Wilderness Youth Project Inc

EIN: 770526117 501(c)(3) Youth Development

Santa Barbara, CA

Total Revenue
$6,234,216
Total Expenses
$4,164,229
Total Assets
$6,503,869
Net Assets
$6,071,844
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Financial Trends

Organization Details

Formation Year
1999
Legal Domicile
CA
Principal Officer
Carrie Kappel
Phone
8059648096
Tax Period
2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Wilderness Youth Project Inc, founded in 1999, is a community nonprofit in the Youth Development sector that reported $6.2M in total revenue in fiscal year 2024. Revenue surged 90% from the prior year, signaling strong growth momentum. The organization ran a surplus of $2.1M, a strong 33% operating margin.

Mission

The mission of Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) is to foster confidence, health and a life-long love of learning for young people and families through active outdoor experiences and mentoring. WYP envisions teaching the next generation to be peaceful, respectful and confident stewards of our world.American children spend over 90% of their time indoors. All children need nature. Not just the ones whose families have privilege and easy access to nature. Not only those of a certain race or economic class or culture or gender or sexual identity or language or set of abilities. Partnering with schools and agencies, WYP has increased access to nature connection and outdoor enrichment programs for marginalized youth.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $2,135,137 Revenue: $720,683

Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) ~ Nature Connection ProgramsNature makes children smarter, healthier, happier, and more likely to care for the planet. In 2024, WYP programs served 1,298 youth through...

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Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) ~ Nature Connection ProgramsNature makes children smarter, healthier, happier, and more likely to care for the planet. In 2024, WYP programs served 1,298 youth through outdoor enrichment programs: 43 weekly school-year and after-school programs, and 660 summer camp spots serving children ages three through eighteen. Through fundraising, WYP was able to provide scholarships to 76% of participants.In addition to WYPs youth nature-mentoring programs, Wilderness Youth Project acts as fiscal sponsor to two separate entity programs: REACH and Sea League (SL), described below.

Program 2
Expenses: $798,425

REACH (Resilience, Education, Adventure, Community and Health) is a two-and-a-half-year program that provides transformative support and development opportunities to first-generation students as they...

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REACH (Resilience, Education, Adventure, Community and Health) is a two-and-a-half-year program that provides transformative support and development opportunities to first-generation students as they navigate the transition from high school to postsecondary education and other opportunities. The program offers a blend of programming focused on academic preparation, outdoor experiences, and personal development that helps students cultivate their leadership skills, foster impactful relationships, and engage in experiences essential for their path from school to a fulfilling career. By engaging participants in academic and personal development activities, building outdoor skills and resilience, and providing direct mentorship, the program develops graduates who will not only advance in their careers but also exhibit leadership and contribute positively to their communities.REACH recruits an average of 155 high school juniors annually, working with up to three cohorts at a time, and supports them through the summer after their first year in college. Post-program graduation, students continue to receive mentorship as needed, resources to achieve their college success and outdoor access. In 2024, the REACH program was fully funded by a single donor.REACH income for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $1,545,960 and expenses totaled $798,425 resulting in an increase of net assets of $747,535.

Program 3
Expenses: $305,135 Revenue: $32,513

Sea League (TSL) - SL is an after-school program dedicated to providing year-round, equitable opportunities for youth to engage in ocean recreations such as surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, and...

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Sea League (TSL) - SL is an after-school program dedicated to providing year-round, equitable opportunities for youth to engage in ocean recreations such as surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, and environmental education. TSL offers a sliding scale fee structure, making programs accessible regardless of economic circumstances. This commitment to inclusivity ensures a welcoming and diverse community, where children from all backgrounds can enjoy and benefit from nature-connected activities, fostering a sense of belonging in ocean spaces.Sea Leagues mission is to create immersive opportunities for youth to explore, play and build community in marine habitats.Sea League income for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $363,986 and expenses totaled $305,135 resulting in an increase of net assets of $58,851.Sea League had a transformative year in 2024, staying true to our mission while expanding to serve more youth than anticipated. We engaged 172 participants, who spent an average of 19 hours in the water. 60% identified as from underserved communities and over 60% received scholarships to ensure equitable access. We delivered 384 hours of swim lessons to empower youth from diverse backgrounds to join our ocean focus programs. Activities ranged from sailing and snorkeling in kelp forests to overnight camps and marine science workshops.Our collaborations with UCSB Coastal Fund, SB Sailing Center, and Benioff Ocean Science Lab helped enrich the experience with hands-on STEM learning and ecological literacy. Participants reported significant personal growth, with 86% noting they were challenged to try new things and work as a team.

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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%)

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Financial Overview (2024)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $5,199,661
Program Service Revenue $753,196
Investment Income $122,835
Other Revenue $158,524
TOTAL REVENUE $6,234,216

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $0
Salaries & Benefits $3,050,204
Fundraising Expenses $445,833
Program Expenses $3,238,697
Other Expenses $1,086,721
TOTAL EXPENSES $4,164,229

Year-over-Year Comparison

2024 2023 Change
Revenue $6,234,216 $3,275,350 +0.9%
Expenses $4,164,229 $3,692,732 +0.1%
Net Income $2,069,987 $-417,382 -6.0%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Governance

Voting Members
13
Independent Members
13
Employees
100
Volunteers
100

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
4
$0
Total Directors
13
$95,874
Key Employees
0
$0
Highest Compensated
0
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
Sharon Buczaczer Program Director 40.00
$107,227 $0 $107,227
Daniel Fontaine Executive Director 40.00
$104,107 $0 $104,107
Erika Lindemann Associate Director 40.00
$104,107 $0 $104,107
Chris Ragland SEA LEA DIR/TRU 40.00
Director
$95,874 $0 $95,874
Carrie Kappel Chairman 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Amy Schneider Vice Chair 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Laura Russell Treasurer 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
Devon Azzam Secretary 2.00
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
April Price Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Brook Eiler Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Graciela Cabello Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Marlen Limn Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Kristen Sullivan Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Franky Viveros Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Lisa Bass Trustee 1.00
Director
$0 $0 $0
Raquel Lopez Trustee 1.00
Director
$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 No data No data No data No data
2024 $6,234,216 $4,164,229 $6,503,869 $2,069,987
2023 $3,275,350 $3,692,732 $4,321,074 $-417,382
2022 $3,054,697 $3,242,912 $4,569,974 $-188,215
2021 $2,337,108 $2,552,065 $4,833,620 $-214,957
2020 $3,359,436 $1,853,639 $4,999,631 $1,505,797
2019 $3,193,745 $1,884,249 $3,251,522 $1,309,496
2019 $3,189,944 $1,879,418 $3,183,952 $1,310,526
2018 $2,272,565 $1,656,239 $1,839,813 $616,326
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