Ocean First Institute

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Financial Vulnerability Assessment (Tuckman-Chang)

4 risk indicators measuring financial stability and operational resilience

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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year

2014

Legal Domicile

Principal Officer

Dawn M McComb-Kobza

Phone

3039567885

Tax Period

2024-07-01 to 2025-06-30

Ocean First Institute, founded in 2014, is a small nonprofit in the Education sector that reported $599K in total revenue in fiscal year 2024. Revenue fell 37% from the prior year — a significant decline worth monitoring.

Mission

The mission of Ocean First Institute is ocean conservation through research and education. We work to deepen the natural connection between people and the ocean. We educate and empower people to understand the ocean is our life support system no matter where we live, and that we need a healthy ocean to have a healthy planet. We provide individuals the opportunity to engage in activities that support sustainability, biodiversity, and improvethe health of our ocean.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1

Expenses: $118,988 Revenue: $18,913

1. Plastic Pollution Monitoring Program Collection of water and sediment samples in Florida and Colorado to identify microplastics and microfibers. Students analyze samples using microscopes, with...

1. Plastic Pollution Monitoring Program Collection of water and sediment samples in Florida and Colorado to identify microplastics and microfibers. Students analyze samples using microscopes, with further analysis conducted at the FAU Henderson School laboratory. Students also participate in summits to present findings and discuss actionable solutions. Ocean First Institute received in-kind support in the form of donated use of laboratory space from Florida Atlantic University Lab Schools.

Program 2

Expenses: $134,293 Revenue: $93,085

2. Ocean First Discovery Center Online Courses Launch of over 18 online education courses available on the website, reaching thousands of students and members of the general public.

Program 3

Expenses: $170,767 Revenue: $59,105

3. Shark Field CourseShark research conducted from the Key Largo, Florida lab, focusing on abundance, seasonality, and species within a marine protected area in the Florida Keys. Undergraduate...

3. Shark Field CourseShark research conducted from the Key Largo, Florida lab, focusing on abundance, seasonality, and species within a marine protected area in the Florida Keys. Undergraduate students are trained through four summer courses on marine science research methods. Ocean First Institute received in-kind support in the form of donated use of lab space from Marine Lab, donated research boat vessel use from International Seakeepers Society, and donated trailer and shed use from other community partners.

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Trantor Score

Financial Health Score (300–850) · Liquidity · Solvency · Sustainability · Efficiency

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

Financial Overview (2024)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $430,051

Program Service Revenue $171,102

Investment Income $100

Other Revenue $-2,639

TOTAL REVENUE $598,614

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $214

Salaries & Benefits $334,573

Fundraising Expenses $444

Program Expenses $424,048

Other Expenses $252,076

TOTAL EXPENSES $586,863

Year-over-Year Comparison

	2024	2023	Change
Revenue	$598,614	$949,781	-0.4%
Expenses	$586,863	$616,413	0.0%
Net Income	$11,751	$333,368	-1.0%

Key Indicators

✗ Grants to Organizations ✗ Grants to Individuals ✗ Lobbying ✗ Political Activity ✗ Foreign Activities ✗ Donor Advised Fund ✓ Schedule B Required

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Financial Health Indicators

Comprehensive financial analysis: Altman Z-Score, liquidity, solvency, sustainability, efficiency, and growth metrics

Financial Distress Indicator

Liquidity & Cash Position

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Altman Z-Score • Liquidity Ratios • Solvency Analysis • Growth Indicators • Efficiency Metrics

Governance

Voting Members

Independent Members

Employees

Volunteers

N/A

Governance Policies

✓ Conflict of Interest Policy

✓ Whistleblower Policy

✓ Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

✗ Operated a School

✗ Operated a Hospital

✗ Provided First Class Travel

✗ Reported Conflict of Interest

✗ Reported Asset Diversion

✗ Excess Benefit Transaction

✗ Made Political Expenditures

✗ Engaged in Lobbying

✗ Operated Donor Advised Fund

✗ Maintained Art Collections

✗ Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers

Total Directors

$100,438

Key Employees

Highest Compensated

reported

Name	Title	Hours/Week	Role	Reportable Comp	Other Comp	Total
Mikki McComb-Kobza	Executive Director	45.00	Director	$100,438	$0	$100,438
Renee McElroy	Board Member - Vice Chair	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0
Sam Cramer	Board Member - Treasurer	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0
Zuhira Khladun-Diarra	Board Member	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0
Henry Buck	Board Member	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0
Brittnie Bassant	Board Member	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0
John Stuart	Board Chair	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0
Jerry Rodriguez	Board Member	1.00	Officer	$0	$0	$0

Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Net Income
2025	$598,614	$586,863	$597,725	$11,751
2024	$949,781	$616,413	$564,282	$333,368
2024	$949,781	$616,413	$564,282	$333,368
2023	$432,526	$403,715	$145,850	$28,811
2022	$437,433	$366,189	$133,140	$71,244
2021	$208,921	$219,337	$105,746	$-10,416