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.”

“2019 Successes The Stewardship Network carries forward its mission and impact in 2019 as part of our ongoing programs and our continued collaborative work to increase and enhance ecological stewardship by bringing people together and working across boundaries. Our member communities across the region continue work on natural area restoration and management projects, as well as learning and engagement programs. We inspire community members to get involved in caring for their local land and water, and we continue to support our local leaders through facilitated leadership training and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.”

“2019 Spring Invasive Species Challenge, continued At the end of the 2019 Challenge, 3,148 individuals removed 72,808 pounds of invasive species, therefore enhancing and restoring thousands of acres of natural areas. Furthermore, the 2019 Challenge made an impressive economic impact by saving local governments, organizations, and private landowners funding via the estimated 145,159 volunteer hours logged during the 2019 Challenge. The value of volunteer time in 2019, which is updated annually by the Independent Sector, was 25.43 per hour, which lends context to the Challenges volunteer time totaling over 3.5 million dollars in just a few months. Ultimately, the 2019 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.”