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 discusses 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 networks collaborating to support the well-being and interconnectedness of western north america's lands, peoples, and animals. Trec's mission is to amplify the innate capacity of individuals, organizations, and networks by providing inclusive, responsive, holistic, and in-depth capacity-building services.”

“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 2017, 2019, and 2021.”

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

“Leadership program: trec's 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. In 2021, we held two week-long virtual leadership trainings with 13 participants from the 13 organizations. In addition to the training session, each participant received a 360-degree feedback report, and follow-up one-on-one executive coaching. Trec also held a virtual bipoc convening for leaders of color in the environmental movement, and a new executive director forum virtually to build skills and support for executive directors just beginning their positions.”

“Fundraising assistance program: the fundraising assistance program helped organizations to raise money while they diversify and stabilize their fundraising base through programs and individual consulting. Trec held the fundraising for the future program which consists of six training sessions for 13 participants from 9 organizations. Past participants have reported substantial increases in revenue, membership, and major donors after completing the fundraising for the future series. These web-based training sessions are supplemented with extensive individual consultation and coaching and hands-on "homework" assignments. This combination has allowed participants to learn crucial skills, network with their peers, and immediately apply new information to their organizations.”

“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 negotiation training for 22 individuals from 22 organizations. Also in 2021, trec held a virtual facilitation training workshop for 11 individuals from 10 organizations.”

“Consultants and trainers 26,650 0 0 professional services 22,564 15,297 10 contract associates 257,084 11,715 0 total 306,298 27,012 10”