Rgisc Inc.

“Rgisc solicits annually to the public to become members by contributing funds in different levels. But is not governed by members but by a board of directors.”

“Juan livas 208 newcastle laredo, tx 78045”

“A draft of form 990 is presented to the board of directors for review prior to cpa's electronic submission of tax return.”

“Rgisc monitors and enforces compliance at least annually and when new officers, board members and key employees are added.”

“Compensation is reviewed by board of directors and any decision made is based on comparable pay in similar positions, demographics of region, and merit.”

“The executive director makes recommendations on compensation of other key employees. This is reviewed by board of directors and any decision made is based on comparable pay in similar positions, demographics of region, and merit.”

“Governing documents are available upon request.”

“1st exempt purpose accomplishment: outreach & education outreach and education workshops rgisc held multiple workshops on topics such as native plant identification, water conservation techniques, and river ecosystems. These hands-on sessions engaged local residents, equipping them with knowledge to adopt sustainable practices and deepen their connection to the natural environment. Birds of the brush art contest (february 2023) our 12th annual art contest attracted over 160 entries from students, amateur artists, and professionals, celebrating bird species native to south texas. Held at the laredo center for the arts, the contest showcased artistic talent and raised awareness about the importance of bird conservation in the region. Laredo birding festival (february 2023) over 160 birding enthusiasts attended this festival, guided by expert birders through natural areas around laredo. The festival highlighted the region's unique bird biodiversity and underscored the importance of preserving local habitats, particularly along the rio grande. Border is beautiful festival (april 2023) this festival celebrated the culture and environment of the borderlands, drawing hundres of people to downtown laredo. Featuring live performances by grupo fantasma, art displays, and environmental exhibits, the event brought together locals and visitors to learn about conservation and celebrate the unique heritage of the region. Loving laredo hike series (march - november 2023) partnering with the monte mucho audubon society, rgisc hosted a series of four educational hikes at sites like father mcnaboe park and chacon bat park. These events provided opportunities for participants to experience local flora and fauna firsthand while learning about the ecological significance of riparian habitats. Monarch and pollinator gardens (throughout 2023) expanding on its pollinator conservation efforts, rgisc added native plant species to its monarch gardens, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Volunteers assisted with regular garden maintenance, promoting local biodiversity and educating the public on pollinator-friendly gardening. Dr. Earhart memorial paddle event (october 2023) rgisc hosted a river paddle and indigenous grounding ceremony in memory of dr. James earhart, rgisc's co-founder and an environmental advocate. This event honored dr. Earhart's legacy and fostered community connections to the river, underscoring the importance of protecting the rio grande. Rio research roundup (october 2023) every october since its inception in 2010, rgisc has hosted the annual rio research roundup. This award-winning binational environmental education project engages a couple of thousand students each year from the u.s. And mexico within the communities living throughout the entire rio grande basin. This field-based, hands-on water testing project allows students to connect classroom learning with real work experience. The students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our local water systems that sustain our communities and wildlife populations. Dia del rio celebration (october 2023) every october rgisc celebrates dia del rio through community events and volunteering opportunities. The 30th dia del rio featured a workday with volunteers at the paso del indio nature trail along the river at the lamar bruni vergara environmental science center. They helped remove debris and mulch and beautify the trail. Cleanups rgisc conducted one community clean-up event in 2023: an easter blitz clean-up event at lake casa blanca state park with dozens of volunteers. Annual meeting every year in the second quarter, as per rgisc's bylaws, rgisc organizes an annual meeting with the general public and our dues-paying membership. The 29th annual meeting was held in june 2023, where we gave the public and our membership an update on our finances, projects and roadmap for where we're headed in the coming year. We also hosted our community recognition awards.”

