CONSERVANCY FINANCES

The Conservancy's ongoing programs to purchase land, extend trails, maintain and restore habitat and provide environmental education are supported by annual membership donations. The Conservancy leverages local membership support by matching state and foundation grants.

The Conservancy works in active partnership with other organizations both governmental and non-governmental. For example, Bernardo Mountain was purchased jointly with the River Park Joint Powers Authority with the assistance of the City of Escondido, San Diego County, the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley, The Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land.



Overview

• The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Corporation
  
  
• Donations to the Conservancy are tax-deductible under Federal and State laws and IRS regulations
  
  
• The day-to-day operations of the Conservancy are supported by the annual dues of its members
  
  
• The Conservancy conducts special campaigns to raise funds for land purchases, such as for Bernardo Mountain
  
  
• The Conservancy follows standard accounting procedures; its financial reports are on public record and available for members to review
  
  
• The Conservancy operates on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year
  

Fundraising Philosophy & Targets

• Board policy is to cover the great majority of operating costs from membership contributions
  
  
• Supporters have the option to provide general support or earmark donations for particular programs or properties
  
  
• Donations are leveraged to draw in State grant funds for land acquisition and habitat restoration
  
  
• Strict privacy policy respects requests for anonymity with no sharing of donor information

Expenditure Priorities

Board priorities for applying the contributions of Conservancy members and donors are clear and focused:

• First priority is securing the River Park through the leveraged acquisition of strategic properties
  
  
• Provide educational and recreational opportunities to Conservancy members
  
  
• Support long-term, sustainable management of the River Park
  
  
• Highly professional staff with advanced skills in program management and land acquisition
  
  
• Low overhead