BirchBark Foundation, Inc.
Saving Pets, Supporting Families
Mission
BirchBark Foundation provides assistance grants to financially qualified pet owners, from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties in California, who's pets are in a life-threatening situation with a good prognosis. Our mission is helping pets and their families through medical crises by providing financial support to low income families and offering comfort to pet families in need. Our vision is a world where financial hardship does not cause the loss of any family pet. www.birchbarkfoundation.org.
Ruling year
2017
Interim Executive Director
Sarah Stender
Main address
101 Cooper St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
EIN
81-2531220
NTEE code
Animal Protection and Welfare (includes Humane Societies and SPCAs) (D20)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
PetAid Gift Program
The impetus for BirchBark's creation was Dr. Merrianne Burtch's dream never to see a family forced make the heartbreaking and irreversible decision to say goodbye to a beloved pet simply because they could not afford life-saving veterinary care. Since 2013, BirchBark has provided financial assistance to hundreds of families whose pets faced life-threatening or life-compromising illness or injury. Today, PetAid remains a cornerstone of our programming. We are grateful to be able to provide hope and options to the pet families in our community.
In cooperation with our Veterinary Partners, who generously discount their services by 25%, BirchBark offers to cover up to 50% of the pre-discounted cost of care, leaving pet families responsible for 25% of the bill.
PetAid Gifts are available to residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito County whose household income is up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Pet Loss Counseling
BirchBark’s Pet Loss programs provide much-needed support for those who have suffered the loss of one of their most special friends.
All sessions are facilitated by professionals with expertise in grief counseling. These empathetic and caring volunteers are dedicated to building healthier communities by providing professional and compassionate sessions for individuals, families, and children experiencing the loss of a beloved pet. BirchBark’s sessions provide a safe and comforting place for individuals and families
We are currently offering both one-on-one private phone call sessions and Group Zoom sessions (max. 6 participants) with our grief counselors. One-on-one sessions are held by request and arranged between client and therapist. Zoom sessions are normally held twice monthly - 1st Wednesday and the 3rd Thursday of each month – at 6:00pm. This program is restricted to attendees residing in California.
Educational Webinars: For Pets and the People Who Love Them
BirchBark offers quarterly webinars featuring animal experts such as veterinarians, trainers, and others. These webinars are offered at no cost to the public and are intended to empower pet families to live their happiest and healthiest lives together.
Where we work
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Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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BirchBark Foundation, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 09/29/2022
Merrianne Burtch
Merrianne Burtch
Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Service
Alyssa Plicka
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Christina Courcier
Katie Fairbairn
Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
No data
Race & ethnicity
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Gender identity
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Sexual orientation
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Disability
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