↑ parent activity group ·
research dossier →

Whale Foundation Inc
Flagstaff, AZ · EIN 860941775 · Form 990EZ · FY2022 · NTEE P20 · Human Services · Small ($100K-$1M) · whalefoundation.org
revenue
$146K
expenses
$160K
net assets
$479K
employees
—
program ratio
61%
mission · from form 990

see Schedule O

profile · synthesized from sources

The Whale Foundation provides confidential mental health counseling, financial guidance, health insurance assistance, and educational scholarships to professional Grand Canyon river guides and their support staff. Focused on the unique challenges of seasonal guiding work, the organization offers free, accessible services regardless of location or insurance status. Founded over 25 years ago in memory of guide Curtis "Whale" Hansen, it supports the well-being and stability of the river guiding community.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $6K
    Medical/physical health support - see Schedule O
  2. #2 $10K
    Educational support - see Schedule O
named programs · 5 · from sources

what they call their work

Counseling Services
Free, confidential mental health counseling with up to 10 cost-free sessions per year, accessible via a 24/7 helpline and available in-person or via telehealth.
Financial Health Program
Connects guides with financial advisors for no-cost consultations to support financial planning and stability.
Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship
Offers financial support for educational goals to current or former guides pursuing post-secondary degrees or certifications at accredited institutions.
Whitney Wellness (Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Provides annual stipends of up to $900 to help current or former guides cover the cost of purchasing their own health insurance.
Whitney Wellness Health Fair
Annual free health fair at the Guide Training Seminar in Marble Canyon offering health screenings to the guiding community.
activities · 3 groups

what they do

  • Community Health Fair & Festival 3 activities
    • Annual Health Fair
      Hosts an annual health fair at the Guide Training Seminar (GTS) in Marble Canyon to provide free health screenings to the river community.
    • Annual Health Fair
      Hosts an annual health fair at the Guide Training Seminar in Marble Canyon to provide free health screenings to the river community.
    • Host annual health fairs
      Hosts an annual health fair at the Guide Training Seminar (GTS) in Marble Canyon and the GCRG land-based GTS to provide free health screenings to the river community.
  • Financial Advisor Referral Services 3 activities
    • Financial Advisory Connections
      Provides connections to financial advisors for individuals seeking financial guidance.
    • Financial Guidance Connections
      Provides connections to financial advisors for individuals seeking financial guidance.
    • Provide financial advisory connections
      Connects individuals with financial advisors for guidance.
  • Uncategorized 14 activities
    • Administer a Health Insurance Assistance Program
      Operates the "Whitney Wellness" Health Insurance Assistance Program (HIAP) to help Grand Canyon river guides with financial responsibilities related to health insurance by offsetting costs with an annual stipend. The program provides awards of $900 for the first award and $600 for subsequent awards, with application periods typically between September and January or February and May.
    • Award educational scholarships
      Administers the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship, awarding scholarships annually to support educational advancement for eligible individuals, with an application period from December 1st to May 15th.
    • Build off-season work resource list
      Compiles a resource list to help the guiding community find off-season work opportunities.
    • Educational Scholarships
      Awards annual scholarships, including the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship, to support educational advancement for eligible individuals within the river guiding community.
    • Educational Scholarships
      Awards scholarships annually, including the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship, to support educational advancement for eligible individuals within the river guiding community.
    • Health Insurance Assistance Program (HIAP)
      Operates the "Whitney Wellness" Health Insurance Assistance Program to encourage river guides to have health insurance by offsetting costs with an annual stipend. The program provides awards of $900 for the first award and $600 for subsequent awards, with specific application periods.
    • Health Insurance Assistance Program (HIAP)
      Operates the "Whitney Wellness" Health Insurance Assistance Program to encourage river guides to have health insurance by offsetting costs with an annual stipend. The program provides awards of $900 for the first award and $600 for subsequent awards, with specific application periods.
    • Mental Health Counseling Services
      Provides free and confidential counseling services, including up to 10 cost-free sessions per year with a licensed provider, to the Grand Canyon river guiding community. The organization operates a helpline with case managers who connect individuals to suitable counselors within 10 days and covers the cost of services.
    • Mental Health Counseling Services
      Provides free and confidential counseling services, including up to 10 cost-free sessions per year with a licensed provider, to the Grand Canyon river guiding community. The organization operates a helpline with case managers who connect individuals to suitable counselors within 10 days and covers the cost of services.
    • Off-Season Work Resource Building
      Builds a resource list for off-season work opportunities to support the guiding community.
    • Off-Season Work Resource Building
      Builds a resource list for off-season work opportunities for the river guiding community.
    • Off-Season Work Resource List
      Builds a resource list for off-season work opportunities for the river guiding community.
    • Provide free and confidential counseling services
      Offers up to 10 cost-free counseling sessions per calendar year with licensed providers to the Grand Canyon river guiding community, responding to helpline messages within 12 hours and aiming to connect individuals with a provider within 10 days. This service supports individuals facing personal and professional challenges, including grief and depression.
    • Scholarship Program
      Awards scholarships annually, including the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship, to support educational advancement for eligible individuals within the river guiding community, with specific application periods.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$146K
Contributions & grants$123K85%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$6K4%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$160K
Program expenses61%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising22%
Salaries & benefits$36K
Grants paid out$19K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$488K
Cash$174K
Investments$332K
Liabilities$13K
Net assets$479K
Liquid reserves37.8 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue -13.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

board members · 12
  • Aimee Backus from 11-1-22 — Director
  • Dan Fredrickson ending 10-31-22 — Director
  • Delaney Cook — Director
  • Heidi Brouelette from 12-1-22 — Director
  • Jason Peak from 11-1-22 — Director
  • Kate Stanley — Director
  • Morgan Louvier from 11-1-22 — Director
  • Rachel Unger — Director
  • Sara Larsen — Director
  • Steve Kenney — Director
  • TJ Gloeckler ending 11-30-22 — Director
  • West Howland — Director
relationships · 4

who they work with

  • Dwyer Financial Partner — Partner firm providing financial advisors connected through Whale Foundation.
  • GCRG Partner — Hosts the Whale Foundation Health Fair at the annual GCRG land-based GTS.
  • Grand Canyon River Guides Partner — Hosts the Guide Training Seminar where the Whale Foundation's health fair is held.
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Partner — Refers individuals in crisis to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.