Training Resources for the Environmental Community

“Approximately a week prior to filing the form 990, a draft in pdf format is sent to all board members along with an email calling their attention to portions of the forms most likely to be read by the public and funders on guidestar. Comments and corrections are strongly encouraged. In addition, the executive director and associate director discuss the entire draft form with the preparer in detail in advance of filing.”

“In addition to requiring board members, staff and regular contractors to proactively notify the full board of any conflicts, annually all board members, staff, and regular contractors must sign a form which a)affirms that they have received a copy of the policy; b)read and understood it; c) agreed to comply with the policy; d) understood that trec is a charitable organization and must engage in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes; and e) list all relationships with trec vendors, service recipients, funders, employees and contractors. All potential conflicts are reviewed by the board of directors without the presence of the interested party.”

“The board of directors reviews and approves the executive director's annual salary, with no participation by the executive director or other interested persons. The executive director's salary is established using comparable data for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similar nonprofits; consideration of roles and responsibilities of the executive director; and cost of living data. Comparable market data is obtained from salary surveys and form 990s filed by comparable not-for-profit organizations. Discussions and decisions regarding the compensation are documented in executive committee meeting minutes.”

“A line item budget is approved by the board of directors annually. The board approves the overall salaries and benefits expenses. Discussions and decisions regarding the budget are documented in board meeting minutes. The executive director reviews and approves the salaries of other officers or key employees, with no participation by the interested persons,in accordance with the annual budget approved by the board. The executive director establishes salaries using comparable data for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similar nonprofits; consideration of roles and responsibilities of the officer or key employee; and cost of living data. Comparable market data is obtained from salary surveys and form 990s filed by comparable not-for-profit organizations.”

“We consider requests on a case-by-case basis.”

“Trec's vision is leaders, organizations, and diverse coalitions working effectively for environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability in western north america. Trec cultivates effectiveness by providing premier capacity building services delivered in-depth and over time.”

“Form 990, part iv, lines 12a and 12b: trec obtained independent audited financial statements for the years of 2014, 2016, and 2018. The financial statements were reviewed by independent accountants in 2013, 2015, and 2017.”

“Members of the board of directors serve on a volunteer basis.”

“Collaborations program: expert assistance to organizations in planning and working with organizations to collaborate effectively; facilitation of meetings of coalitions, conducted trainings on best practices for collaborations; held advocacy and government affairs training that addressed working with federal agencies and cultivating relationships. Eighty-nine individuals from 49 organizations participated in 2-day event. Added a 1-day workshop to support grantees in deepening understanding of indigenous reconciliation and work in this area, and 20 individuals from 11 organizations participated. Trec held a facilitation training workshop for 19 individuals from 12 organizations and also provided a collaboration workshop for 19 representing 5 collaborations from 14 organizations.”

“Fundraising assistance program: the fundraising assistance program helped organizations to raise money while they diversify and stabilize their fundraising base. Past participants have reported substantial increases in revenue, membership, and major donors after completing the fundraising for the future. Trec held more than 7 training sessions in 2018 for 11 organizations. These web- based training sessions are supplemented with extensive individual consultation and coaching and hands-on "homework" assignments. This precedent-setting combination has allowed participants to learn crucial skills, network with their peers, and apply new information to their organizations”

“The organization has adopted the principles of fasb asu no. 2016-1 (asc 958) for its audited financial statements for the period ended december 31, 2018. To date, form 990 and its associated schedules have not been updated to reflect changes made by this standard. Thus, we have included the net asset categories in our audited financial statements on existing form 990, part x, lines 27-29 as follows: net assets without donor restrictions 835,032 net assets with donor restrictions 70,000 --------- total net assets 905,032 ========= unrestricted net assets 835,032 temporarily restricted net assets 70,000 --------- total net assets 905,032 =========”