Big Waters Land Trust Inc.

“Christine P. Johnson is the CFGC President and has a family relationship with Harold Johnson who is one of the Board of Trustees.”

“The completed annual Form 990 is reviewed by staff and approved by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast management. The audit committee then reviews the Form 990 with the preparer and management/staff, approves the Form 990 for filing with the IRS, recommends to the board that the board accept its recommendation, and authorizes management to file the Form 990 with the IRS. The board acts on the audit committee's recommendation.”

“Board members, staff, and volunteers are required to annually review, acknowledge their understanding of and compliance with, and sign the conflict of interest policy. The board is apprised of the results of the responses to the annual acknowledgements and acts on all potential conflicts in accordance with procedures required by the policy.”

“The President's contract and compensation is reviewed annually by the chair and board of trustees. The chair compares the compensation to industry standards and comparables, and solicits input from all trustees. The compensation is reviewed by the finance committee during the budget process and approval is voted on by the board of trustees.”

“Conservation Foundation's governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and audited financial statements, as well as the Form 990, are available for review in the foundation's office. The past five years' Form 990 and three years' audited financial statements, as well as the five-year Strategic Plan are available on the Foundation's website. Form 990 and audited financial statements are also available for review on-line at Guidestar and through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Giving Partner website.”

“The organization's net revenues from the Palm Ball and Feast Upon the Fields consist of contribution revenues, sponsorships revenues and ticket sales netted with the related expenses. The net revenue from the Palm Ball and Feast Upon the Fields was $217,647 . Included in this amount is $349,424 in sponsorships and other contributions which for IRS purposes is reported on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1c as contributions.”

“This year's significant activities were the permanent protection of the 543 acre Murphy Marsh and our new 37.8 acre Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve. Both properties are in the Myakka River region and will contribute to water quality, flood prevention, and habitat protection. Additionally, Murphy Marsh will be restored to further improve hydrology and wildlife habitat and the Tatum Sawgrass Preserve will be restored for rare species like the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, and more. We continued our commitment to community engagement by growing our youth education program, Youth in Nature, beyond at-risk youth to include all youth through our Next-Gen Conservation programming. Our third annual Feast Upon the Fields fundraiser was the best yet engaging a larger swath of the community. Our second annual conservation lecturer was Clyde Butcher, world renowned photographer. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast works to protect the character, natural integrity and biodiversity of Florida's Gulf Coast bays, beaches, barrier islands and watersheds. This is accomplished by acquiring and maintaining conservation easements and owning nature preserves; educating for responsible land stewardship; and, collaborating with individuals, organizations and communities. As a nationally accredited land trust, we identify significant land parcels and work with landowners, philanthropists and governments to preserve and protect these lands in perpetuity. We create a conservation community by bringing innovative conservation programs to people of all ages, ranging from guided kayak tours, native plant lectures, bird-watching hikes and outdoor educational activities for children. Environmental art exhibits are hosted throughout the year in our headquarters, the historic Burrows-Matson House, engaging the public's awareness in the value of land conservation and its role in inspiring artists.”

“Volunteers participate in the following ways: Board of Trustees, Board of Advisors, pro bono legal work, Welcome Center docents, office administration, K-12 education, special event planning and implementation, land stewardship activities and developing our park settings.”

“There were no changes to the audit review process.”