The Stewardship Network

“The Stewardship Networks 990 initial draft is reviewed for accuracy by our Executive Director and Finance Director. Any Executive Director approved proposed changes are made to our accountant. After the suggested changes have been incorporated, it is reviewed by the Chair of the Finance Committee who is a member of our Board of Directors. After approval by the Chair of the Finance Committee, the 990 is presented to the Board.”

“The Stewardship Network board members and employees annually sign the written conflict of interest policy and are required to disclose interests that could give rise of conflicts. We regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with this policy through an annual review and discussion at board meetings and through the annual review of the policy and signing of the Conflict of Interest Policy certificate.”

“The Stewardship Network has researched and benchmarked compensation for the Executive Director against compensation studies by Guidestar, Association for Nature Center Administrators, and Nonprofit Enterprise At Work.”

“The Stewardship Network will research and benchmark compensation for other officers and key employees against compensation studies by Guidestar, Association for Nature Center Administrators, and Nonprofit Enterprise At Work when the organization determines that officers are to be paid or services are retained of an employee that meets the IRS definition of key employee.”

“The Stewardship Network makes its governing documents and conflict of interest policy available upon request. Financial statements are available to the public on our website.”

“2017 Successes The Stewardship Network achieved numerous successes in 2017 which were direct outcomes of our ongoing programs. We celebrated the successful award of five grant projects to support diverse conservation objectives. We have laid the groundwork for many exciting projects and initiatives in 2018 and beyond. We continued to lengthen our list of successful achievements by facilitating grant funding for on-the-ground habitat, restoration, and management projects in our Collaborative Conservation Communities 3Cs. We continued to support our local leaders through facilitated leadership training and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. We are also in the process of expanding our reach and 3C base across the United States by developing partnerships with new partners and building upon all of our existing relationships.”

“The 2017 Stewardship Network Garlic Mustard Challenge 2017 Challenge was an incredible success, demonstrated by its ability to inspire participants from all across the country and beyond to care for natural areas in a collaborative conservation campaign. At the end of the 2017 Challenge, 3,625 individuals removed 148,728 pounds of Garlic Mustard, therefore enhancing and restoring thousands of acres of natural areas. Furthermore, the 2017 Challenge made an impressive economic impact by saving local governments, organizations, and private landowners funding via the estimated 62,715 volunteer hours logged during the 2017 Challenge. The value of volunteer time in 2017, which is updated annually by the Independent Sector, was 24.69 per hour, which lends context to the Challenges volunteer time totaling over 1.5 Million dollars in just a few months. Ultimately, the 2017 Challenge elevated enthusiasm for caring for natural areas and also provided a snapshot of the immense impact seemingly little actions make when we all put together for the natural areas in our communities.”

“Contractual services for various program services 183,958 Payroll and retirement plan outside services 1,139”