs

3 programs

Student field trips: the salish sea school provided outdoor, experiential field trips for k-12 students, focusing on marine ecosystems, salmon habitats, and watershed health. These programs combined shore-based and boat-based activities, immersing students in hands-on learning experiences that fostered environmental awareness and scientific curiosity. Participants engaged in guided wildlife observation, explored the salmon life cycle, analyzed plankton samples, and investigated intertidal zones. These activities connected students directly with the natural environment, enhancing their understanding of the salish seas unique ecosystems and the importance of conservation. In 2024, students participated in field trips, including many from underserved communities in skagit county and beyond. Scholarships provided opportunities for students, including those experiencing the salish sea for the first time.

Adult programs: the salish sea school offered diverse conservation-focused programs for adults, including wildlife and bird ecotours, mindfulness retreats, and art classes. These immersive, hands-on experiences deepened participants understanding of marine ecosystems while fostering a stronger connection to the salish sea and its conservation. In 2024, adult programs engaged participants in activities like puffin research, porpoise edna collection, and mindfulness retreats. These programs promoted marine conservation awareness while supporting student scholarships.

Puffin ecotours: puffin ecotours offered guided boat trips to observe tufted puffins and other seabirds while promoting conservation awareness. Participants contributed to bird surveys supporting the tufted puffin recovery plan in collaboration with the washington department of fish and wildlife. In 2024, these tours advanced research on puffin populations and their prey while fostering an appreciation for the salish seas ecosystems. Proceeds funded scholarships for underserved students, providing first-time access to marine education programs. Puffin ecotours directly supported the salish sea schools mission to inspire stewardship and conservation.

Financials

FY 2024

Revenue

Contributions & grants$165K
Program service revenue$238K
Investment income$4K
Other revenue$42K
Total revenue$449K

Expenses

Grants paid$8K
Salaries & benefits$181K
Fundraising$8K
Other expenses$110K
Total expenses$411K
Total assets$246K
Net assets$224K

People

3 listed

NameRoleCompensation

BETSEY THOENNES

PRESIDENT

Board

5 hrs/wk

STACY DE LA O

SECRETARY

Board

5 hrs/wk

CINDY ELLISER

TREASURER

Board

5 hrs/wk

Grants received

Showing 14 of 14

FromAmountPurposeYear
$11K
CONSERVATION EDUCATION
2024
$20K
GENERAL OPERATING
2023
$15K
OUTDOOR MARINE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, MINDFULNESS IN NATURE CLASSES FOR PRE-K, K-12, & ADULTS
2023
$7K
For grant recipient's exempt purposes
2023
$4K
TO SUPPORT YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2023
$2K
GREATEST NEED
2023
$8K
OUTDOOR MARINE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, MINDFULNESS IN NATURE CLASSES FOR PRE-K, K-12, & ADULTS
2022
$3K
TO SUPPORT YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2022
$3K
TO SUPPORT YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2021
$6K
WASHINGTON STATE COMMERCE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY RELIEF GRANT
2020
$3K
TO SUPPORT YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2020

Funded by

$91K from 9 funders · 14 grants · 2020–2024

The Skagit Community Foundation

$23K · 2 grants · 2022–2023

The Norcliffe Foundation

$20K · 1 grant · 2023

Ferguson Foundation

$12K · 4 grants · 2020–2023

Keta Legacy Foundation

$11K · 1 grant · 2024

Mightycause Charitable Foundation

$7K · 1 grant · 2024

Artsfund

$6K · 1 grant · 2020

Details

EIN833277816
NTEE codeC60
Subsection03
Ruling date2020-01
Formed2019
Employees5
Volunteers5
SALISH SEA SCHOOL — Mission, Financials & Grants Received | Grantivo