Upstate Forever

“The taxpayer's articles and by-laws state that they are a membership organization.”

“Yes - approximately one third of the board are elected for three-year terms by the members at the annual meeting.”

“Yes, members approve changes to the by-laws at the annual meeting.”

“A draft copy of the return was emailed to all board members prior to filing. The board was given one week to review and comment on the form 990.”

“The executive committee regularly reviews, and ensures compliance with, the conflict of interest policy.”

“All compensation is reviewed and approved by the executive committee prior to submitting the budget to the board.”

“All compensation is reviewed and approved by the executive committee prior to submitting the budget to the board.”

“The governing documents are available upon request at the organization's office.”

“Conservations easements donated to the organization are recorded at a zero value in the statement of financial position, the statement of activities and the statement of functional expenses. Conservation easements that are purchased are recorded at a zero value in the statement of financial positon, and are shown as an expense in the statement of activities, statement of functional expenses and statement of cash flows. The funding source that enables the purchase of these easements is shown as a revenue in the statement of activities and staement of cash flows, resulting in a net zero effect on net assets.”

“Clean water: in 2019, the clean water program collaborated with drinking water utilities in pickens and oconee counties in south carolina to develop a source water protection plan in the lake keowee wathersheds as part of the lake keowee source water protection team. This watershed protection plan helps to protect this critical drinking water resource by addressing bacteria, sediment, and nutrient pollution. Installed best management practices (bmps) including repairing 22 septic systems and 4 agricultural projects (i.e., drip irrigation, exclusion fencing) in the tyger river watershed in greenville and spartanburg counties in sc to improve water quality. Served as a stakeholder on the state water planning process advisory committee in the development of a state of sc water plan and facilitated conversations with state and federal agencies to improve wetland and stream mitigation and flood protection across the state. Continued monitoring a utility company's compliance with a voluntary settlement agreement to remove coal ash ponds which threaten the saluda river. Collaborated with the reedy river water quality group to improve water quality in the reedy river watershed through local engagement. Provided comments to state and federal agencies regarding any permits with any potential impacts to water quality and quantity.”

“Land policy and planning: in 2019 land policy and planning engaged with local elected and appointed officials and government staff on issues related to smarter land development. Coordinated advocacy efforts of transit and housing advocates, including two community forums focused on the intersection of transit, housing, and land use. Laucnched a citizens planning academy to educate citizens on how to influence local land use decision-making and used social media and dedicated email lists to engage citizens digitally. Supported the adoption of improved land use regulations in the southwest sector of spartanburg county and a progressive comprehensive plan in greenville county. Provided education and training that influenced efforts in the city of travelers rest to adopt policies that encourage more diverse housing choices.”

“Energy and state policy program and other: energy staff facilitated the passage of the landmark energy freedom act and successfully advocated for upstate residents as an intervenor in the duke energy rate cases. In 2019, the energy and state policy program worked in three key areas: holding fossil fuel pipelines accountable for damage caused in the upstate, increasing awareness and effectiveness of utility energy efficiency programs, and successfully advocating in the sc statehouse for the unanimous passage of the energy freedom act and other legislation that protects land, water and air. Uf kept upstate citizens involved and informed during the legislative session by issuing weekly legislative updates and represented and upstate conservation voice in the statehouse and in meetings with state agencies, local governments, and with local businesses.”

“Consultants 95,889 3,500 12,148 consultants 100,575 0 0 total 196,464 3,500 12,148”

“Fundraising expenses not reported in net income from fr 1,924 contributions included in net fundrising income 45,250 fundraising expenses not reported in net income for fr -1,924 professional fundriser included in fundraising event expen -15,625 total 29,625”