“2nd exempt purpose accomplishment: environmental justice & advocacy monthly river monitoring (throughout 2023) rgisc conducted monthly water quality tests at various sites along the rio grande as part of the texas clean rivers program. This program monitors e. Coli, salinity, and other parameters to assess the river's health, providing essential data for state-level water quality management and public safety. We continued to keep open communications with nuevo laredo to engage in updates and possible solutions on the ongoing issue of untreated sewage discharge into the river, which was topping nearly 15 million gallons per day (mgd). We also documented and raised concerns about rampant de-vegetation along the riverbank on public lands by u.s. Border patrol that lacked environmental assessments and erosion control measures to accomplish their line-of-sight goals. Border wall advocacy (february 2023) rgisc partnered with the no border wall coalition in mobilizing against border wall construction in sensitive riparian areas. Through public meetings held in early 2023 and legal consultations, rgisc worked to prevent environmental damage and protect communities along the rio grande. Community land trust (clt) and conservation easements (march 2023) rgisc engaged landowners in discussions about conservation easements and community land trusts, promoting sustainable land use practices along the rio grande. These initiatives aim to protect riparian habitats from industrial development, preserving biodiversity and water quality for future generations. Las palmas river restoration project (september 2023) funded by a 2 million earmark from usda-nrcs, this comprehensive river restoration project will address erosion control, invasive species management, and habitat restoration along the rio grande. The project aims to enhance the ecological resilience of riparian zones and improve water quality. Eagle pass border coalition (fiscal sponsorship) (throughout 2023) rgisc provided fiscal sponsorship to the eagle pass border coalition, supporting conservation and advocacy efforts in ecologically sensitive border regions. This partnership strengthens efforts to protect natural resources along the texas-mexico border and promotes collaborative conservation. Clean air laredo, ethylene oxide (throughout 2023) through the clean air laredo coalition, rgisc organized public meetings and gathered over 1,000 petition signatures to advocate for stricter eto controls. The coalition mobilized the community for the tceq hearing held at texas a&m international university, urging regulatory action to reduce harmful emissions from midwest sterilization corp. Fenceline air monitoring (october - december 2023) rgisc launched a 10-week fenceline air monitoring program near midwest sterilization corp., in partnership with bair consulting. This project collected real-time eto data, supporting community advocacy for stronger air quality standards and helping raise awareness of public health risks. Methane flaring monitoring and policy advocacy (throughout 2023) with grants from the mitchell foundation, edf, and the energy foundation, rgisc conducted studies and analyses on methane flaring in south texas. This project links methane flaring to public health impacts and supports policy recommendations to address emissions in communities near flaring sites. Environmental defense fund partnership (november 2023) in collaboration with the edf, rgisc advocated for methane regulation improvements. This partnership focuses on addressing the health risks posed by methane flaring, promoting cleaner air standards and protecting residents from industrial pollution. Laredo climate cohort 2.0 (august - november 2023) rgisc trained college students in climate science and public advocacy through the second iteration of the laredo climate cohort program. After conducting community surveys, the cohort presented data and findings to the laredo city council, raising awareness of climat”

“3rd exempt purpose accomplishment: special projects binational river park project (throughout 2023) rgisc worked closely with nuevo laredo and regional stakeholders to advance the development of a binational park along the rio grande. This project envisions a shared conservation and recreational space that will restore habitats, support wildlife, and promote eco-tourism across the u.s.-mexico border. Justice 40 symposium (september 2023) this symposium convened over 60 south texas leaders to explore federal funding opportunities under the justice40 initiative. Attendees discussed equitable investment strategies, with presentations from u.s. Representative henry cuellar and other experts on the ira and iija's goals. Climate partnerships (october 2023) rgisc collaborated with partners to develop climate-focused projects, supported by grants from climate nexus and the energy foundation. This work includes methane emissions analysis and policy advocacy for improved energy standards and community climate resilience. Mhm zacate creek green district coalition (november 2023) funded by methodist healthcare ministries, this three-year initiative will empower residents of el azteca in neighborhood planning and river restoration. Through job training and community involvement, the project will promotes environmental justice and fosters local community engagement in a historically marginalized neighborhood.”

“4th exempt purpose accomplishment: fundraisers development and membership programs (march 2023) led by rgisc's development and membership director, these programs expanded donor engagement and membership initiatives. Increased visibility and outreach fostered stronger community ties and support for rgisc's environmental programs. Board & community contributions & end-of-year fund drive (december 2023) rgisc's annual fund drive engaged community members and raised essential funding for operational and programmatic support. The campaign included outreach to members and local supporters, emphasizing the importance of community-backed conservation. In 2023, we also held our third end-of-year fund drive targeting members of our board of directors and advisory board, as well as community members. 30th anniversary gala planning (december 2023) planning began for rgisc's 30th anniversary gala to be held in late 2024, a celebration honoring three decades of dedication to the rio grande. This event aims to raise awareness of rgisc's ongoing advocacy efforts and highlight its history of environmental achievements. 5th exempt purpose accomplishment: general operations internal operations enhancements (throughout 2023) rgisc restructured its accounting, hr, and grant management systems to support its expanding programs. These upgrades enhanced operational efficiency, improve grant tracking, and strengthen rgisc's capacity to manage increased program demands board of directors in 2023, rgisc welcomed new board members during our annual meeting, continuing its tradition of engaging dues-paying members in the voting process. This year's board-related expenses included costs for regular board meetings, strategy sessions, and the planning of rgisc's 30th- anniversary initiatives, which involved input from board members to guide organizational growth and outreach. General operations operational expenses in 2023 covered several key staff positions, including the office and finance administrator, steam and community outreach coordinator, and membership director. These roles support day-to-day functions, community engagement, and programmatic growth. Additionally, rgisc engaged in contract work with professional service providers, covering essential areas like accounting, grant writing, and human resources. The organization also focused on strengthening internal infrastructure by upgrading financial and administrative systems to enhance efficiency and better manage an expanding program portfolio.”

“Consulting 0 14,811 0 other 0 2,525 0 contracted labor 220,937 0 550 security 58 0 0 photography 2,300 0 0 videography 2,475 0 0 graphic & web design 2,627 4,520 0 artist & art production 8,207 0 0 muralist 16,500 0 0 advertising & marketing 4,910 0 0 total 258,014 21,856 550”