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.”

“Mission: trec has a vision of 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 2016, 2018 and 2020. The financial statements were reviewed by independent accountants in 2015, 2017 and 2019.”

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

“Leadership program: our year-long trec leadership program addressed the challenges and needs facing non-profit leaders in western north america. Participants gained skills for managing staff, leading teams, time management, strategic planning, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and personnel management. Over the 12 months, trec held one week-long in-person leadership training session with 17 participants from 17 organizations. In 2020, we also held the first of two week-long virtual leadership trainings with 13 participants from the 13 organizations. In addition to the training session, each participant received feedback and review and follow-up one- on-one executive coaching. Trec also held a virtual leadership training for women in leadership for nine women leaders from nine organizations over five sessions. In addition to the activities above, trec held an executive director legacy and transitions session for 21 leaders from 21 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 eight training sessions in 2020 for nine participants from nine 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 immediately. Collaborations program: the collaborations program provided expert assistance to organizations in planning and working with other organizations to collaborate effectively. Trec provided facilitation of meetings of coalitions and assisted organizations on best practices for collaborations. Trec held a virtual bc leaders cohort to support canadian grantees in deepening their understanding of indigenous reconciliation attended by 13 individuals from 11. Also, in 2020, trec held a facilitation training workshop for 18 individuals from 18 organizations.”