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Due Diligence
Here we answer common questions regarding
Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our activities.
(Inspired by the book, Robin Hood Was
Right: A Guide to Giving Your Money for Social Change, by Chuck
Collins, et. al)
How long has the group been in existence?
Friends has been actively involved in protecting Nevada’s wild
places since 1984. Over the years Friends’ staff has grown, as has our family of dedicated
members and volunteers. Friends is becoming ever more effective in gaining protection
for and, where necessary, restoring wild lands across Nevada.
What is its track record?
Friends of Nevada Wilderness, along with
its founding board members, influenced every piece of federal legislation
to designate wilderness in Nevada, including the 1964 Wilderness
Act, itself. To date, we have helped designate more than 3 million
acres of wilderness in the state. Friends has also built a nationally-recognized,
statewide wilderness volunteer program to heal the land.
Thanks to our volunteers, many places are wilder now than they were
when designated.
How does it evaluate its work?
Friends of Nevada Wilderness is a results-based
organization; ultimately what matters most is how many wild areas
are protected, how many on-the-ground projects are completed to
help heal the land (from illegal off road use, weeds, trash, etc),
and how many people step up to advocate and care for their public
lands. We measure all of these accomplishments. In addition to helping
conserve over 3 million acres of wilderness, in the last few years,
our volunteers have participated in hundreds of stewardship projects
in dozens of wild places across Nevada.
Does it have a fundraising plan?
Yes. Only
through support from dedicated people, companies and foundations
can we be effective in caring for Nevada’s wild places. In the most
recent fiscal year, Friends raised nearly $330,000.
How, and from what sources, does it raise its
budget?
Friends receives the bulk of its funding
from private and public foundations. Our goal is to meet expenses
through a diverse set of funding sources, including a mix of individuals,
foundations, businesses and earnings from our small, but growing,
endowment.
How is the group’s financial health?
Our budget has supported ever-more-successful
programs over the past decade. Additionally, we are working
to grow our endowment so the income it generates will provide a
reliable financial base into the future.
Does it produce and monitor a budget each year?
Yes. Each January, Friends of Nevada Wilderness
produces an annual budget, which is approved by our board of directors.
It is carefully monitored throughout the year, and it is adjusted
when necessary. Copies of our budget and IRS 990 report, which details
income, expenses, and other key financial indicators, are available
on request.
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“As long as there is Wilderness in Nevada, there will be a Friends
of Nevada Wilderness.”
Roger Scholl – founding Board Member for Friends
of Nevada Wilderness
"Wilderness is disappearing like a snow bank in the hot August
sun."
- Robert Marshall
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